Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak (4566 m) is a fantastic and challenging climb. This mountain sits within Arusha National Park and allows hikers to experience the wildlife of this small but scenic park as part of the mountain trekking experience. Trekkers will likely see unique birdlife and colobus monkeys as they climb through the forests at the base of Mount Meru and on the final descent, enjoy a short walking safari through marshes and plains as they pass Tululusia waterfall, where they will likely spot zebra and groups of giraffes.
The difference between the 3-day and 4-day treks is in regard to the final descent. It takes a minimum of 3 days to reach the summit of Mount Meru, and the acclimatization and speed to approach the summit are identical on both treks.
For the decent: the shorter trek has climbers descend the entire mountain on that same final day, whereas the 4-day option allows hikers to have a longer rest and complete the descent over 2 days, which allows for a more enjoyable walking safari on the final day.
All treks on Mount Meru have climbers sleeping in designated huts, there is no tented camping allowed on the mountain.
Four Days Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Momella Gate (1500m) to Miriakamba (2750m):
Transfer from Arusha Town to Momella Gate. Here your climbing team with complete registration and be assigned a park ranger who will accompany you for the first 2 days of the climb. This climbing day is mostly through forest, where climbers see a variety of forest birds and mammals. There are two routes from Momella gate to Miriakamba; Southern and Northern.
Southern Route (road): It takes 5 hours walk from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. Visitors pass through the Montane Forest with different features such as the Fig Tree Arch, Moivo Waterfalls, and different kinds of vegetation.
Northern Route: It takes between 3-4 hours from Momella gate to Miriakamba hut. This is the shortest and steepest route (more challenging). Along this route the views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Momella Lakes are spectacular.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba to Saddle Hut (3750m):
3-4 hours trekking from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut.
Along this portion of the route you will enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella Lakes, Meru Crater, Ash cone, Mt. Meru Cliff and Little Meru. Wild animals can be seen and you will likely begin to feel changes in the altitude, based on the vegetation around you.
Climbers are encouraged to complete an acclimatization hike to Little Meru if they can. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Day 3: Saddle Hut to Summit (4566m):
It takes 5-6 hours from Saddle Hut to Summit. This is the place where visitors enjoy most of the features of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Little Meru (3801m), Meru Crater, Ash cone, Momella Lakes, Cliff face, Meru Peak, Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, Arusha Town, sunrise and sunset.
Klipspringers and mountain reedbuck are seen over the rocks. High altitude birds e.g. lammergeyer, and flowers like everlasting can also be seen.
You will likely begin trekking to the summit at 0000hrs (midnight) or 0100 hrs in order to reach the summit at sunrise. After reaching the summit at 4566m you will walk back to Saddle Hut for a brief rest, then continue down to Miriakamba hut for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba to Momella Gate:
After breakfast, you continue descending to Momella Gate. The trek takes approximately 2-3 hours, but you can extend it for a brief walking safari or a picnic lunch at Tululusia Waterfall. Then you will exit the park and transfer to your accommodations at Arusha town.
END OF FOUR DAYS MT. MERU TREK
Mount Meru Climb 4 Days pricing
This climb is available exclusively from RA safaris for as low as $1073 per person*
Couple (2 ppl, sharing) ———$1155, per person
Climbing Group of 4 ————-$1073, per person
See our full list of Climb Prices for Tanzania Treks for more information. Contact us for other group numbers , discounts or to join a rescheduled group climb.
*for a group climb minimum of 4 persons, sharing
Note the following:
- If you like us to arrange your accommodations for the night (s) before and after Kili please let us know.
- If you are arriving at Julius Nyerere/Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport or by a bus let us know so we can arrange meeting you on arrival to make things even smoother.
- We will be happy to know your travel plans so we can customize this itinerary or any other itinerary for you. We are a full service company.
- Click here for packing list. Camping and lodge safari have almost same packing list but in case you have questions let us know.
- This itinerary can also be extended to cover other parks in the western parks, Southern parks, Northern circuit safaris, Kilimanjaro, Oldongo Lengai trek, Usambara Mountains, Zanzibar beach holiday or either way depending on your needs.