Mount Meru Trek 3 Day
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters, offers a thrilling short trek perfect for adventure seekers and acclimatization before Mount Kilimanjaro. Nestled within Arusha National Park, the trek is a spectacular journey through lush rainforests, open moorlands, and alpine deserts, with rich wildlife encounters and panoramic views of Kilimanjaro.
The 3-day Mount Meru route is fast-paced but rewarding, with a unique armed ranger escort due to the presence of wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys. This compact itinerary is ideal for trekkers with limited time who still want a high-altitude challenge and scenic adventure.
The summit push begins before dawn and culminates at Socialist Peak, providing a stunning sunrise over the horizon and the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. For those seeking a powerful mountain trek with immersive nature and far fewer crowds, Mount Meru delivers a world-class experience in just three days.
Trip Highlights
- Scenic trek through Arusha National Park with rich wildlife
- Armed ranger escort and chances to see giraffes and monkeys
- Steep crater rim ascent for added adventure
- Less crowded and off-the-beaten-path experience
- Sunrise summit over Mount Kilimanjaro
- Excellent for pre-Kilimanjaro acclimatization
Trip Features
Start Date
Can start any day
Duration
3 Days
Comfort
Challenging
Tour Type
Private Tour
Tour Plan
Customizable
Itinerary
Transport
Toyota Hiace
Minivans / Bus
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch
& Dinner
Airport
Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport
Trek Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a friendly representative from Explore Trekking Adventure will warmly welcome you to Tanzania. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a charming town nestled at the foot of Mount Meru—your upcoming trekking challenge. Settle into your lodge, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the mountain itself. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax or take a short town tour to soak in the local atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and receive a detailed briefing from your mountain guide to prepare for the exciting trek ahead. Overnight in Arusha, at the gateway to your Mount Meru adventure.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Arusha
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Planet Lodge Arusha
Planet Lodge Arusha is one of the first truly 4-star boutique lodges in Arusha, offering a serene ambience and excellent facilities. Located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Planet Lodge Arusha is ideally positioned for travelers coming to Arusha for adventure or business purposes.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the first truly 4-star boutique hotels in Arusha, offering a refined ambience and excellent facilities. Conveniently located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is ideally situated for those visiting Arusha for adventure or business travel.
Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Meliá Arusha is one of the first truly 5-star luxury boutique hotels in Arusha, offering exceptional ambience and world-class facilities. Located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Gran Meliá Arusha is ideally situated for those visiting Arusha for adventure or business travel.
Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
- Altitude: 1,500m to 2,514m
- Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–6 hours
After breakfast, transfer to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, where the trek begins. Meet your armed ranger, required for safety due to the abundant wildlife. The trail winds through grasslands and dense rainforest with chances to spot giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, and monkeys. Enjoy a scenic hike past waterfalls and fig trees before reaching Miriakamba Hut. The camp offers stunning views of Mount Meru’s horseshoe crater. Enjoy dinner and rest for the night.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (Acclimatization hike to Little Meru)
- Altitude: 2,514m to 3,570m (Saddle Hut)
- Distance: 8 km | Time: 3–5 hours
Climb steeply through montane forest into the moorland zone. The trail zigzags up to Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant’s Back), providing great views of the Meru Crater and Ash Cone. Arrive at Saddle Hut, nestled between Little Meru and the summit ridge. After lunch, take a 1-hour acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for sunset views over Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to camp, have an early dinner, and rest before your summit bid.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba – Momella Gate – Arusha
- Altitude: 3,570m to 4,566m (peak) to 1,500m
- Distance: 19 km | Time: 10–12 hours
Start your summit push at around 1:30 AM, ascending the rocky ridge to Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). The final climb to Socialist Peak (4,566m) is demanding but unforgettable, with sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and the Meru Crater. Descend back to Saddle Hut for breakfast, then continue to Miriakamba Hut and finally to Momella Gate, where your driver awaits. Return to your hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and celebration.
- Accommodation: Budget, Midrange or Luxury in Arusha
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Planet Lodge Arusha
Planet Lodge Arusha is one of the first truly 4-star boutique lodges in Arusha, offering a serene ambience and excellent facilities. Located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Planet Lodge Arusha is ideally positioned for travelers coming to Arusha for adventure or business purposes.
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha
Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is one of the first truly 4-star boutique hotels in Arusha, offering a refined ambience and excellent facilities. Conveniently located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Arusha is ideally situated for those visiting Arusha for adventure or business travel.
Gran Melia Arusha
Gran Meliá Arusha is one of the first truly 5-star luxury boutique hotels in Arusha, offering exceptional ambience and world-class facilities. Located just 4 km from the center of Arusha, 45 km from Arusha National Park, and 40 km from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Gran Meliá Arusha is ideally situated for those visiting Arusha for adventure or business travel.
Departure Day – Farewell from Tanzania
Enjoy breakfast at your lodge and a final view of Mount Meru before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you’re continuing on to Mount Kilimanjaro or a safari, we’ll handle all logistics. Otherwise, we wish you a safe flight home with incredible memories of Tanzania’s hidden gem.
Trek Cost Include
- Transport to and from
- Allowance for the crew
- First aid kit and oxygen
- tank for an emergency
- Park fees / VAT
- Rescue car
- Two nights accommodation in the hotel
- Pick and drop off at the airport
- Sleeping tent
- Table and chairs
- Three delicious meals a day
- Morning call before wake up
- Ginger tea for the summit day
- Hot water for wash served on the small basin
Trek Cost Does Not Include
- Drinks at the hotel
- Personal belongings
- Tips for the crew
- Taxi service
- Health insurance
- Flight tickets
Gear
Private Toilet – $150 per trip
Enjoy added privacy and comfort with a personal portable toilet for your group.Private Tent – $5 per day
Perfect for solo climbers or those who prefer not to share sleeping space.Kailas X3 III Alpine Tent with Vestibule – $10 per day
A high-performance alpine tent offering extra space and weather protection. (Click here for specifications)Thicker Sleeping Mattress – $10 per mattress
Upgrade to a thicker foam mattress for improved sleep and insulation.Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad – $15 per pad
A premium self-inflating pad for maximum comfort and warmth on the mountain.
Transfers
- Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
- Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
- Arusha to Moshi – $100
- Moshi to Arusha – $100
Options & Extensions
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