MOUNT MERU 4 Day Climbing itinerary

Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, is a thrilling and scenic trek located in Arusha National Park. This itinerary offers an adventurous climb through lush forests, dramatic ridges, and stunning volcanic landscapes, culminating in a breathtaking summit at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet).

Discover Tanzania’s Hidden Gem

Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a breathtaking trekking destination in its own right. Rising to 4,566 metres, Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-highest in Africa. Located within Arusha National Park, just 70 km west of Kilimanjaro, Meru offers an unforgettable climb through lush montane forest, dramatic crater scenery, and sweeping alpine vistas.

Less crowded than Kilimanjaro and teeming with wildlife, Mount Meru is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more intimate trekking experience — or as a superb warm-up climb for those tackling Africa’s tallest peak.

Why Climb Mount Meru?

Stunning Scenery: The trail passes through forests filled with monkeys and giraffes, crosses open heathlands, and climbs to knife-edge ridgelines with astonishing crater views.
Wildlife Encounters: Trekking starts in Arusha National Park with a ranger escort. Expect to see buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, bushbuck, and even elephants in the lower forest zones.
Fewer Crowds: Mount Meru sees a fraction of Kilimanjaro’s traffic — making it a more tranquil and immersive mountain experience.
Perfect Acclimatisation: The climb is excellent for high-altitude preparation, especially for those heading on to Kilimanjaro.
Value for Money: A Meru trek is shorter and more affordable, offering superb value and a full alpine experience in just 3–4 days.

Mount Meru Trekking Itinerary (4 Days / 3 Nights)

All treks must be accompanied by a park ranger due to wildlife in Arusha National Park. Overnights are in basic mountain huts.

Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Begin your trek with a scenic drive to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After park registration and meeting your armed ranger escort, the hike begins through lush rainforest. Along the way, spot giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and abundant birdlife. The trail gently ascends through fig trees and bamboo forest, arriving at Miriakamba Hut, nestled on a forested ridge.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Habitat: Heath and moorland

Today’s trek climbs steeply along the crater rim, passing through forest before opening onto high moorland. Enjoy spectacular views over the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. After lunch at Saddle Hut, take an optional acclimatisation hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) for sunset views over Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (4,566 m) – Miriakamba Hut

Distance: 19 km
Hiking Time: 10–12 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert, heath, forest

Summit day begins around midnight. Trek under starlight via Rhino Point and Cobra Point, reaching Socialist Peak at sunrise. The final ridge is dramatic and exposed — with stunning views over the crater walls, the Ash Cone, and even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After celebrating at the summit, descend back past Saddle Hut to Miriakamba Hut for a well-earned rest.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate

Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 2–4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Your final descent retraces your steps through the forest, with wildlife sightings likely. Return to Momella Gate for transfer to your lodge in Arusha — or on to your next adventure.

Mount Meru Trek Summary Table

Day	Route	Distance	Habitat
1	Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut	10 km	Montane forest
2	Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut	8 km	Heathland
3	Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba Hut	19 km	Alpine desert
4	Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate	10 km	Montane forest

Best Time to Climb Mount Meru

The best trekking conditions are during the dry seasons:

January to early March
June to October

Difficulty Level

Moderate to Challenging
Requires good fitness and stamina, especially for summit day’s early start and long descent.

Accommodation

All nights are spent in mountain huts, with basic dormitory-style sleeping arrangements.

Wildlife

Treks are escorted by armed rangers due to wildlife in the park.
Expect to see zebra, buffalo, giraffes, monkeys, and a variety of birds.

Combine with Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Meru is the ideal acclimatisation trek before climbing Kilimanjaro. Spending a few days on Meru allows your body to adjust to altitude, significantly increasing your summit chances on Kili.