Mount Meru Trek – 5 Days
$1,290
Mount Meru stands tall at 4,566 m/14,980 ft above the expansive African savannahs and rainforests, making it one of the highest peaks in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania after the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite Kilimanjaro often taking the spotlight, Mount Meru is an impressive mountain with unique appeal.
This package includes 4 nights on the mountain, 1 night before the trek and a day use room after the trek. Climbing Mount Meru offers an extraordinary adventure that combines hiking with the exploration of African nature and wildlife. The mountain is located within a national park and is a habitat for various rare animals and plants. The slopes of Meru are adorned with lush tropical forests that transition into low growing shrubs and high-altitude flora as you ascend.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive, Travel to Arusha
Upon arrival at JRO, you will meet our representative, who will take you to your hotel in Arusha. Before the climb, your guide will gather you for a pre-climbing briefing to share essential details and check your mountain gear to ensure you have everything you need. If something needs to be added, your guide can help rent it.
Mt. Meru Game Lodge
Mount Meru Game Lodge & Wildlife Sanctuary is the lodge designed for both wildlife and nature lovers. The game sanctuary was established to offer refuge to orphaned and injured animals and to prepare them for their return to the wild. The lodge has 15 double or twin ensuite bedrooms and family suites.
Trekking to Miriakamba Hut (2,516m/8,254ft)
Hiking Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 4-6hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
The mountain crew will pick you up from your lodge and drive for about 15 minutes to the entrance gate. You will complete entry formalities and then have a hot lunch before starting your climb. The trek will take you through grasslands and then into the rainforest, giving you the chance to see giraffes, zebras, colobus monkeys, and various birdlife.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (3 Meals)
Trek through the rainforest to Saddle Hut (3,570m/ 11,712.6ft)
Hiking Distance: 8km
Hiking Time: 3-5hrs
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 is located at 3570m on a wide col amid the slopes of Meru and Little Meru. At Saddle Hut, you will have a hot lunch followed by a short acclimatization trek to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m), which offers superb views of Meru’s summit, the crater, and Kilimanjaro in the distance.
Overnight: Saddle Hut (3 Meals)
Summit Day!
Sunrise ascent of Mount Meru (4,566m/14,980ft) down to Momella Gate
Hiking Distance: 8km up, 13km down
Hiking Time: 10-12hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane Forest
At 2 a.m., you’ll have a quick snack before embarking on your final climb to Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). The summit (4,566m) offers a stunning sunrise with unlimited possibilities of seeing Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. As you descend, you will stop at Saddle Hut for brunch and a quick shower if you wish.
Trekking to Miriakamba Hut (2,516m/8,254ft) – Departure Day
Hiking Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 2-4hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting your descent to Momella exit gate. The route will take you through open grassland and mixed forest, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. Upon reaching Momella Gate, we will take you 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 / 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 15Kg per client while trekking
- Cost of any client-requested itinerary modifications while the trekking is in progress