Mountain Summary
Mount Meru is one of Africa’s highest and most beautiful volcanoes, standing at 4566 m. It is located within Arusha National Park. The route to the summit passes through parkland, montane forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background.
Because the mountain lies within a National Park, it is common to encounter some of the area’s birds, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and black and white Colobus monkeys on the first day of your journey to the summit. For this reason, you will climb with a Park Ranger who takes your safety very seriously.
Many will say that Mt. Meru is not a difficult climb compared with Mt. Kilimanjaro, because of its lower elevation, shorter distance, and comfortable sleeping arrangements, but this is not a mountain to be taken lightly. The climb to the summit is rigorous, involving some steep ascents over rocky inclines and narrow ridges to traverse. It is therefore challenging yet rewarding and a beautiful mountain to experience.
Mount Meru
Route Notes:
- Difficulty: Medium
- Scenery: Very Good
- Traffic: Medium
- Start & End: Arusha / Moshi, Kilimanjaro
Trekking Itinerary
- Elevation: 1500m/4921ft to 2500m/8202ft
- Distance: 6km/3.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Once at the gate we will finish all the procedures and depart for the trek. The trek takes you through places from where you can catch breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the renowned Momella lakes. Trekkers encounter wildlife like Bushbucks, Cape Buffaloes, Giraffes, and Warthogs during this day. We continue a short distance until we reach the Miriakamba hut.
- Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 3500m/11483ft
- Distance: 6km/3.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today we trek through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. On the way, you can witness the stunning Meru crater, the ash cone, and little Meru. There are chances of us encountering wildlife like Cape Buffaloes and the black and white Colobus monkey. We will end the trek up at Saddle hut. Once you have settled at the camp we will set off on a short trek to little Meru (3810m) for acclimatization purpose and return to Saddle hut.
- Elevation: 3500m/11483ft to 4562m/14967ft down to 2500m/8202ft
- Distance: 19km/12mi
- Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We wake up just after midnight and have a light meal to keep our energies high. Once done with the meal we start the final ascent to Socialist Peak. This ascent will be steep and we will be making our way through gravel and rocky cliffs. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. Once at the summit, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Meru Crater and the Ash cone. There are chances that one might catch a glimpse of wildlife like mountain Reedbucks and Klipspringers over the rocky ridge.
From the summit, we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Miriakamba hut.
- Elevation: 2500m/8202ft to 1500m/4921ft
- Distance: 14km/8.5mi
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Momella Gate, we will change the route and take the southern route down hence the change in distance trekked on this day. We will also pass through the astonishing Fig Tree Arch.
Tuko Adventures' vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha (around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Inquire Now:
Cost Covers:
- Airport Transfers (to and from the Airport)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Sleeping Mats
- Entrance, Camping & conservation fees
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Transfers to and from Hotel
- Oxygen Tanks, Oximeter, & First Aid Kit
- Quality Sleeping tents shared by 2 clients
- Mess tents, Crew tents, Table, Chairs, eating utensils, cooking equipment.
Cost does not Cover:
- International and local airfare
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Personal nature expenses eg: Laundry
- Local transport before & after the climb.
- Optional tours not mentioned in itinerary.