Mt Meru, Tanzania

Local saleswoman in Arusha | Gesine Cheung

Mount Meru Ascent

A thrilling high-altitude trek with stunning crater rim views and diverse wildlife, perfect for fit trekkers

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4 reviews

4 Days from

$1399 USD

Trip Code: MMA

View dates to Book Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Traveller Surcharge

$330 USD

Duration

4 Days

Activities

4 day trek

Accommodation

3 nights mountain hut

Meals

3 Dinners
3 Lunches
3 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

101kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(304kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Summit Socialist Peak (4,566m/14,980ft) achieving a high altitude goal in just four days
Trek a dramatic crater rim ridge, with panoramic views of the Ash Cone, Kilimanjaro and Rift Valley
Sleep in scenic mountain huts, set inside Arusha National Park, with a chance to spot buffalo, warthogs, giraffe and Colobus monkeys
Add more adventure, this trek perfectly combines with a safari or an ascent of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya

Overview

Mount Meru (4,566m/ 14,980ft) may sit in Kilimanjaro’s shadow, but this steep volcanic trek is a spectacular summit in its own right. You'll ascend a dramatic crater rim ridge, sleep in scenic mountain huts, and stand atop Tanzania’s second highest peak with views stretching from the Rift Valley to Kilimanjaro.

Uniquely, the entire trek takes place within Arusha National Park, making this one of the few places in East Africa where you can trek through genuine wildlife territory on foot. Expect sightings of buffalo, warthogs, giraffe and Colobus monkeys on the lower slopes.

Based out of Arusha, gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this short, high reward ascent is ideal on its own, or combined with a classic safari. It also pairs easily with Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya for an unforgettable multi-peak adventure.

Itinerary

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We pick you up from Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha) at 10.00am and transfer to our start at Momella Gate (1500m) in late morning. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, and then continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We have lunch at, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and monkeys. The black and white colobus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch. By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2514m), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (5-6 hours walking)

Meals: L,D

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short but a steep and sustained climb all the way. We walk through attractive, open, and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. During a break, you might spot elephants or other animals from our vantage point. The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3570m), where lunch is waiting for us. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3820m) for superb views just before sunset. (3 to 6 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

We begin with an early start at around 2.00am to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m), and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m) arriving at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is another hour on a superb but often steep path. On a clear day, the views are absolutely rewarding. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light situated on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We rest, and have brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2514m). NB* The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Point. (10 - 12 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning. Transfer back to Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha), where trip concludes. (2-3 hours walking)

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

View dates to Book

What’s included?

Included

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
3 nights fully supported in mountain huts on a multi-share basis
Group camping and catering equipment (sleeping bag not included - can be hired locally)
Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew
Porters to carry personal and group equipment
National Park ranger escort for forest sections on days 1, 2 & 4
National Park and hut fees valued at US$343

Not included

International airfares
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visa
Sleeping bags
Transfers to or from Arusha
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Pre or post tour accommodation in Arusha
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips