Mount Meru Trek – 5 days
$1,290
Mount Meru rises 14,980ft (4,566m) above vast African savannahs and rainforest, making it one of the continent’s highest peaks and Tanzania’s second tallest after Mount Kilimanjaro. Although Kilimanjaro often claims the spotlight, Mount Meru offers its own remarkable character and a truly distinctive appeal.
This package includes four nights on the mountain, one night before the trek, and a day-use room after your descent. Climbing Mount Meru is an extraordinary adventure that blends scenic hiking with the exploration of African wildlife and natural habitats. Because the mountain lies within a national park, it is home to a variety of rare animals and plant species. As you ascend, the slopes shift from lush tropical forest to low-growing shrubs and eventually to high-altitude flora, creating a rich and varied trekking experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival and drive to Arusha
Upon arrival at JRO, 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: 6.2mi/10km
Hiking time: 4-6h
Habitat: Montane Forest
The mountain crew will pick you up from your lodge and drive about 15 minutes to the entrance gate. After completing the entry formalities, you enjoy a hot lunch before beginning your ascent. The trail leads through open grasslands and then into the rainforest, offering opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birdlife.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (3 meals)
Trek through the rainforest to Saddle Hut (11,712.6ft/3,570m)
Hiking distance: 4.9mi/8km
Hiking time: 3-5h
Habitat: forest and moorland
The hiking trail to Saddle Hut is steeper than the previous day, but it is well maintained as it winds through the rainforest. Saddle Hut sits at 11,713ft (3,570 m) on a broad col between the slopes of Meru and Little Meru. Here, you will enjoy a hot lunch before taking a short acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Meru at 12,533 ft (3,820m), which offers excellent views of Meru’s summit, the crater, and Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Overnight: Saddle Hut (3 meals)
Summit day!
Sunrise ascent of Mount Meru (14,980ft/4,566m) down to Miriakamba
Hiking distance: 4,9mi/8km up, 8mi/13km down
Hiking time: 10-12h
Habitat: alpine desert moorland and montane forest
At 2 a.m., you have a quick snack before beginning your final ascent to Rhino Point at 12,467ft (3,800m) and Cobra Point at 14,272ft (4,350m). The summit at 14,980ft (4,566m) offers a spectacular sunrise and the possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds. As you descend, you stop at Saddle Hut for brunch and may take a quick shower if you wish.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (3 meals)
Trekking down to Momella Gate (5,184ft/1,580m) – Departure day
Hiking distance: 6.2mi/10km
Hiking time: 2-4h
Habitat: montane forest
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your descent to the Momella exit gate. The trail leads through open grassland and mixed forest, offering many chances to spot wildlife along the way. Once you reach Momella Gate, you will be driven to your hotel for a day-use room. Later, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your 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 aid 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