Mount Meru is an often overlooked, but spectacular volcano located in the center of Arusha National Park. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike in itself. The crowds that can plague Kilimanjaro are non-existent here, allowing for a solitary, peaceful trek. There is only one route on Mt Meru and accommodations are in basic but comfortable wooden huts with solar lighting.
On the lower slopes of the mountain and inside the park, there is a good chance of spotting animals. An armed ranger will accompany your party on the first stage to protect against any wildlife threats. The trail follows the north rim of the crater, along a dramatic ridgeline. Once at the summit, the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and down into Meru crater are unforgettable.

Mount Meru is ideal for altitude acclimatization and you may elect to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a lower number of days after climbing Meru. Many people who climb both mountains have a quiet preference for the humble Mount Meru. Although about 4,000 feet lower than Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is still a very tall mountain. Do not underestimate Mount Meru. Altitude acclimatization is still the key to a successful summit Meru.
Claris Tours and Travel offers Mount Meru as a private three days or four days trek. Be aware that the park ranger may choose to combine groups from different tour operators to trek together with one park ranger. We have no control over this. But each group will have its own guide(s), cook, and porters specifically looking after their clients. Book Now

4 Days Trekking + 2 nights hotel stay

Arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our friendly driver. Don’t worry if the process to get your luggage and go through immigration is slow, the driver will wait. He will take you to your hotel. After you relax for a bit, we will meet you at your hotel for a pre-climb briefing with your guide and an equipment check. If you are lacking any equipment, all can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you are arriving late in the day, the briefing and equipment check will be done early the next morning.

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

We depart Moshi or Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant, and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rainforest until the reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.

Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

We continue climbing through the rainforest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.

Saddle Huts to Summit
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Summit to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.

Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Our friendly driver will  be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport at any time that you desire to catch your flight home (or to Zanzibar?). Check-out time is 10 am but if your flight is later in the day, we can look into the possibility of a late checkout time or booking of a dayroom.

  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Group transport to and from Moshi to the trailhead
  • Expert guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters
  • Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
  • Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
  • Airfare
  • Tanzanian Tourist Visa
  • Lunch or dinner at hotel
  • Beverages at hotel
  • Personal gear and equipment
  • Tips