Trip Overview
Mount Meru, standing proudly at 4,566 meters, is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and one of East Africa’s hidden trekking gems. Although often overshadowed by its mighty neighbor Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers an equally thrilling adventure with fewer crowds, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife encounters.
This 4-day trek allows a gradual and well-paced ascent, perfect for acclimatization and enjoyment. The trail winds through Arusha National Park, beginning in open savannah and lush rainforest where giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys are commonly seen. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into alpine meadows and dramatic ridges, eventually leading to a thrilling sunrise summit at Socialist Peak.
The trek is fully guided by professional mountain guides and includes the support of an armed park ranger due to the abundance of wildlife along the route. Trekkers stay in simple but comfortable mountain huts, making this climb logistically easier than camping-based treks.
With breathtaking views of the Meru crater and ash cone, and the sight of Kilimanjaro floating on the horizon, Mount Meru is a must for adventure seekers looking for a shorter yet highly rewarding mountain experience.
Highlights
- Scenic trek through Arusha National Park with rich wildlife viewing
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the summit
- Stay in rustic mountain huts – no need for camping gear
- Professional guides and armed ranger for a safe, guided journey
- Unique crater and ash cone landscape
- Customizations: Can be customized upon request, to meet traveler's needs
- Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
- Trip Availability: All year round.
- Less crowded than Kilimanjaro – a true off-the-beaten-path experience
Itinerary
In the morning we are collected from your hotel and transfer to Arusha National Park. At the Momella gate we finish registration formalities before setting off with your guide and armed ranger – there is abundant wildlife in the forests! The forest section is especially scenic with strangler figs and the possibility of seeing buffalo grazing in one of the clearings. In the late afternoon we reach a viewpoint before heading onto Miriakamba hut for dinner.
We set off from Miriakamba initially still in the forest zone but in a few hours as we reach Saddle hut for lunch in the alpine desert zone. In the afternoon a walk to the summit of Little Meru can be taken for stunning views before heading back to Saddle Hut for dinner.
You’ll wake around midnight to begin your exhilarating climb to the summit. The trail is steep and challenging, passing Rhino Point (3,800 m) and Cobra Point (4,350 m) as you ascend the narrow crater ridge by headlamp. The reward? A stunning sunrise from Socialist Peak (4,566 m), where the glowing outline of Mount Kilimanjaro floats above the clouds. This is one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Tanzania. After taking photos and soaking in the moment, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and then continue to Miriakamba Hut for your final night on the mountain. This long but rewarding day takes about 10–12 hours total.rly steep.
High Altitude Camping
After breakfast, you’ll descend through the same scenic trail you ascended on Day 1. The pace is relaxed, giving you more chances to spot wildlife and enjoy the final stretch of forest. Upon arrival at Momella Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your mountain crew. A private vehicle will transfer you back to Hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your unforgettable 4-day Mount Meru adventure.
Pricing
| Number of Travelers in Group Discount | Cost Per Traveler in US($) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,500 |
| 2-4 People | $1,400 |
| 5-7 People | $1,300 |
| 8+ People | $1,200 |
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Portable toilets and toilet tents
- Hot Water For Washing Purposes
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- Insurance fees
- Cost of Visas.
- Bank transfer charges & card payment processing fee.
- Expenses belong to a personal nature e.g. Drinks not included on the meal plans, personal purchases, Laundry etc.
FAQs
Tanzania is very near to the equator. So the sun is always at its acme for most of the day. The sun can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, shades, and use SPF sunblock lotion
We aim to keep the size of the public groups to a minimum, as we feel that a group that is much larger than ten trekkers is cumbersome and trekkers lose the sense that they are in a wilderness if there are too many people. That said, if you are a single, private group, then there is no problem accommodating you whatever the size of the group, as, of course, you will be aware before arriving in Tanzania of the number of people you will be trekking with.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to
You will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your dates of travel with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed.
Yes, we do arrange this. Please send your request to Safari.
We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
An overnight stop at Crater Camp is an optional extra on any customized Kilimanjaro climb , usually lasting eight actual mountain days or more on the Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe and Machame routes. Possibly the most bizarre place you will ever see, it is visited by less than 5% of the 40,000 to 50,000 people who annually ascent Kilimanjaro on a distinct highlands voyage in northern Tanzania
Your Kilimanjaro dream climb is entirely your own to design. We will work with you to customize exactly the triumphant Tanzanian mountainous quest experience you want. You go with the people you choose. You leave on whatever day you wish. You decide on your preferred route option, pace, and the number of days you will take.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
