The 3 Day Mount Meru Route

Duration: 3 daysType: HutsDifficulty: Moderate to Demanding

Duration

3 days

Type

Huts

Difficulty

Moderate to Demanding

Peak

4,566m

Day-by-Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and driven to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. The drive takes less than an hour. After registration with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), your trek begins accompanied by an armed ranger, as you are hiking through a national park with abundant wildlife. The first day is similar to a walking safari. You can expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. The path passes through open grassland before entering lush montane forest. You will cross the Ngarenanyuki River and pass a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. Lunch is enjoyed at the famous Fig Tree Arch. After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest where you may spot black and white colobus monkeys and a huge variety of birds. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first closer views of the towering cliffs and the ash cone. Miriakamba Hut is reached in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and pleasant views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2,500m). Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Altitude: 1,000 metres / 3,280 feet

After breakfast, the path becomes steeper as you ascend along the ridge of the saddle. The landscape becomes more varied and interesting as the rainforest gives way to moorland and bush vegetation. The trail has stunning views of Mount Meru Crater, the ash cone, and Little Meru peak along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including buffalo and the black and white colobus monkey. Your trek ends at Saddle Hut (3,550m), where you will spend the night. After resting at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820m) with your guide for acclimatization. This one-hour trek offers spectacular views and is highly recommended. You will be served an early dinner so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900. Overnight at Saddle Hut (3,550m). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Altitude: 1,050 metres / 3,445 feet

We start very early in the morning, around midnight, for the summit attempt. From Saddle Hut, a steep ascent in short loops leads to the gap between Little and Big Mount Meru, and from there we continue to Rhino Point. Passing through rock and scree, we reach the main peak. The final part of the hike follows a dramatically narrow ridge line between the steep inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. Socialist Peak (4,566m) is reached in time for a spectacular sunrise. On a clear day, you will have a fantastic view of Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds, as well as panoramic views of Arusha National Park. After celebrating at the summit, we descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and brunch. We then continue down to Miriakamba Hut and finally to Momella Gate. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Altitude: 1,016 metres / 3,333 feet

What's Included

Two nights half board accommodation in en-suite rooms, one night before and one night after the climb,

Liaising and making all necessary bookings with Arusha National Park,

Hiring, paying and provisioning of all guides, porters and an armed ranger,

Climbers and Crew food,

All camping and hut equipment including sleeping bags and mats if needed,

Free additional warm clothing and other items of gear such as water bottles,

Free emergency equipment per climb,

A pre-climb gear check,

Full safety briefing and orientation,

Transport for climbers and crew to and from Momella Gate,

Base camp support throughout.

Important Notes

TIPPING: It is customary for satisfied climbers to tip guides and porters. Amounts given are entirely within the guest's discretion. Generally, climbers may expect to pay from $150-$250 per person, dependent upon the number of climbers in the party and crew size.

Ready to Book?

Reserve your spot on the The 3 Day Mount Meru Routeand experience Tanzania's second highest peak.

Ask on WhatsApp

Why Choose Us

Experienced certified guides
Armed ranger included
Quality hut accommodation
All meals provided
Park fees handled
Pre-climb briefing