To More Inquiry
Mount Meru is located in the heart of Arusha National Park and it is 50 miles west of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru is a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared toward hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.
Best time to visit: June – October
Included and Excluded
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear
- Sleeping Bag
Highlights of the Tour
Itinerary
You will be picked up by the staff of Gosheni Safaris from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate for entry formalities. Afterwards, we drive a little further to Momella Gate to start ourclimb. After a steady 2-hour climb, you will reach Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows. After resting, we will be on our way to the well-known ‘Arched Fig Tree’, with its shape forming an arch over the path. After another 1½ – 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut.
In the morning, we follow a steep track with wooden steps upwards. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day making the hike easier. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into an airy bush land, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, you have the option to do a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours where you can have wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (approx. 80 km away).
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). At the last hour of the hike, you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m).
After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to Arusha.
Location Map
Frequently Asked & Question
Mount Meru is an ideal trekking experience for hikers seeking a challenging ascent with fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro. As a massive volcano in Arusha National Park, it provides stunning views, diverse landscapes, and the chance to acclimatize for higher-altitude treks like Mount Kilimanjaro. Its combination of volcanic terrain, forested slopes, and scenic vistas makes it a rewarding adventure.
The best period for trekking Mount Meru is from June to October when the weather is drier and the trails are more accessible. This season reduces the risk of heavy rains, making hiking safer and more enjoyable while allowing you to fully appreciate the panoramic views from the summit.
The package includes park fees, all accommodations as listed in the itinerary, professional driver/guide services, transportation within Tanzania, meals specified in the itinerary, camping equipment, porterage, drinking water, and applicable taxes. International flights, personal items, tips, climbing gear, sleeping bags, and any services not mentioned are excluded.
The summit attempt begins in the early hours around 1:30 am. Hikers start from Rhino Point and climb steeply through Cobra Point to reach the summit at sunrise. The final stretch involves scrambling along rocky ridges, offering panoramic views of Mount Meru’s Ash Tray and Mount Kilimanjaro. After soaking in the views, hikers descend to Saddle Hut and then back to Miriakamba Hut, completing a physically demanding yet exhilarating experience.
Trekking Mount Meru offers encounters with diverse flora and fauna within Arusha National Park. Hikers pass through lush montane forests, spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, and enjoy dramatic landscapes including crater cliffs, volcanic ridges, and sweeping views of the surrounding savannah and Kilimanjaro. The journey combines both natural beauty and adventure for a truly memorable trek.
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