Mount Meru: trekking

The trekking tour on Mount Meru has been planned basically over 4 days, of whom 3 for climbing to the peak and 1 for going down to the Momella Gate.

The program includes the pick up at Kilimanjaro airport (or at Arusha airport for domestic flights), overnight stays in Arusha for both the first and last night, in a lodge selected directly by us, and transport to the airport at the end of the experience. You will enjoy full board accommodations with meals cooked by our chef.

For any practical information you can check our guide.

Mount meru trekking is also possible in combination with a safari or a beach holiday. In this case, we highly recommend to perform firstly the trek and then carrying on with either the Northern parks or Zanzibar archipelago.

Mount Meru trekking: day by day program

Day 1 – Pick up at Kilimanjaro/Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by one of our guides who will bring you to Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha. For the rest of the day, you will be free to visit the city of Arusha, if compatible with the flight arrival time. The day will end in the evening with the briefing for the trek of the next day.

Day 2 – Arusha – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours.

In the morning you will leave for the gate of Arusha National Park. Once the administrative formalities have been completed, you will finally leave for the Momella Gate. An armed ranger, during the entire trekking time, will join the group in which there are also porters and cook. From the beginning you will have the opportunity to spot giraffes and buffaloes. After about 2 hours you will reach the Maio waterfalls, the perfect place to rest and have a picnic. You will then continue through the famous “Fig Arch” until we reach the Miriakamba Hut in time for a tea. Here you will spend the night.

Day 3 – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Saddle Hut (3,500 m)

Hiking time: 4 hours.

Fairly short day, but the climb is steep. After an ascent of about 2 hours, you will reach the “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) viewpoint at 3,200 m above sea level, where you can enjoy a well-deserved break. The vegetation changes from the rainforest to the moorland and you will reach Saddle Hut at around noon. In the afternoon, you have the opportunity, if you would like, to go for a hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which lasts about 2 hours. From here you will enjoy a magnificent view of Kilimanjaro. The wake up time will be around 1 am.

Day 4 – Saddle Hut (3,500 m) – Socialist Peak (4,566 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Hiking time: 11 to 13 hours.

Wake up with tea and biscuits and departure at around 2 a.m. . Illuminating the steep street with torches you will arrive at Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the route becomes more demanding and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the edge of the crater. After about 4-5 hours you will reach the summit at Socialist Peak (4,556 m), just in time to see the sun rise over Kilimanjaro. The descent follows the same path to return to Saddle Hut, where you will have a well-deserved lunch. Once you have lunch, you will continue the descent and in the early afternoon you will reach the Miriakamba Hut.

N.B. In case of adverse weather it will not be possible to continue beyond Rhino Point.

Day 5 – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Arusha

Hiking time: 3 hours.

After breakfast, with a 2-3 hour descent through the Northern Route you will reach Momella Gate. The descent follows a shorter path than the climb but you will still have the chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and colobus monkeys.

Arrived at the park entrance you will continue with our private vehicle for the Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa in Arusha.