Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, standing tall at 4,566 meters. Located within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru offers a challenging yet rewarding climb with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. This trek is perfect for acclimatization before attempting Kilimanjaro or as a standalone adventure for nature lovers and hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.

The 4-day Mount Meru trek takes you through lush rainforests, open heathlands, and rocky alpine deserts, culminating in a thrilling summit at Socialist Peak. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys, as the trail passes through Arusha National Park. The trek is guided by experienced mountain guides and armed rangers to ensure your safety due to the presence of wild animals. The route offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro, the Momella Lakes, and the crater rim, making it an adventure filled with both physical challenges and natural beauty.

Trip Highlights

Summit Tanzania’s Second-Highest Peak: Reach the breathtaking Socialist Peak (4,566m).
Wildlife Encounters: Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and colobus monkeys during your trek.
Scenic Diversity: Hike through dense forests, alpine deserts, and along dramatic crater ridges.
Panoramic Views: Stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, and the Momella Lakes.
Perfect for Acclimatization: Ideal for preparing for Kilimanjaro or as an independent trekking challenge.

Day 01 :

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

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Arusha, followed by a drive to Arusha National Park. After registration at the Momella Gate, you’ll meet your guide and armed ranger who will accompany you throughout the trek for safety. The hike starts through lush rainforests, where you’ll encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various bird species. The trail gradually ascends, offering scenic views of waterfalls and open grasslands before reaching Miriakamba Hut for dinner and an overnight stay.

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest

Day 02 :

Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) – Saddle Hut (3,570m)

After breakfast, the trek continues with a steep climb along the ridge of the Meru Crater Rim. The trail passes through a beautiful montane forest, transitioning into open heathlands with giant heather trees. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Meru Crater. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, you’ll rest briefly before an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for breathtaking sunset views.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland

Day 03 :

Saddle Hut (3,570m) – Socialist Peak (4,566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)

Summit day begins in the early hours around 2:00 AM. Equipped with headlamps, you’ll ascend through rocky paths and steep ridges towards Rhinoceros Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). The final stretch is a challenging climb along a narrow crater ridge leading to Socialist Peak just in time for a stunning sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for your final night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 10–12 hours
Distance: 18 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert to Moorland and Forest

Day 04 :

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

After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll descend through the lush forest trails back to Momella Gate, enjoying the final wildlife sightings along the way. At the gate, you’ll receive your climbing certificates before meeting your driver for the transfer back to Arusha, where your Mount Meru adventure concludes.

Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest