Mount Meru Climbing

Safari summary

Mount Meru, towering at 4,566 meters, is Tanzania's second highest peak and the fifth highest in Africa. The mountain's striking profile was shaped by a colossal volcanic eruption about 250,000 years ago, which blew away its eastern flank, leaving behind its distinctive appearance. The trek up Mount Meru provides a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush forests to arid alpine deserts, and encounters with a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, always accompanied by an armed park ranger for safety.

On Day One you’ll depart from Moshi or Arusha and travel to Arusha National Park Gate to complete entry formalities. Afterward, a short drive takes you to Momella Gate where your hike begins. The route leads through acacia forests and past the scenic Maio Falls, reaching Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) by the evening. Here, you'll enjoy dinner and a restful night amidst the serene wilderness.

Day two, starts with a climb from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,550m), passing through a cool rainforest that eventually gives way to open bushland. A break at the ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ viewpoint (3,200m) offers panoramic views, and an optional hike to Little Meru (3,820m) provides stunning vistas of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. After lunch at Saddle Hut, you'll prepare for the summit push, with a briefing on the next day's climb.

On Day Three, you set out early to reach Socialist Peak (4,562m) before sunrise. The ascent involves navigating rocky ridges and volcanic ash, culminating in breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and Meru’s crater. The descent returns you to Saddle Hut for a brief rest before continuing back to Miriakamba Hut for another overnight stay.

On the final Day four, you'll descend via the Northern Route to Momella Gate. This shorter trek still offers opportunities for wildlife sightings, including elephants, giraffes, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you'll bid farewell to your hiking crew before returning to Arusha or Moshi, marking the end of your rewarding Mount Meru adventure.

About this tour

	Tour type	Set-date, set-itinerary, group
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights

• Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

• Accommodation
• Airport transfers
• Meals
• Park fees
• Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

• Alcoholic beverages
• Internal flights
• International flights
• Laundry
• Private vehicle and driver
• Visas