Mount Meru

Mount Meru

Overview

Tanzania's Second Peak

4,566m
Elevation
Moderate
Difficulty
4 Days
Duration

Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,566m offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Located within Arusha National Park, the route passes through montane forest, alpine meadows, and volcanic scree. An excellent acclimatization trek before attempting Kilimanjaro.

Arusha National Park Best: Year-round 4.7 (89 reviews)
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Mount Meru
Highlights

Why Climb Meru

Kilimanjaro Sunrise Views

From Meru's summit, watch the sun rise over Mount Kilimanjaro — a breathtaking view that makes the climb truly unforgettable.

Wildlife en Route

Arusha National Park is home to giraffe, buffalo, zebra, and colobus monkeys. Wildlife sightings are common on the lower slopes.

Crater Camping

Camp inside the crater of an extinct volcano — a unique experience few treks can offer. Sleep at 3,570m surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

Momella Lakes

The Momella Lakes at the base of Meru are stunning alkaline lakes teeming with flamingos and other waterbirds.

Forest Trails

Trek through lush montane forest with giant podocarpus trees, moss-draped branches, and the calls of colobus monkeys overhead.

Expert Guides

Our experienced mountain guides know every trail and ensure your safety, comfort, and success on this beautiful peak.

Scenery

Meru Scenery

Colobus Monkey
Colobus Monkey
Forest Landscape
Forest Views
Bird
Birdlife
Mountain Views
Mountain Views
Alpine Landscape
Alpine Landscape
Waterfall
Waterfall
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

A classic 4-day Mount Meru trekking itinerary. All treks are fully customizable.

Day 1
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut. Trek through montane forest and open grassland with excellent views. Distance: 8km, 4-5 hours.

Day 2
Miriakamba to Saddle Hut

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut. Ascend through heath and moorland to the saddle between Meru and Little Meru. Distance: 5km, 3-4 hours.

Day 3
Summit & Descend

Summit (4,566m) early morning, descend to Miriakamba. Summit for sunrise over Kilimanjaro, then descend back through alpine terrain. Distance: 12km, 8-10 hours.

Day 4
Descent to Gate

Descent to gate. Final walk through forest back to Momella Gate. Depart for Arusha.

Route

Mount Meru Routes

Mount Meru is climbed via the Momella Route — the only route up the mountain. Below are the stages with distances and elevations.

Stage 1
Momella Gate → Miriakamba Hut
8 km 1,500m → 2,500m 4-5 hours

Trek through lush montane forest with giant podocarpus trees, moss-draped branches, and frequent sightings of colobus monkeys, giraffe, and buffalo. The trail climbs steadily through Arusha National Park's diverse vegetation.

Stage 2
Miriakamba Hut → Saddle Hut
5 km 2,500m → 3,570m 3-4 hours

Enter heath and moorland zone with giant heather and protea flowers. The trail opens up to stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Camp at Saddle Hut — a unique crater camping experience at 3,570m surrounded by dramatic volcanic cliffs.

Stage 3
Saddle Hut → Summit (Socialist Peak)
7 km 3,570m → 4,566m 6-8 hours

Pre-dawn summit push via steep alpine scree. Ascend through the ash cone to reach Socialist Peak at 4,566m. Watch the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro — one of Africa's most spectacular views. Descend back to Saddle Hut for rest.

Stage 4
Saddle Hut → Momella Gate
8 km 3,570m → 1,500m 3-4 hours

Final descent through all ecological zones — alpine desert, moorland, and montane forest back to Momella Gate. Pass by the beautiful Momella Lakes, known for flamingos and waterbirds. Certificate presentation and departure for Arusha.

Total trekking distance: ~28 km | Total elevation gain: 3,066m | Difficulty: Moderate

Gallery

Meru Gallery

Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Mount Meru
Accommodation

Where You'll Stay

Arusha National Park Rest House
Park Rest Houses

Comfortable A-frame rest houses at Miriakamba and Saddle huts. Shared facilities with bunk beds and dining area.

4.5 (203 reviews)
Mountain Tents
Mountain Tents

Quality mountain tents for those preferring a more private camping experience on the mountain slopes.

4.6 (156 reviews)
Arusha Hotel
Arusha Hotel

Comfortable pre and post-trek accommodation in Arusha with pool, restaurant, and all amenities.

4.4 (89 reviews)
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Let our trekking experts design the perfect Mount Meru climb for you. A beautiful standalone trek or the perfect warm-up for Kilimanjaro.

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