5 Days Mount Meru Climbing

5 days Mount Meru climb is the best for acclimatization prior to the Kilimanjaro climb. The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. This prime location gives climbers the chance to spot some of the wildlife.

Mt. Meru is a great trekking option for those who want to take on a climbing challenge and get the sense of being out in the wild, but are not quite ready to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike in it of itself.

Mount Meru offers a challenging yet rewarding climb with rich biodiversity, varied landscapes, and spectacular summit views, making it a perfect adventure for trekkers.

Duration

5 days

Group Size

06 people

Tour Type

Trekking

Languages

English

  • Second Highest Peak- Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters, offering a thrilling climb and spectacular views.
  • Rich Biodiversity- Trek through Arusha National Park, home to diverse wildlife including giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys.
  • Spectacular Views- From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley, and Arusha National Park.
  • Less Crowded- Known for being less crowded than Kilimanjaro, providing a more serene and solitary trekking experience.

Itinerary

Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). We will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to the Lodge in Arusha, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at the Lodge, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
In the morning you will be picked up from your accommodation in Moshi and drive to the Arusha National Park (approx. 1 hour). You will register at the Momela gate where we will pick up your armed ranger who will accompany you for the trek (along with your team from Mbuga Wonderlust Adventures). In contrast to Mt Kilimanjaro, there is only one way up and the same way down Mt Meru. The path from Mommela gate to the Miriakamba Hut is the only place where you will have the choice of two routes. We always recommend to start with the longer route (it’s less steep giving you more time to acclimatize- and down Mt Meru. The path from Mommela gate to the Miriakamba Hut is the only place where you will have the choice of two routes. We always recommend to start with the longer route (it’s less steep giving you more time to acclimatize- and let’s face it, you’re more likely to have more energy on the first day than the last!) so that you can then take the shorter route on your descent. Today’s hike is 13.6km with a 906m elevation again as you ascend from the forest to the crater floor up to Miriakamba Hut at an elevation of 2514m. You will have a lunch box en route and will enjoy a hot dinner freshly prepared by your mountain chef at the huts.
Today, you will have a short hike of around 6km with an elevation gain of 1057m. This section of the hike is often a favourite for many as you climb up through grasslands (sometimes may be lucky enough to spot an elephant or a few zebras) to reach the Mgongo Wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) where you will stop for lunch (with great views over the crater). From here the scenery changes into alpine dessert as you ascend up to the Saddle Huts. Your hike today will only last about 3-4 hours. This will leave you ample time to enjoy the views and take some side trips to Little Meru (3820 m) for acclimatization. You will have dinner prepared and rest up in preparation for your climb to the summit.
Today is just 7km (taking approximately 2-3 hours), taking the alternative shorter route back down to Momela gates (looking out for the wildlife of Arusha NP on the way). You will also pass the Tululusia waterfalls. At the gate you will collect your certificate before returning to your accommodation in Arusha/Moshi for a relaxing hot shower and overnight. Perhaps now is the time for the discussion of when to summit Africa’s tallest peak- Mt Kilimanjaro!!
You will be woken by your guide at midnight for some tea and snacks before your ascent. You will start climbing steeply leaving behind the larger bushy vegetation and coming out onto the rocky ridge to reach Rhino Point. From here the trail drops and then rises steeply where you go through patches of bare rock and scree to reach the summit (Socialist Peak) 4566m. From here you will enjoy the sunrise- illuminating the fantastic views over to Kilimanjaro, the crater and Arusha town before descending again. The distance of 5.5km from the huts to the summit takes on average 5-6 hours up and 2-3 hours to return. Upon reaching the Saddle Huts you will be rewarded with a well-deserved hot lunch. Take your time to relax and rest up (2-3 hours) before descending back down to Miriakamba Huts for dinner and overnight.
** For those wishing to do just 3 days: following a short rest you will descend the whole way down to Mommela gate.

Included:

  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Meals while on safari
  • Mineral water
  • All national park fees
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • 2 nights accommodation in Arusha town before and after safari
  • 18% VAT to our entrance fees

Excluded:

  • International or Local Flights
  • Alcoholic
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary Maps

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BEST Tanzania experience!

Just WOW! Its our first time in Tanzania and this experience blew our expectations. We were accompanied from our arrival in the airport and throughout our whole trip by our driver and guide

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Amazing experience

One of the nicest experience in our lives! The welcoming, the lodges, the games were good, but having Danny as our driver/guide was superb.

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Best trip ever!

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Best trip ever!

My Friend and I did an 8 days Tanzania trip that included a day hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, 2 days of game drive in the Serengeti Park, a day at the Ngorongoro Crater, a hot air ballon ride, and 3 days in Zanzibar.

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BEST Tanzania experience!

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Ana M

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Amazing experience

One of the nicest experience in our lives! The welcoming, the lodges, the games were good, but having Danny as our driver/guide was superb.

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Myra E

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Incredible trip with an incredible guide

Incredible trip with our incredible guide, Danny. Not the usual safari: we spent time living with the Maasai and explored 3 different parks seeing all the animals (except the leopard - this time!).

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Pearce

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