6 Days Mount Meru Climb
Climbing Mount Meru is a magical experience for nature lovers, this 6 Days Mount Meru Climb takes you along the trails less traveled, rewarding you with stunning views and scenic hikes. Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and sometimes used as a warm-up climb in preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro.
However, technical requirements are more extensive than climbing Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation is in rustic huts and climbs.
Highlights of 6 Days Mount Meru Climb
- Day 1 | Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
- Day 2 | Arusha – Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
- Day 3 | Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)
- Day 4 | Saddle Hut (3550m) – Socialist Peak (4562m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
- Day 5 | Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Momella Gate (1500m) – Arusha
- Day 6 | Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Detailed itinerary of 6 Days Mount Meru Climb
Day 1 | Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Distance approx. 35km; driving time approx. 45 minutes
Upon you arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to the lodge in Arusha on the outskirts of Arusha. The rest of the day is at leisure and in the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek.
Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 | Arusha – Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Altitude ↑1000m; walking time approx. 4-5 hours
In the morning, you will be collected from your lodge and taken to the Arusha National Park Gate. While you wait, your guide will complete the registration forms. Once the formalities have been sorted out and the hiking team has gathered, you will be taken to the Momella Gate. Your 6 Days Mount Meru Climb begins. From here, an armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start, you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grassland. Soon you will enter the acacia forest on the southern route. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. You will finally arrive at the Miriakambu Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 | Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)
Altitude ↑1050m; walking time approx. 3-4 hours
In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (Elephant back) at a height of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heath and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820m) which should take about 1 to 2hours. From here you can enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro about 80 kilometers away. Back to Saddle Hut, you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early, as you wake – up call will be just after midnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 | Saddle Hut (3550m) – Socialist Peak (4562m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Altitude ↑1010m|↓2060m; walking time approx. 10-14 hours
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at around 2 am. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821m). From here, the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours, you should reach the summit: Socialist Peak. Experience the sun rising above Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mount Meru’s Crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in its middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and during the early afternoon, you should reach Miriakamba Hut – tired, but happy.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 | Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Momella Gate (1500m) – Arusha
Altitude ↓1000m; walking time approx. 2-3 hours
After breakfast, you will follow the so-called northern route – a 2 to 3 hours trek back to the Momella Gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent, but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to Meru View Lodge where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 | Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can extend your trip and go on safari or relax at the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean.
End of 6 Days Mount Meru Climb
Included
- professional, English-speaking guide
- mountain crew (cook & porters)
- 5 nights‘ stay in lodges and mountain huts
- meals according to the itinerary
- drinking water
- all national park fees
- all mentioned transfers
Excluded
- flights (international and domestic)
- meals not indicated in the itinerary
- alcoholic and soft drinks
- sleeping bag (can be rented at extra cost)
- tips
- personal expenses, visa fees, travel insurance