Mount Meru
Trekking The Meru
Experience the adventure of a lifetime on Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). Located just 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru offers an exceptional trekking experience that combines dramatic volcanic landscapes, incredible wildlife encounters, and stunning summit views.
This dormant volcano last erupted in 1910 and has since become one of East Africa’s most rewarding climbs. Unlike the crowded trails of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a more intimate wilderness experience with far fewer trekkers, making it perfect for those seeking authentic adventure in a pristine natural setting.
Why Choose Mount Meru?
Spectacular Wildlife Encounters
Mount Meru is one of the few high-altitude treks in the world where wildlife viewing is a central part of the experience. The Arusha National Park hosts buffalo, giraffes, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbucks, warthogs, zebras, waterbucks, hippos, and flamingos, with over 400 bird species. On the lower forested slopes, you may encounter elephants, though they’re rarely seen. An armed park ranger accompanies all trekking groups through these wildlife zones to ensure your safety during the initial ascent.
Diverse Ecological Zones
Your journey takes you through remarkably varied landscapes. The route passes through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands, and desert uplands, with each zone offering its own unique flora and stunning scenery. Giant heather forests give way to alpine moorland before reaching the barren volcanic summit ridge.
Breathtaking Summit Experience
The summit is reached via a narrow, barren ridge offering stunning views of the Ash Cone lying hundreds of feet below in the crater. On clear days, sunrise from Socialist Peak reveals spectacular panoramas of Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically in the distance—one of the most photographed scenes in East Africa.
Perfect Kilimanjaro Preparation
Mount Meru serves as an excellent acclimatization trek before attempting Kilimanjaro, helping your body adapt to high altitude while reducing the risk of altitude sickness on Africa’s highest peak. Many experienced climbers choose to tackle Meru first, building confidence and fitness before their Kilimanjaro ascent.
The Trekking Experience
Duration & Route
The standard Mount Meru climb takes 3 to 4 days via the Momella Route, which is the only route up the mountain. While the 3-day option saves time and money, the 4-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization and a more enjoyable experience. The trek covers approximately 43 kilometers round-trip with around 3,300 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty Level
Mount Meru is moderately difficult and suitable for fit hikers, requiring no technical mountaineering skills. However, don’t underestimate this mountain. Summit day is particularly challenging, involving 12-15 hours of trekking in the dark at high altitude, with steep climbs and narrow ridge sections.
The mountain is quite steep and technical in places, requiring reasonable fitness, though it’s more manageable than Kilimanjaro for most climbers.
Physical Requirements
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength are essential. While no technical climbing skills are required, you should be comfortable:
- Walking long distances over consecutive days
- Ascending steep, sometimes rocky terrain
- Managing mild altitude effects
- Hiking for extended periods (especially on summit day)
The Main Challenges
- Steep terrain with significant elevation gain
- High altitude effects (headaches, breathlessness, fatigue)
- Exposed ridges requiring a head for heights
- Long summit day starting at midnight
Accommodation
Accommodation is in well-equipped mountain huts with dormitory-style bunk beds, electricity for charging devices, dining areas, and flush toilets.
The two main huts are Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut, both offering dormitory rooms sleeping up to four people. No bedding is provided, so trekkers must bring their own sleeping bags.
Best Time to Climb
The optimal climbing seasons are during the dry months from June to October and December to February, offering clear skies, favorable weather, and excellent visibility. For the clearest views of Mount Kilimanjaro, December to February is ideal. Avoid the rainy seasons (March to May and November) when trails become slippery and views are obscured.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Momella Gate (1500 M) –Miriakamba Hut (2541 M) Walking Time: 4-6 Hours
Leaving early in the morning from Moshi and driving to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. Driving takes about 3 hours. At the gate you will clear your trekking permits, meet up with your porters, guide, cook and game ranger, and start climbing. You will pass open grassland which will give you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers. You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue climbing through mountain forest. There you will have chance to see many different kind of birds and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Finally you will reach Miriakamba Hut where you will stay overnight.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2541 M) – Saddle Hut (3570 M) Walking Time: 3-5 Hours
Second day climbing is quite short but demanding. You will start early in the morning and ascent steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. There you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours climbing you will reach Saddle Hut where you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will have another hiking to Little Meru (3794 m) for superb views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight. It is good to go to sleep early so that you get enough rest for the next day’s hiking.
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3570 M) – Rhino Point (3850 M) – Peak ( 4566 M) – Rhino Point (3850 M) – Saddle Hut (3570 M) – Miriakamba Hut (2541 M) Walking Time: 10-12 Hours
You will start climbing between1 to 2 at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m) and from there towards the summit along very narrow ridge. You will reach the summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) right at the sunrise. The sceneries there are stunning; you will see Mount Kilimanjaro in close distance. After taking photos on the summit you will descent back to Saddle hut.
Note: On icy conditions or strong wind it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and summit. You guide will decide if the conditions are not good enough to continue.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2541 M) – Momella Gate (1500 M) Walking Time: 2-5 Hours
You will leave about at 8.00 in the morning and descent to Momella gate. You can choose longer or shorter route down. On the longer way down you have very good changes to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Moshi will be waiting for you.
At this peak, you can celebrate your accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa”. The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. Following a 1 – 2 hour break, you will once again be on your way hiking to the Horombo Hut (3700 m).
Climbing Costs
| Number of Person(s) | Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 1-2 persons | 970 |
| 3-5 persons | 945 |
| 6-7 persons | 930 |
Price includes:
- 4X4 safari car with roof that can be opened during the game drive
- Transportation from your accommodation place and back
- Professional Driver/Guide
- All the meals and drinking water
- Accommodation (Camping, Lodge or Hotel)
- All the park fees, transfer fees and other obligatory fees
- 1 Emergency oxygen cylinder per 5 passengers and a first aid kit
- Boiled drinking water on the trek (from the first camp onwards)
- Certificate from Kilimanjaro National Park for reaching Stella Point, Gilman’s Point, or Uhuru Peak
Price excludes:
- Tipping for Crew (Cooks, Guides and Poters)
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is climbing Mount Meru compared to Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Meru is often considered more technically challenging than Kilimanjaro despite being lower in altitude. The terrain is steeper with more sustained climbing, and the final summit push involves navigating a narrow ridge with steep drops on either side. Summit day requires 12-15 hours of trekking, starting at midnight. However, altitude sickness is less common on Meru due to the lower elevation (4,566m vs 5,895m). You need good fitness and stamina rather than just altitude tolerance. Many climbers use Mount Meru as preparation for Kilimanjaro, as it builds both physical conditioning and mental confidence for high-altitude trekking.
Will I see dangerous animals during the Mount Meru trek?
Yes, Mount Meru passes through Arusha National Park, home to buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. This is what makes the trek unique and exciting. For your safety, an armed park ranger accompanies every group through the lower forested sections where animals are most active. Wildlife encounters are generally safe when you follow your guide’s instructions—maintain distance, stay quiet, and never approach animals. Most dangerous animals keep their distance from groups. The wildlife presence adds an incredible dimension to your trek that you won’t find on Kilimanjaro or most other mountain climbs.
What is the best time of year to climb Mount Meru?
The best months for climbing Mount Meru are during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February. These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and the best chances for stunning summit views of Mount Kilimanjaro. December to February provides the clearest visibility and warmest temperatures. Avoid the rainy seasons (March to May and November) when trails become muddy and slippery, clouds obscure views, and hiking conditions are more challenging. TAVO Adventures can advise you on optimal timing based on your schedule and whether you’re combining Meru with other Tanzania adventures.
Do I need previous mountaineering experience to climb Mount Meru?
No technical mountaineering skills are required for Mount Meru, making it accessible to fit hikers without climbing experience. However, you should have good cardiovascular fitness and be comfortable with steep, sustained hiking over multiple days. The summit ridge is narrow and exposed, so you’ll need a reasonable head for heights.
Previous multi-day hiking experience is beneficial but not essential. If you can comfortably hike 6-8 hours with elevation gain and have trained for several weeks beforehand, you should be well-prepared. TAVO Adventures’ experienced guides provide support throughout the journey, helping you navigate challenging sections safely.
Can I climb Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro on the same trip?
Absolutely! Combining Mount Meru with Kilimanjaro is highly recommended and increasingly popular. Mount Meru serves as excellent acclimatization for Kilimanjaro, helping your body adjust to altitude gradually and significantly improving your chances of summit success on Kilimanjaro. The typical approach is to climb Mount Meru (3-4 days), rest for 2-3 days, then attempt Kilimanjaro (6-9 days depending on route). This combination gives you two incredible mountain experiences and better prepares you physically and mentally for Kilimanjaro’s challenges. TAVO Adventures can create a comprehensive itinerary that includes both mountains, plus optional safari or Zanzibar extensions for a complete Tanzania adventure
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- info@tavoadventures.com
- P. O. Box 8193 Moshi, Kilimanjaro Shanty Town Road Plot No 147 B”