This four-day climb to Mt. Meru provides stunning views and beautiful hikes for nature lovers. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and requires more technical skills than Kilimanjaro.
Standing at an impressive 4,566 meters, Mt. Meru is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and the second-highest peak in Tanzania. Approximately 250,000 years ago, a monumental volcanic eruption reshaped the landscape, destroying the entire eastern flank of the mountain and giving it the distinctive silhouette it has today.
The ascent of Mt. Meru takes you through diverse vegetation zones. As you approach the summit, you will transition from arid forests in the lower regions to dense mountain rainforests, onto scrublands, and finally to alpine terrain. With each change in vegetation, the wildlife also evolves. Along the way, you may encounter a variety of large game, including giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys, and antelopes.
For safety reasons, you must be accompanied by an armed park ranger during your four-day climb of Mt. Meru.
Important Note: The final segment of the ascent includes several straightforward but unguarded climbing sections. Having a strong tolerance for heights and being sure-footed is crucial. The park ranger can cancel a summit attempt if weather conditions are unfavourable, such as heavy rain, icy surfaces, or dense fog. It is strongly discouraged to attempt to climb Mt. Meru during the rainy season in April and May.
Distance approx. 35km; driving time approx. Upon landing at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and escorted to the lodge on the outskirts of Lodgesha. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Later in the evening, you’ll participate in a briefing session to prepare for your upcoming trek. You will receive dinner and overnight accommodations at the Meru View Lodge.
Altitude ↑1000m; walking time approx. 4-5 hours Your transportation will arrive at your lodge at dawn to convey you to the Arusha National Park gate. During the wait, your guide will handle the registration formalities. Once all arrangements are in order and the hiking team has assembled, you’ll embark from the Momella Gate, marking the commencement of your 4-day Mt. Meru climb.
Accompanied by an armed park ranger, your journey begins amidst open grasslands, where sightings of giraffes and buffaloes are common. Progressing along the southern route, you’ll soon enter the acacia forest. After trekking for approximately 2 hours, you will arrive at Maio Falls – a picturesque spot perfect for resting and enjoying a picnic.
Continuing onward, you’ll encounter the renowned “fig tree arch” before finally reaching the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and refreshments. You’ll spend the night at the Miriakamba Hut. Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude ↑1050m; walking time approx. 3-4 hours As the morning breaks, you’ll ascend along wooden steps, tracing a steep path. The temperature drops noticeably with the increased altitude, making the trek feel more accessible than the previous day. The rainforest is often enveloped in low-hanging clouds, casting a mystical ambiance over the verdant surroundings.
After approximately 2 hours of uphill trekking, you’ll arrive at the scenic viewpoint known as “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at an altitude of 3200m, where you’ll take a well-deserved break. As you continue, the vegetation transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland, eventually leading you to Saddle Hut around midday. You can hike to Little Meru (3820m) in the afternoon, about 1 to 2 hours from this vantage point.
From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Arusha National Park and the distant Mount Kilimanjaro, about 80 kilometers away. Returning to Saddle Hut, you’ll savor a hearty meal before retiring early, as your wake-up call is scheduled just after midnight. Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude ↑1010m|↓2060m; walking time approx. 10-14 hours Following a light snack and a soothing cup of tea, you’ll depart from the camp at approximately 2 am. Guided by the glow of headlamps, you’ll navigate through bushland until you reach Rhino Point (3821m). From this juncture, the trail intensifies, requiring occasional climbing as you traverse frozen volcanic ash and rocky terrain along the crater rim.
After a rigorous ascent lasting around 4 to 5 hours, you’ll arrive at the summit: Socialist Peak. Witness the majestic sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and relish the breathtaking panorama of Mount Meru’s crater, distinguished by its sheer walls and central ash cone. The descent retraces the same path back to Saddle Hut, where you’ll pause to replenish your energy with steaming hot soup and tea.
Once revitalized, you’ll resume the descent, aiming to arrive at Miriakamba Hut by early afternoon – fatigued yet content. Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude ↓1000m; walking time approx. 2-3 hours Following breakfast, you’ll embark on the northern route, a trek spanning 2 to 3 hours back to the Momella Gate.
While the descent takes a shorter path than the ascent, you’ll still have the opportunity to encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and the distinctive black and white colobus monkeys. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll bid farewell to your hiking crew before your driver escorts you back to Meru View Lodge, where you’ll commemorate your accomplishment and spend the night. Breakfast Dinner
Following your morning meal, arrangements will be made for your transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, should you wish to prolong your journey, you can partake in a safari adventure or unwind amidst the pristine white sands of the Indian Ocean beaches. Breakfast
The 10-day Lemosho Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro provides a scenic and gradual ascent, offering breathtaking views and a more immersive climbing experience.
The 4-day climb offers a unique and challenging adventure, featuring dramatic landscapes and rewarding views from the summit of the world’s only active carbonatite volcano.
The 6-day Machame Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a challenging yet rewarding adventure, with stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems leading to the summit.
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Oluwaru Safaris is a Tanzanian tour company specialising in wildlife safaris, mountain trekking, and cultural beach holidays. With over ten years of experience, we offer unique travel experiences and support research on African culture, as well as event organisation, such as seminars and workshops.
