Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano 70 kilometers west of Kilimanjaro in the southeast Arusha Region, Tanzania. At a height of 4,566 meters, it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day and is the fifth-highest of the highest mountain peaks in Africa.
Climbing Mount Meru presents several challenges, including altitude sickness, steep and rugged terrain, and variable weather conditions. Climbers need to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and listen to their guides' instructions to ensure a safe and successful ascent.
A climb up Mount Meru is a rewarding experience, offering stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. While it may not have the same fame as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru's beauty and challenges make it a worthwhile adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.
Don't underestimate the Mt Meru climb. It is steep and technical, and a reasonable amount of fitness is required. There is only one way up, the Momella Route. It starts on the eastern side of the mountain and ascends along the northern side of the crater to the summit, the Socialist Peak.
Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the top as even on this lower peak, acclimatization is the key to success. All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.
Itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet our guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
-Elevation: 1500m to 2500m
-Hiking time: 4 hours
-Distance covered: 6km
Zone: Montane Forest
After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel around 8:00 am and transferred to Momella gate. On the way, we will pass through Moshi and Arusha. Upon arrival at Momella Gate, our guide will handle all pre-hike formalities and once complete accompanied by an armed ranger we will start the hike to Miriakamba Hut. On the way, we will encounter animals such as giraffes, warthogs, buffalos, bushbacks, and many different species of birds. Once at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), we will enjoy dinner and the first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
-Elevation: 2500m to 3500m
-Hiking time: 3.5 hours
-Distance covered: 6km
Zone: Montane Forest
Around 08:00 am we will start our second day hiking to Saddle Hut. We will pass through the steep path along the ridge of the saddle. We will experience the amazing view of the Meru crater; both the ash cone and Little Meru can be seen. On the way, we will continue to see some of the best wildlife and flowers in the forest. After arriving at Saddle Hut, we will have a hot lunch and a short rest, in the afternoon we will hike to Little Meru to help with acclimatization before returning to the hut for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakamba Hut
-Elevation: 3500m to 4566m to 2500m
-Hiking time: 10 hours
-Distance covered: 18 km
As the new day starts you will be awoken at midnight with some light tea and breakfast. After final preparations, we will begin a steep climb to Rhino Point (3800m) and then will continue to Cobra Point (4350m). As the sun rises we will reach the summit of Meru (4566m) where we will be able to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds, maybe your next adventure. After taking some pictures that will make all of your friends jealous we will start the descent to Saddle Hut for a hot lunch and a short rest before continuing down to Miriakamba Hut (2500m).
Day 4: Miriakamba to Momella Gate
-Elevation: 2500m to 1500m
-Hiking time: 4-6 hours
-Distance covered: 18 km
Your final descent will pass through the tropical rainforest with plenty of wildlife species to see on the way. It will take us 5 hours until we reach the park gate. After we sign out and collect your certificate a private vehicle will be ready to take you to your hotel in Moshi for a warm shower and a celebratory dinner.
Depart Tanzania
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar, and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
