Mount Meru Trek
Summit Tanzania’s second-highest mountain through forest, heathland and the dramatic Meru crater.
Mount Meru at 4,565 m
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, rising to 4,565 metres (14,977 ft) inside Arusha National Park. The standard Momella Route offers a spectacular high-altitude trekking experience through montane forest, sub-afroalpine heath and the open Afroalpine environment surrounding the summit. The 4-day itinerary provides a balanced approach to Mount Meru, with overnight stays at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut before the early-morning summit attempt. Trekkers reach Socialist Peak at 4,565 metres before descending to Miriakamba Hut for a final night on the mountain. Along the route, trekkers experience diverse vegetation, volcanic landscapes, the dramatic Meru Crater and Ash Cone, and opportunities to see wildlife and birdlife within Arusha National Park. On clear days, the summit ridge also provides impressive views toward Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is also commonly used as an acclimatization climb before a Kilimanjaro expedition.
Mount Meru is a spectacular dormant stratovolcano and Tanzania’s second-highest mountain. The 4-day Momella Route combines diverse ecosystems, dramatic volcanic scenery and a challenging summit ridge leading to Socialist Peak.
With nights at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut, the itinerary allows trekkers to progressively gain altitude before the summit attempt.
- 01Summit Mount Meru at 4,565 m
- 02Trek through three major ecological zones
- 03Explore the dramatic Meru Crater and Ash Cone
- 04Wildlife and birdlife along the lower mountain slopes
- 05Enjoy panoramic views toward Mount Kilimanjaro in clear weather
- 06Stay overnight in mountain huts at Miriakamba and Saddle Hut
- 07Experience Tanzania’s second-highest mountain
4 Days Mount Meru Trekking
The standard Mount Meru climb follows the Momella Route inside Arusha National Park. The 4-day itinerary is designed to provide a more gradual ascent and additional acclimatization compared with the shorter 3-day option.
An optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru, approximately 3,800 m, can be undertaken from Saddle Hut when time, weather and group conditions allow.
The summit attempt begins around midnight on Day 3. Trekkers ascend toward the crater rim and continue along the exposed crater ridge to Socialist Peak before descending to Saddle Hut and continuing to Miriakamba Hut.
Weather, trail conditions, group pace and mountain conditions may affect the exact timing and itinerary.
The full line, day by day.
Click any day below to read the full story — every day carries its own photo, elevation and overnight details.
Day 1: Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut
After registration and park formalities at Momella Gate, begin the trek through the lower slopes of Mount Meru. The trail passes through open areas before entering the montane forest. The lower mountain provides opportunities to encounter wildlife and birdlife as the trail gradually gains altitude. Continue through the forest toward Miriakamba Hut, where you spend the night.
OPTIONAL COMFORT & TREK ADD-ONS
Enhance your climb.
Add any of these to your booking — tell your trip planner which options you would like.
Private tent
$100 per trekA private tent option for guests who prefer additional privacy during the mountain experience.
Luxury mattress
$35 per climberA 3-inch-thick, 2.5-foot-wide mattress, compared with the standard 1.5-inch-thick, 2-foot-wide mattress.
High-profile tent
$40 per tentA higher-profile tent option providing additional space and comfort.
Required when using a camp cot — add it separately if you book a cot.
Camp cot
$150 per cotAn optional raised sleeping arrangement for additional comfort.
A high-profile tent is required when using a camp cot.
Hot water bottle
FREE upon requestAvailable to help keep the sleeping bag warm during cold mountain nights.
Day pack porter
$10 per dayAn optional porter service for guests who prefer additional assistance carrying their day pack.
Gamow bag
$300 per trekAn optional altitude-support equipment service.
Post-climb massage
$20 per half hourA post-trek recovery option available after completing the climb.
Post-trek laundry service
$10/kgSame-day laundry service is available.
Please note: Some optional add-ons may require additional porters during the trek. The salaries for any additional porters required because of these services are included in the applicable add-on price.
Asked on every briefing call.
How high is Mount Meru?+
Mount Meru rises to 4,565 metres (14,977 ft), with Socialist Peak being its highest point.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Meru?+
The standard itinerary is 4 days and 3 nights. A shorter 3-day itinerary is also possible but involves a much longer and more demanding summit day.
What route is used to climb Mount Meru?+
The standard Mount Meru climb follows the Momella Route inside Arusha National Park.
Is there wildlife on Mount Meru?+
Yes. The lower sections of the route pass through Arusha National Park, where trekkers may encounter wildlife and a variety of bird species.
