3 Days – Mount Meru Hiking

3 Days
  • 12
  • 65
  • 1
  • 3 Stars Hotels, Tent Camping
  • Safari Vehicles
  • 5895 Metres
  • Moshi
  • Jan, Feb, Mar, July, Aug & Sept
  • Available
  • All meals during the trek
  • English, Spanish, French
  • 5-6 Hours
  • Available

Trip Overview

Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, offers an unforgettable trekking experience for hikers seeking breathtaking scenery, fewer crowds, and a rewarding challenge. Often overshadowed by its towering neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru stands proudly at 4,566 meters, boasting diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and panoramic summit views.
This 3-day trek takes you through lush montane forest teeming with birds and monkeys, across open moorlands, and up to the dramatic crater rim. The final push to the summit includes a thrilling ridge walk along the crater's edge, offering incredible sunrise views over the plains below and Kilimanjaro rising in the distance.
Led by professional guides and accompanied by an armed park ranger (due to the presence of wildlife), this adventure is perfect for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro or as a standalone climb for nature-loving trekkers.

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

  • Day
    1

    Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

    Your Mount Meru adventure begins with a drive to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, where you’ll register and meet your professional mountain crew, including an armed ranger who will accompany you for safety. The trek starts through open grassland dotted with giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs. As you gradually ascend, the scenery shifts into lush montane forest alive with bird calls and monkey chatter. You may spot colobus monkeys swinging in the canopy or bushbucks rustling in the undergrowth. The trail is peaceful and rich in nature, offering a gentle start to your journey. After about 5 to 6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Miriakamba Hut, nestled in the forest where you’ll rest for the night and enjoy a warm meal.

    45 minute
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping Tent Stay
  • Day
    2

    Saddle Hut – Summit (4,566 m) – Return to Momella Gate

    Your summit attempt begins in the early hours, usually around 2:00 AM. Equipped with headlamps, warm layers, and determination, you’ll ascend steep trails toward Rhino Point (3,800 m) and continue along a dramatic ridge leading to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) – the true summit of Mount Meru. As dawn breaks, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sunrise over the plains of Tanzania, with Mount Kilimanjaro glowing in the distance. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, overlooking the Meru crater, ash cone, and surrounding highlands. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and brunch. You’ll then continue all the way down to Momella Gate, passing through the same rich forest that welcomed you on day one. After checking out, you’ll be transferred back to Arusha or Moshi, marking the end of an unforgettable mountain journey.

    45 minute
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Mountain Camping Tent Stay
  • Day
    3

    Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)

    Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.


    Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
    Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Pricing

Number of Travelers in Group DiscountCost Per Traveler in US($)
1 Person$950
2-4 People$800
5-7 People$750
8+ People$700

The Cost Includes

  • 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
  • Hot Water For Washing Purposes
  • Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved.

The Cost Excludes

  • Pre & Post Trek accommodation
  • 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

What about solar protection?

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

I would like to book but I have group is large group, is this a problem?

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.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody but run the treks ourselves through our own Tanzanian company. So you can rest assured that whoever you speak to in our company has climbed Kilimanjaro – and probably many times.

Are there charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are no charging stations on Mount Kilimanjaro. We recommend bringing Power Banks and spare batteries. There are charging ports in our safari vehicles.

Do we tip the hiking crew?

 
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.

What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?

 
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese, and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken, and meat. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate will be available as well.

How long is the hike?

 
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.

What kind of experience do I need?

 
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.

How high is Kilimanjaro?

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.

Where is Kilimanjaro?

The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.

Do You Offer Private & Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro?

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

What if I have special dietary requirements?

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

What travel documents do I need?

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.

Do you arrange airport pick up & Drop off?

Yes, we do arrange this. Please send your request to Safari.

Who are your operators in Tanzania?

We are. We are not agents for anybody, but run the treks ourselves through our own registered Tanzanian local company.

What are the Kilimanjaro accommodations like?

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.

What kind of food will I eat?

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!

Will I see wildlife?

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.

How many hours will I trek each day?

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.

Do You Offer Crater Camp Option On Kilimanjaro Climbs

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

Do You Offer Private and Fully Customizable Climbs For Kilimanjaro

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.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

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.