Mountain Overview
Mount Meru is located in northern Tanzania, northeast of the town of Arusha. It is among the volcanic mountains that have multiple climatic zones. The mountain’s size is roughly 552 sq km or 212 sq miles. From Arusha town, the distance is approximately 45 minutes’ drive time, and 60 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
The mountain is within Arusha National Park. You can tour the forests, lakes, and the famous Ngurdoto Crater, which can be visited over the course of a half-day excursion or as part of your extended northern safari tour.
Trekking Highlights
Trek Duration
4 Days, 3 Nights
Difficulty
Medium
Trafic
Medium
Start & End
Moshi/Arusha
Trekking Itinerary
DAY 1: Moshi (2970ft/900m) – Miriakamba Hut (8250 ft/2500m)
Distance: 7 km/4.3miles
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 5-7 hours of hiking
After breakfast at the hotel in Moshi, followed by a one-hour transfer to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, for the registration process, begin the ascent trail which passes through the Ngarenanyuki River and also a small but beautiful waterfall just at the base of Mt. Meru. The first part of the first day is very much similar to walking safaris. As a result, expect to see giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, and elephants close to the hiking trail. Due to the presence of wild animals, trekkers are always accompanied by an armed ranger which is mandatory for the duration of the hike. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut for dinner. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
DAY 2: Miriakamba Hut (8250ft/2500m) – Saddle Hut (11,550ft/3500m)
Distance: 6 km/3.7miles
Environment: Moorland
Time: 3-4 hours
After breakfast, start ascending along the ridge of the saddle through a steep trail. In the process, you might get lucky and see various wild animals that live in the mountains. The trail offers views of the Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. Arrive at the camp, hike the little Meru at 3820 meters for acclimatization, followed by an early dinner and going to sleep before starting the midnight summit.
DAY 3: Saddle Hut (11,550ft/3500m) – Summit Attempt (15,0654566m) –Miriakamba Hut 8250ft/2500m
Distance: 5km/3 miles ascent/14km/8.6miles descent
Environment: semi-desert, alpine desert, Montane forest
Time: 9-12 hours
Wake you around midnight for tea and biscuits. The summit to the top will resume at around 1:30 am. The trail follows a steep grade to Rhino Point at 3800 meters and then to Cobra Point at 4350 meters. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll scramble on a rocky ridge between the inner cliffs of Meru and its crater. Arrive at the summit before or at sunrise to see the marvelous sightings of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and the nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy the views, then descend to Saddle Hut and take a break. After having some snaks, descend further to Miriakamba Hut (2500 meters) for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Miriakamba Hut (2514m) - Momella Gate (1500m)- Transfer to the hotel
After breakfast the trail continues down towards Momella Gate via the so-called “Northern Route”. On the way, you will be able to see again buffaloes, baboons and other wild animals, and with some luck also elephants. After a 2-3 hour trek, you will arrive at the Momella Gate, where your driver will be waiting. After a farewell from your mountain team you will be driven back to your hotel.
Inquire about this Trek:
Price Includes:
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Transfers from Hotel to Meru entrance gate and from Meru exit gate to the hotel
Price does not Include:
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Personal expenses eg. beverages, etc.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.