Mount Meru Trekking

5-Day Climbing Mount Meru. Mount Meru is the fifth-highest mountain on the African continent and the second-highest in Tanzania. It dominates Arusha National Park with its huge cliffs. The mountain is often used as a warm-up hike in preparation for the Kilimanjaro However, the technical requirements are greater on Mount Meru than on the Kilimanjaro routes. On the four-day trekking tour, you are more than likely to see giraffes, buffalos, antelopes, and baboons; therefore, a park ranger will accompany you for your safety.

Day 1: Nairobi – Arusha.

We pick you up at 7:00 a.m. from your hotel to join a shared shuttle bus to Tanzania via the Namanga border to Arusha town. The expected time of arrival is 14:00 hrs. Overnight at a hotel on a {B/B} bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organise and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arrival at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), a hot dinner will be served. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and stay overnight.

Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)

Duration: 3–5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you will start ascending the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. If you are lucky, you may see some wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimatise. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900!

Day 4: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 10–12 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 am. The trail starts on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). In the last hour of the hike, you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views, then descend to Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m) for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)

Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking
After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella Gate. We will hike through forests and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver, who will take you back to Arusha for dinner and overnight. You may proceed to our other safari extensions after completing a memorable 5-day climb of Mount Meru 

The following services are included in the price:

• All park and camp fees
• Airport transfer
• Trained and certified guide (English speaking, German and French on request)
• Trained cooks, certified porters and rangers from Arusha National Park
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder (per group)
• Pulse oximeter for health checks