Overview
You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro may be the main attraction in Tanzania, but Mt. Meru is worth your attention as well. Although it is 4,000 feet shorter than Kilimanjaro, solitary Mt. Meru nonetheless cuts an impressive figure and makes for a challenging acclimatisation hike or an attraction in its own right.
While all of our climbing itineraries are private, it is policy on Mt. Meru for multiple tour groups to join together on the lower slopes. For those pressed for time, the three day option gives you the chance to summit over a long weekend.
Kilimanjaro may be the main attraction in Tanzania, but Mt. Meru is worth your attention as well. Although it is 4,000 feet shorter than Kilimanjaro, solitary Mt. Meru nonetheless cuts an impressive figure and makes for a challenging acclimatisation hike or an attraction in its own right.
While all of our climbing itineraries are private, it is policy on Mt. Meru for multiple tour groups to join together on the lower slopes.
For those pressed for time, the three day option gives you the chance to summit over a long weekend.
Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Huts
You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.
Today’s hiking takes you across the open grasslands of the park in the company of an armed ranger. As you’re inside a national park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting game such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and much more during the day.
In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts- Saddle Huts
You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.
Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.
For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds.
Day 3: Saddle Huts – Summit – Arusha
You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!
It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.
From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to the Momella Gate.