Mount Meru (Arusha, Tanzania)

Trek Overview

Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,562 meters (14,968 ft), located in Arusha National Park, about 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a dormant stratovolcano with a dramatic horseshoe-shaped crater and sweeping views of Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley.

The trek up Meru is a non-technical hike that takes 3 to 4 days, making it shorter and less demanding than Kilimanjaro but still highly rewarding. Along the way, trekkers pass through diverse landscapes: savanna with wildlife, lush montane forests, moorland, and rocky alpine desert near the summit.

Accommodation is in comfortable mountain huts (Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut), making logistics easier than tent camping. Summit day is the most challenging, starting around midnight with a steep ascent to reach Socialist Peak in time for sunrise. The views from the top are unforgettable, with Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds and vast plains stretching below.

What Makes Mount Meru a Good and Unique Trek Experience

    • Mount Meru offers breathtaking views of its horseshoe-shaped crater, dramatic cliffs, and lush forests.

    • On summit day, trekkers are rewarded with sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro towering above the clouds.

    • Because the trek starts inside Arusha National Park, it is common to see giraffes, buffalo, baboons, colobus monkeys, and a wide range of bird species along the trail.

    • Few mountain treks in the world combine high-altitude hiking with wildlife encounters.

    • The trail passes through several ecological zones: savanna, montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert.

    • This makes the trek feel like several adventures in one.

    • At 3–4 days, Mount Meru is a shorter trek compared to Kilimanjaro’s 6–9 days.

    • Trails are far less crowded, offering a quieter and more intimate trekking experience.

    • Many climbers use Meru as a warm-up climb before Kilimanjaro.

    • It helps the body adapt to altitude, improving the chances of success on Africa’s highest peak.

  • Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru treks use mountain huts (Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut), which provide shelter and basic comfort.

    • The trek is non-technical, making it accessible to fit trekkers without climbing experience.

    • Summit day is demanding but very rewarding, giving a real sense of achievement at 4,562 meters.

Popular Route - Momella Route

The Momella Route is the only official route to the summit of Mount Meru.

  • Scenery: Begins in the savanna of Arusha National Park, where giraffes, buffalo, and monkeys are often seen, then ascends through forest, heath, and alpine zones.

  • Accommodation: Trekkers stay in mountain huts (Miriakamba and Saddle).

  • Duration: 3–4 days (4 days strongly recommended).

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging. The trail is not technical, but the summit push is steep and long, and altitude makes it demanding.

  • Success Rate: Generally 70–95%, with higher success on 4-day itineraries. The 3-day trek has a lower success rate due to limited acclimatization.

Suggested Itineraries

4-Day Classic Itinerary (recommended)

  • Day 1: Momella Gate → trek through forest to Miriakamba Hut.

  • Day 2: Miriakamba Hut → ascend to Saddle Hut; optional hike to Little Meru (3,820 m).

  • Day 3: Midnight start → summit Socialist Peak (4,562 m) for sunrise → descend to Miriakamba.

  • Day 4: Miriakamba Hut → descend to Momella Gate → return to Arusha.

3-Day Fast Itinerary
Condensed version of the above route. Possible but with less acclimatization and lower summit success.

What to Expect on the Trek

  • Wildlife: Because the trek begins inside Arusha National Park, you may encounter giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and a wide range of bird species.

  • Scenery: A progression of ecosystems from savanna to montane forest, moorland, and alpine desert, with dramatic crater views.

  • Weather: Dry seasons (June–October and December–February) offer the best conditions. Expect cold, windy conditions near the summit, often below freezing at night.

  • Altitude: The summit is at 4,562 m, so altitude sickness is possible. A slow pace and a 4-day itinerary improve acclimatization.

  • Facilities: Accommodation in huts with bunk beds; meals prepared by trekking crews; porters carry heavy loads while you hike with a daypack.

Permits, Fees & Logistics

  • A permit from Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) is required.

  • Park fees, hut accommodation fees, ranger fees, and conservation/rescue fees apply. Most tour operators include these in their packages.

  • An armed ranger is mandatory to accompany trekkers inside the park for safety, especially due to wildlife.

Best Time to Climb

  • Best Seasons: June to October and December to February (dry seasons, clear views).

  • Avoid: April–May (long rains) and November (short rains), when trails are muddy and visibility is poor.

What to Pack for Your Mt. Meru Trek

Meru is often used as a warm-up climb for Kilimanjaro, helping trekkers acclimatize to altitude while offering a world-class trekking experience on its own.

Clothing

  • Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings for warmth at night

  • Mid layers: Fleece jacket, softshell jacket

  • Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers

  • Trekking trousers & shirts: Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics

  • Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic for summit night

  • Warm accessories: Wool hat, gloves, neck gaiter/buff

  • Socks: Several pairs of trekking socks (wool or synthetic, not cotton)

  • Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots (well broken in) + camp shoes or sandals

Gear

  • Backpack (30–36 L) for daily essentials

  • Duffel bag or larger pack (carried by porters)

  • Trekking poles (recommended for steep sections and summit day)

  • Sleeping bag rated to –5°C to –10°C

  • Headlamp with spare batteries (essential for summit night)

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

  • Water bottles or hydration system (minimum 2–3 liters)

  • Rain cover for backpack and waterproof stuff sacks

Optional Extras

  • Camera or smartphone for photos

  • Power bank or solar charger

  • Lightweight reading material or journal

  • Gaiters (useful in muddy conditions)

Personal Items

  • Passport (needed for park entry)

  • Cash for tips and park gate fees (if not prepaid)

  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, biodegradable soap, small towel, wet wipes)

  • Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF

  • First-aid kit (plasters, blister kit, painkillers, altitude tablets if prescribed)

  • Insect repellent (especially for lower forested areas)

  • Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, sweets for summit push)

Mt. Meru Trek – Luxury Style Adventure

Mt. Meru Trek – Luxury Style Adventure
6 Days Momela Gate

6 Days Momela Gate