Mount Meru Climbing

Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano in Arusha National Park, Tanzania, 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It stands 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) tall. Mount Meru Climb typically takes four days, although it may be completed in three days with a hike to the summit.

On a clear day, it can be seen from Mount Kilimanjaro and is, depending on the definition, Africa’s fifth-highest peak. Climbing Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, is fantastic since there is no traffic and you get to see wild animals while hiking.

Mount Meru Key facts

• Tanzania’s second tallest mountain at 4,566m
• Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
• Great acclimatisation climb before tackling Kilimanjaro
• Ascent and descent via the Momela route over 3 days
• Dormitory style hut accommodation

Climbing Mount Meru Itinerary

While Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, receives the most attention when it comes to climbing in Tanzania, other peaks are also worth considering. The most notable of them is Mount Meru, which is located a short distance to the west of Kilimanjaro and serves as an excellent warm-up walk for those with the time and desire for an even greater adventure. Mount Meru climbing is quite rewarding.

Mt. Meru, at 4565 meters (14,980 feet), is a more manageable climb than Kilimanjaro and makes an excellent stand-alone walk. Many hikers pick Mount Meru as an acclimatization trip before beginning their journey up Africa’s highest mountain. This boosts their chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and can minimize the number of days required to reach the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Visitors to Mount Meru are more likely to see animals along the path, especially in the early stages of the trip. Often, a ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the hike to ensure they arrive safely at their first campsite.

From there, the trail winds up the north side of Meru’s volcanic crater before reaching the genuine peak. The views from the summit are spectacular, especially with Kilimanjaro glimmering tantalizingly in the distance.

Mount Meru Climb typically takes four days, however it is possible to accomplish the journey in three days because acclimatization is essential even on this lower summit. All hiking groups follow the same path up the mountain, which starts at Momella Gate.

Hikers will stay in a succession of huts on their journey to the top, with simple but decent lodgings at two distinct campsites before heading to the summit, which is located at Socialist Peak.

Mount Meru Climbing provides two benefits to vacationers. First, it gives hikers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, delivering a magnificent adventure for people who don’t have a lot of time or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro.

But, perhaps more significantly, it is an excellent method to prepare for the broader problems that they will confront on Kilimanjaro, eliminating part of the mystique and acclimation process before they even set foot on the mountain.

Masatu Tours provides Mount Meru climbs over three or four days. However, clients from various parties and operators are frequently grouped to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.

Climb Mount Meru Itinerary

We’ve detailed a four-day, three-night Meru climb below, but you can do it in three days and two nights, which we don’t suggest owing to the lengthy hike from Miriakamba Hut to the Socialist Peak and back to Momella Gate.

DAY 1 : MOMELLA GATE (1500 M) –MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)

WALKING TIME: 4-6 HOURS

Leaving your Arusha or Moshi lodging early in the morning and traveling to Arusha National Park’s Momella Gate. Driving takes roughly three hours from Moshi and one hour from Arusha. At the gate, you’ll get your trekking permits, meet your porters, guide, chef, and game ranger, and begin ascending. You will pass across wide grassland, giving you an excellent chance to spot buffaloes, warthogs, and other grazers.

You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and then climb into the mountain forest. You will be able to witness a variety of birds as well as black and white colobus monkeys. Finally, you will arrive to Miriakamba Hut, where you will spend overnight.

DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M)

WALKING TIME: 3-5 HOURS

The second day of climbing is short but difficult. You will begin early in the morning and ascend steeply through beautiful mountain forest teeming with birds to reach the midway point on Elephant Ridge. There, you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours of climbing, you will arrive at the Saddle Hut, where you will eat lunch.

In the afternoon, you will go to Little Meru (3794 m) for stunning views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for the night. It is best to go to bed early so that you may receive adequate rest for the next day’s hike.

DAY 3 : SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – PEAK ( 4566 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)

WALKING TIME: 10-12 HOURS

You will begin ascending between the hours of one and two at night. The approach is quite steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m), then over a very narrow ridge to the summit. You will arrive at Mount Meru’s peak, Socialist Peak (4566 m), right at daybreak.

The scenery is beautiful, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the background. After snapping shots on the peak, you will descend to the Saddle Hut.
Note: Passing the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit is not always practicable in ice weather or with high winds. Your guide will assess whether or not the conditions are favorable enough to proceed.

DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – MOMELLA GATE (1500 M)

WALKING TIME: 2-5 HOURS

You will leave at 8:00 a.m. and descend to Momella Gate. You can choose a longer or shorter path down. The longer journey down provides excellent opportunities to view animals and the ash cone. Once at the entrance, remember to tip your porters, guide, cook, and game ranger. Following that, your ride back to Moshi will be waiting for you.

3 Day Mount Meru Climb quick over view

Day 1: Arusha – Momella gate – Mariakamba HutDrive 1 Hr, Hike Distance 10 km, 4 – 5 hrs, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 2516m

Drive to the Arusha National Park entrance at Momella. The first portion of the ascent takes you through beautiful woodland and across the Ngare Nanyuki River to Miriakamba Hut, which is 8337ft/2541m and where you’ll spend the night. Mariakamba Hut serves dinner and provides overnight accommodations.

Day 2: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Hike Distance 4km, 2 – 3 hrs, 1050m ascent, Altitude: 3566m

Continue to rise steeply through the beautiful woodland glades and gigantic heather until you reach Saddle Hut at 11,713ft (3570m).
From here, you may take a side hike to Little Meru’s peak (12,450ft/3794m) and return to Saddle Hut in about 2 hours. Dinner and sleep at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Saddle Hut to Meru Summit to Momella Gate
Hike distance 5km ascent + 19km descent, 4 – 5 hrs ascent + 6-8 hours descent, 1000m ascent, Altitude: 4566m

An early start to reach Rhino Point and then on to the summit at 14,981ft/4566m to see the sunrise behind Mount Kilimanjaro, before descending back to Momella Gate to be met and transferred back to your hotel.
Drive 1 hr back to Arusha.

Mount Meru Cost

The cost of a three-day Meru climb is USD 1,250 per person, while a four-day Meru climb is USD 1,650 per person. You may climb Mount Meru all year and set your own trip dates, however we recommend avoiding the rainy season. The ideal months to climb Mount Meru are January through early March, and June through October.

Mount Meru Climbing Safety

Be upfront and honest with us at all times. We’re on the same team and have the same goal: to reach the summit and return gently and securely.

Mount Meru Waterfalls

Mount Meru Waterfalls
Never pretend to be well before or during a climb.
Before climbing the mountain, ensure that you are in good physical and mental condition. We recommend a medical check before beginning any climb.
The majority of people will have moderate symptoms of altitude sickness. Your guide is knowledgeable in identifying and treating altitude sickness, but you should also educate yourself on the symptoms and prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Sickness (HAS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

If you have any AMS symptoms, your guide will order an urgent descent from Mt. Meru.

Before Climbing Mount Meru

Begin your physical preparation (hiking) at least two months ahead. Reduce your efforts in the final two weeks and rest the days leading up to the climb to allow your body to recuperate properly. We propose extensive walks through various terrains, swimming, and yoga.
Begin practising deep, purposeful breathing. Try the Pranayama breathing method or any other that fits your lungs.
Check our packing gear list to ensure you have everything you need.
You should include some “comfort” foods, such as chocolate, energy bars, or energy drink powder. You could require this for a boost on summit night.

During  Mount Meru Climb

Be cheerful and prepared for every type of weather or surface, including rain, fog, snow, dust, dirt, and loose surfaces.
Ascend carefully. Do not overexert yourself.
Take a deep, deliberate breath.
Communicate directly with your guide and always follow his directions. He is the most experienced guy on the mountain and is always available to assist you.
At high elevations, appetite loss is typical. Eat and drink appropriately, even if you don’t feel like it.

The climb to the peak of Mount Meru is difficult both day and night. Steep ascents and abrupt declines in certain areas, as well as cold, wind, and a loose gravel surface, will test your endurance. Prepare yourself for this struggle by conserving mental and physical energy from the beginning. You’ll need it.
Don’t forget to enjoy! Feel connected to the mountain and the spiritual experience it offers.

Items included

• Two-way private airport transfers
• All park fees collected by the National Park
• Hotel accommodations before and after the expedition
• Tented accommodation on Mount Meru
• All meals on the hike
• All group camping equipment
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
• Complete Expedition medical kits
• Meru licensed professional guides
• Hiking dedicated support crews
• Government taxes
• Crew salaries
• Medical evacuations with AMREF Flying doctors
• Purified water while on the mountain
• Portable tented private flush toilet

Items not included

• Airport transfers ( can be included upon request )
• Accommodation in Arusha  ( can be included upon request )
• Tanzania Visa
• Gratuity
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
• Meals not listed above
• Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)