Mount Meru Trek 4 Day
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters, offers a rewarding and scenic trek through the heart of Arusha National Park. Often overlooked in favor of Mount Kilimanjaro, Meru provides a quieter and more intimate hiking experience with stunning views, diverse wildlife, and lush vegetation. This 4-day trek is perfect for adventurers seeking altitude, challenge, and natural beauty.
The climb starts in the park’s savannahs and ascends through montane forests, moorland, and alpine desert, offering ever-changing landscapes and excellent acclimatization. Along the way, trekkers can spot giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and colorful birds, often right from the trail. The highlight is summiting Socialist Peak at sunrise, revealing sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
Led by professional guides and accompanied by an armed ranger for safety, the Mount Meru trek is a physically demanding but rewarding journey. Its well-maintained trails, rustic mountain huts, and off-the-beaten-path charm make it a memorable climb for nature lovers and high-altitude trekkers alike.
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
4 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 2,500m
- Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–6 hours
Your adventure begins with a transfer to Momella Gate, located in Arusha National Park. After park registration and meeting the armed ranger, begin your trek through open grassland and dense forest. Along the way, keep your eyes out for giraffes, buffalos, bushbucks, and monkeys. The trail winds gently upward through fig tree archways and mossy woodland to reach Miriakamba Hut. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the hut, surrounded by birdcalls and forest sounds.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
- Altitude: 2,700m to 3,720m
- Distance: 12 km | Time: 6–8 hours
Leaving the forest behind, today you’ll hike into the moorland zone, where the vegetation thins and giant lobelias and groundsels dominate the landscape. The trail offers spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. As the altitude increases, you’ll be encouraged to walk slowly and drink plenty of water. Arrive at Horombo Hut for a warm meal, spectacular mountain views, and a cozy overnight in shared huts at 3,720 meters.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meal Plan: Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit (4,566m) to Miriakamba Hut
- Altitude: 3,570m to 4,566m (summit) to 2,500m
- Distance: 19 km | Time: 10–12 hours
Wake around midnight to begin your summit push. The trail ascends steeply via Rhinoceros Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). Reach the Mount Meru Summit (4,566m) at sunrise and witness breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds. The ridge walk is thrilling and exposed, offering dramatic perspectives of the crater and ash cone. After enjoying the summit, descend all the way back to Miriakamba Hut for a well-deserved rest and overnight.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate – Return to Arusha
- Altitude: 2,500m to 1,500m
- Distance: 10 km | Time: 2–4 hours
After breakfast, descend leisurely through lush forest trails back to Momella Gate. Keep your eyes open for more wildlife sightings and enjoy the serenity of the national park. Upon reaching the gate, receive your summit certificate, then transfer back to Arusha for a celebratory lunch or relaxation at your lodge. Reflect on your adventure and enjoy a hot shower!
- 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
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your onward flight. If you wish, we can arrange a safari extension to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or a beach holiday in Zanzibar. Leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of summiting Mount Meru!
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
- 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
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