Find Physical Ease Hiking This 3-Day Mount Meru Trekking Tour

Difficulty:
Very Low

Distance:
45km/27mi

Duration:
3 Days

Mount Meru sits at 4,566m and is the 8th tallest mountain in Africa. Therefore climbers should expect this East African peak to take 3-4 days to complete. The Mountain is located at Arusha National Park and is a much more approachable feat, in comparison to other East African mountains of greater heights, such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. This is why so many hikers primarily trek Mount Meru, as an acclimatization session, before embarking on larger expeditions. Climbers that attempt Mount Meru beforehand are often well conditioned to perform incredibly well, when they hike larger peaks such as Mount Kilimanjaro.

All trekking groups follow the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate and ends right at the start. However its worth noting that there are various wildlife sightings along the trail, particularly in the early days of the ascent. In addition you’ll also get to stay in a series of huts, that have basic but comfortable accommodations, located at two different campsites, before culminating at Socialist Peak.

Dietary Menus Served On Mount Meru

Meet Your Tanzanian Tour Guide

Oscar (Cheni)

Cheni is technical and has extensive knowledge of Mount Meru. He is one of our best lead guides and is well trained to handle emergencies on the mountain.

• 43 years of age
• Has 9 years of experience as a Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru tour guide
• Has 3 years of experience as a porter on Kilimanjaro
• Received Wilderness First Responders (WFR) safety training

Arusha National Park Fees

Package Tours & Prices

Payment Process

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5-Day Travel Itinerary & Cumulative Elevation Gains

DAY 1 — ARRIVAL

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

All trekkers will have to arrange their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and apply for their own visas through the online immigration portal. Visa guidelines are also available on the official immigration website. 

Note, if you’re arriving from a country subject to yellow fever, you will be required to show proof of vaccination. A 72-hour PCR test is required for entry.

A transfer will be arranged to drop off you and your luggage at the hotel in Arusha region in order to unwind from your travels. Briefing will take place in the evening or early morning, before departing to Arusha National Park for registration.

Airport Pick-Up

Car Transfer

Hotel Drop-Off

DAY 2 — HIKING TOUR

MOMELA GATE TO MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

After you check-out from your hotel, you’ll depart to Arusha National Park for registration. The commute shouldn’t take no more than 2-hours, from Arusha’s town center, so best to stretch your legs before departure. Once at Arusha National Park, you’ll clear your permits at Momella Gate, before beginning your 3-day trek.

At the onset of the hike, you’ll pass open grassland filled with buffaloes, warthogs and zebra. Furthermore, you’ll also likely spot various birds, reptiles and mammals, once you cross Ngare Nanyuki River and continue to the mountain’s forest. A native to Mount Meru’s forest zone is the Black-And-White Colobus Monkey. You can distinguish these creatures by their unique black and white fur that runs along their long tails. Finally the hike will end at Miriakamba Hut for an overnight stay.

Elevation: 7,742ft-9,498ft

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: 8.6 mi/13.8 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

DAY 3 — HIKING TOUR

MIRIAKAMBA HUTS TO SADDLE HUTS

The second day of your trek is short yet demanding. This is mainly due to the trail’s steep ascent, through the mountain’s rainforest. You’ll then reach a halfway point to Elephant Ridge, where you’ll come to a scenic viewpoint of the mountain’s crater. From there, it’ll only take approximately 2-hours to arrive at Saddle Hut.

In the afternoon, you’ll trek up to 3,794m at Little Meru for acclimatization. This process is called the trek-high and sleep low and it’ll help your body better anticipate and adjust to lower atmospheric oxygen levels during your trek. Especially when it’s employed right before your summit attempt.

ElElevation: 9,498ft-11,500ft

Hiking Time 2-3 hours

Distance: 3.8 mi/6.1 km

Habitat: Heath and Moorland

 

DAY 4 — HIKING TOUR

SADDLE HUT TO SOCIALIST PEAK (SUMMIT) TO SADDLE HUT

On the final stretch to the summit, your hike will begin at 1am toward Rhino Point, at 3,850m. Since the trail at night is pitch dark, it’ll be wise to come with a head torch/headlamp or a flashlight. From Rhino Point the trail passes through a very narrow ridge, before arriving at the summit at Socialist Peak.

At Socialist Peak you’ll get to see stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, at a close distance, and a chance to take pictures of your successful climb. After an hour at the summit, you’ll then descend down to Saddle Hut for lunch. After lunch you’ll make your way down to Momella Gate, along with your support crew. The descent will take a total of 6-hours and, once at the gate, you’ll be picked up from Arusha National Park and transferred to your hotel at Arusha town.

Elevation: 11,500ft-13,800ft

Hiking Time: 11–13 hours

Distance: 7.4 mi/9.5 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert/Montane Forest

DAY 5 — DEPARTURE

KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/NEXT PACKAGE TOUR

If you have booked a Mount Kilimanjaro trek, a wildlife safari or Zanzibar beach holiday package with us, you’ll be transferred to the next travel itinerary. If you have not booked an additional trip with XPATS International, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international travels.

Hotel Pick-Up

Car Transfer

Next Expedition

Accommodations

Pre & Post Hike Accommodations

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Camping Accommodations During The Trek

Map Of Mount Meru’s Walking Tour

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Related topics to understand:

What makes Mount Meru unique compared to other Tanzanian peaks?

Since Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park, you’re far more likely to run into large mammals than other peaks in Tanzania, such as Mount Kilimanjaro. This is why the Arusha National Park has made it mandatory for visitors to be accompanied by a park ranger whenever they’re engaging in outdoor activities. This of course excludes wildlife safaris because you’re confined inside a vehicle.

Which is harder Mount Meru or Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is significantly harder than Mount Meru because, on Mount Kilimanjaro treks, you’re reaching elevations close to 6,000m, while Meru’s peak only stands at 4,566m. Furthermore, the average elevation gains are great enough to cause severe forms of altitude sickness. This is why there more deaths reported on Mount Kilimanjaro than Mount Meru. Although this is the case, travelers are happy to recommend Mount Kilimanjaro than Mount Meru on TripAdvisor and Tourradar reviews. TripAdvisor and Tourradar are great resources that could provide feedback on the respective mountains.