4 Days Meru Trekking

Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters, is the second-highest peak in Tanzania. Located within Arusha National Park, it offers some of the most stunning scenery and diverse wildlife found anywhere in the country. The trek itself is challenging, with rocky ridges and a steep ascent to the summit. Despite its difficulty, it provides an excellent opportunity for high-altitude trekking experience, making it an ideal option for acclimatization for those planning to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking views, including glimpses of the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you’ve opted for airport transfers, we’ll pick you up from either Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. We recommend arriving at least a day before the trek starts. During your pre-trek briefing at the hotel, we’ll go over all the important details for the upcoming trek, review your equipment, and help with any gear rentals you may need from a local shop.

Day 1: Hotel to Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate (approximately 1.5 hours). After completing the necessary formalities at the gate, we’ll begin our trek. Along the way, enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the beautiful Momella lakes. You may spot wildlife such as Bushbucks, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, and Warthogs. We’ll continue trekking for a short distance until we reach Miriakamba Hut.

  • Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
  • Distance: 6km/3.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Today we’ll trek along a steep ridge to Saddle Hut. During the hike, enjoy stunning views of the Meru Crater, the ash cone, and Little Meru. There’s a good chance we’ll encounter wildlife like Cape Buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, we’ll embark on a short acclimatization trek to Little Meru (3810m) before returning to camp.

  • Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 3500m/11483ft
  • Distance: 6km/3.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak to Miriakamba Hut

We wake up early (around midnight) for the final ascent to Socialist Peak. The climb will be steep, navigating gravel and rocky cliffs—this is the most physically and mentally challenging part of the trek. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. Along the way, you might also catch glimpses of wildlife like mountain Reedbucks and Klipspringers. After reaching the summit, we’ll descend back to Miriakamba Hut.

  • Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 4562m/14967ft down to 2500m/8202ft
  • Distance: 19km/12mi
  • Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

After breakfast, we’ll descend via the southern route to Momella Gate, where we’ll take in the spectacular Fig Tree Arch. A vehicle from Monkey Adventures will meet us at the gate and drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (about 1.5 hours).

  • Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 1500m/4921ft
  • Distance: 14km/8.5mi
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Price Includes

  • VAT (18%): Charged by the Government.
  • Rescue Fees: Part of park fees.
  • Meals: All meals provided while on the mountain.
  • Transfers: All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel in Arusha.
  • Accommodation: Stay in wooden dormitory-style huts.
  • Guides: Professional and experienced mountain guides.
  • Food: Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food.
  • Drinking Water: Clean, purified drinking water.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Provided for comfort during the trek.
  • Conservation Fees: Part of the park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Quality mess tents with tables and chairs.
  • Camping Fees: Included in the park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: Available for emergency use.
  • Salaries and Fees: Guides, porters, and cooks’ salaries, as well as park fees.

Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.