Mount Meru Trek

Summit, Sky & Wilderness

OVERVIEW


Mount Meru is an active volcano of 4566 metres about 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro and our trek is six days to reach the summit and come back. It is an excellent standalone trip or a prequel to climbing Kilimanjaro itself. Some people say that Meru is actually more challenging, and for sure it is much quieter. Therefore there is a lot more wildlife to be seen and the sense of remoteness and solitude is much stronger than on the more famous peak nearby.

The mountain is the centrepiece of Arusha National Park and its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards. Trekkers have the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife as they approach and climb the mountain.

The ascent is quite steep in places and the route to the summit passes over a number of streams, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several hundred feet below in the crater.

WHY CLIMB MT. MERU


There are several reasons to include Mount Meru into your Tanzania adventures list. Regrettably, this volcano is often out shadowed by Kilimanjaro - located in the immediate vicinity, it attracts the most of international hikers, thus making it a secondary hiking destination or a warm-up exercise. The majority of hikers, however, ignore it altogether.

We at Livingstone Safari Tanzania firmly believe that Mt Meru hiking is a great adventure by itself because of these reasons:

A

Stunning sceneries

Mount Meru features incredibly captivating scenic vistas. The trek to Socialist Peak (4566 m/14,980 f), traverses several climatic zones, offering diverse landscapes and unparalleled scenes for wildlife photography.

The views from the summit area of Mt Meru are truly rewarding - valleys, forests and meadows, all buried in lush verdure, and magnetizing view of the Kilimanjaro peak looming on a horizon will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

B

Rich wildlife

Nestled in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is one of the few mountains of the world still densely inhabited by the wildlife, which freely roams on its slopes. The hikers are likely to experience multiple encounters with different animals, including buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes and, with some luck in your pocket, even elephants.

C

No crowds

Meru is not yet popular among the hikers. During the high season, on the popular routes of Kilimanjaro (Marangu and Machame) there is a chance of “traffic jams”, something that you will never experience on the trails of Meru. For those who are seeking reclusive, tranquil hiking in the wild, Meru is a great choice.

D

Mount Meru hiking tour is affordable

In contrast to other hiking adventures, Mt Meru climb is quite an affordable activity. Because no tents are necessary (overnight stays on Mt Meru are in huts), the number of crew is small, reducing the travel costs. Therefore, for those with shrinking budgets Meru can become a good and affordable alternative.

E

Excellent addition for the safari tour

The wildlife of Tanzania is what attractions most of the visitors to the country. Several times the country was voted by the experts as the best destination for big game watching.

ITINERARY


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

Hiking time: 4–6 hours

Distance: ~10 km

Habitat: Montane forest 🌿

The trek begins through grassland and forest, with chances to see giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, and monkeys. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

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

Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Distance: ~8 km

Habitat: Montane forest 🌿 → Heath & moorland 🌾

A steep climb with views of Meru Crater and Ash Cone. Afternoon acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) is optional. Overnight at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (4,566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)

Hiking time: 10–12 hours

Distance: ~18 km

Habitat: Alpine desert ⛰️ → Montane forest 🌿

Start around midnight for the summit push. Reach Socialist Peak at sunrise with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, then descend back to Saddle Hut and further down to Miriakamba Hut.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate (1,500m)

Hiking time: 3–4 hours

Distance: ~10 km

Habitat: Montane forest 🌿 & open grassland 🌾

A gentle descent back to Momella Gate, passing through wildlife zones. Pick up your climbing certificate before transfer back to Arusha/Moshi.

Included ✔: All park fees (conservation, camping/hut, and rescue fees) • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters • Accommodation in mountain huts (Miriakamba & Saddle Hut) • Meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinking water) • Transfers to/from Momella Gate • Camping/hiking equipment (tents, tables, chairs – where applicable) • Oxygen cylinder & first aid kit • Kilimanjaro climbing certificate after a successful summit

Not Included ✖: International flights • Visa & travel insurance • Tips • Personal climbing gear (sleeping bag, boots, poles, clothing, etc.) • Personal expenses • Extra hotel nights before/after the climb (unless arranged)

TRANSFERS


Transfers can be arranged between the airport, Arusha/Moshi, between hotels, restaurants and attractions, either on a seat-in-coach basis, or the private hire of an entire vehicle. All pick-up times are arranged to tie in with flight departures and scheduled tours. Our guides work to this timetable, collecting guests from each hotel en route to their intended destination.

TREKKING TOURS


2 Days Mount Longido
4 Days Mt. Meru Trek
6 Days Marangu Route
7 Days Lemosho Route
`7 Days Machame Route

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