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Mt Meru

Mt Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania, fifth highest in Africa, reaching an elevation of 4,566m (14,980 ft). If you research the mountain on the internet, you might get confused because there is a Meru Peak in India, part of the Himalayan mountain range. What we offer is Mt Meru in Arusha National Park, 70km west of Mt Kilimanjaro in northern Tanzania.

Like Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is a dormant volcano with its last activity recorded in 1910. Also like Kilimanjaro, it is a trek rather than a climb (meaning no technical equipment or skills are needed). There is only one route on Mt Meru but two variations of the route at the lower altitudes. Overnight accommodations are in huts with solar lighting. The trek is typically done in four days although a three-day itinerary is possible if you are in good fitness.

Far fewer people choose to trek Mt Meru compared to Mt Kilimanjaro, so it is not crowded at all. At the lower elevations, there is a good chance of encountering wildlife, so each group is accompanied by an armed park ranger.

Mt Meru Route Map

Mt Meru 4 Day Itinerary

Arrival Day:

Our driver will be waiting just outside the Customs Control Area of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is not large, so finding each other should not be a problem. The driver will take you to your hotel. Once you are settled in, we will give you a pre-climb briefing and we will go through an equipment check with you to ensure that you have the proper gear for the trek. If you are lacking any items, all gear may be rented locally of good quality at a fair price.

DAY 1: MOMELA GATE - MIRIAKAMBA HUTS : 13.8KM/ 8.6 MI

Elevation: 1597m/5240ft to 2503m/8212ft
Altitude gained: 906m

After breakfast, depart Moshi about 8:30 a.m. and drive to Momella gate. Make payment and start the climb with a picnic lunch to the first hut called Miriakamba Hut. Dinner and overnight – Miriakamba Hut (3 ½ hrs).

DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS: 6.1KM/ 3.8MI | 2.5 HRS

Elevation: 2503m/8212ft to 3560m/11,680ft
Altitude gained: 1057m

After breakfast, we proceed with a climb to the second hut called Saddle. This is a bit steep compared to the first part (2 ½ hrs). During the afternoon, clients can decide to attempt climbing Little Meru Peak and back. Dinner and overnight – Saddle Hut.

DAY 3: SADDLE HUT - SUMMIT : 5.5KM/ 3.4MI : DESCEND TO SADDLE HUT

Elevation: 3560m/11,680ft to 4566m/14980ft
Altitude gained: 1006m
Descent to: 3560m/11680ft
Altitude lost: 1006m

Wake up at midnight and have a cup of tea before starting the attempt to reach Socialist Peak. Proceed to the summit crossing rocky paths and back to Saddle Hut for a full breakfast. The day will be spent resting. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Saddle Hut.

DAY 4: SADDLE HUT – MOMELLA GATE : 6.5KM/4MI

Elevation: 3560m/11,680ft to 1597m/5240ft
Altitude lost: 1963m

Leave Saddle Hut and descend down to Momella Gate via the first hut (Miriakamba) where you will be transferred to your hotel for the night.

Departure Day:

Your driver will be prepared to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport or you will be starting your safari according to our prior agreement. Breakfast is included in your hotel package. Checkout time is 10am. If you have a later flight, we can try to see if a late checkout is possible or we can rent a day room (additional charge) for you.

Mt Meru 3 Day Itinerary

The three-day itinerary is identical to the four-day itinerary except after reaching Socialist Peak on day three, you descend all the way to the park gate. Most people will want the four-day itinerary, but if you are in good shape, you can choose the three-day version.

2024 Prices - Mt Meru Trek:

• 4 Day Itinerary: From $1030/person
• 3 Day Itinerary: From $815/person

All quoted prices are in United States Dollars.