Mount Meru trek – 4 days
$1,108
Mount Meru rises to 14,980 ft (4,566 m) above the African savannah and rainforests, making it one of the continent’s highest peaks and the second tallest in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro. While Kilimanjaro often takes the spotlight, Meru offers a striking and less-traveled alternative with its own unique appeal.
This package includes three nights on the mountain, one night before the trek, and a day-use room afterwards for your comfort and recovery. Climbing Mount Meru is more than a hike, it’s a thrilling journey through changing ecosystems. From dense tropical forest to alpine desert, offering close encounters with wildlife along the way. Nestled within a national park, Meru’s slopes are home to rare animals and diverse plant life, making every step a scenic and rewarding experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival and travel to Arusha
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Before the climb, your guide will conduct a detailed pre-climb briefing to go over key information and review your gear. If anything is missing, your guide will assist you in renting the necessary equipment.
Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for both wildlife and nature enthusiasts. The on-site game sanctuary was created to care for orphaned and injured animals, helping them rehabilitate for a return to the wild. The lodge features 15 en-suite double or twin rooms, as well as spacious family suites.
Trekking to Miriakamba Hut (8,254ft/2,516m)
Hiking distance: 5,2mi/10km
Hiking time: 4-6h
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your mountain crew will collect you from your lodge and drive approximately 15 minutes to the park entrance gate. After completing the entry formalities, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch before beginning your trek. The hike starts in open grasslands and gradually leads into lush rainforest, offering opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (3 meals)
Trek through the rainforest to Saddle Hut (11,712ft/3,570m)
Hiking distance: 5mi/8km
Hiking time: 3-5h
Habitat: Forest and Moorland
The trail to Saddle Hut is steeper than the previous day but well-maintained as it winds through the rainforest. Situated at 11,712 ft (3,570 m) on a broad col between Meru and Little Meru, Saddle Hut provides a scenic resting point. Upon arrival, you’ll be served a hot lunch, followed by a short acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Meru at 12,533 ft (3,820 m). This brief trek rewards you with spectacular views of Mount Meru’s summit, the crater, and distant Mount Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Saddle Hut (3 meals)
Summit day!
Sunrise ascent of Mount Meru (14,980ft/4,566m) down to Momella Gate
Hiking distance: 5mi/8km up, 8mi/13km down
Hiking time: 10-12h
Habitat: Alpine desert Moorland and Montane forest
At 2 a.m., you’ll wake for a snack before beginning the ascent to Rhino Point at 12,467 ft (3,800 m) and Cobra Point at 14,271 ft (4,350 m). Upon reaching the summit at 14,980 ft (4,566 m), you’ll witness a stunning sunrise and may catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak. After descending, you’ll stop at Saddle Hut for breakfast and then continue to Miriakamba Hut for lunch before exiting through the park gate. Our representative will transfer you to your hotel for a day-use room, followed by a transfer to the airport for your departing flight.
2024 - 2025 PACKAGE PRICE
Price Inclusions:
- Airport pick and drop off
- Accommodation before the trek and day use room after the trek
- Transfer to and from the mountain
- Meru National Park permits, hut fees & rescue fees
- Service of a professional & qualified mountain guide
- Cook and adequate porters to carry both trip provisions & passenger private bags
- Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters
- 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
- Free walking poles
- First sid kit
- International certificates for a successful ascent
- Free storage of excess baggage not required on the mountain hike
- Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with us
Price Does not include:
- International airfare and related costs such as personal international travel insurance, visas, and vaccination
- Any increase in government taxes that are yet to be implemented or occur prior to the start of your trip
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as extra beverages, laundry, etc.
- Tips & gratuities for your mountain crew
- Personal mountain gear
- Any excess luggage more than 33lb/15kg per client while trekking
- Cost of any client-requested itinerary modifications while the trekking is in progress