Overview
At 4,566 m Mt Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest in Tanzania. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the distinctive appearance it has today.
The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.
As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. To be safe, it is obligatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
All fees and/or taxes
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What to expect
Day 1 Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
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Mount Meru
4 hours
In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel in Arusha and after a scenic drive through the Arusha National Park you will reach the Momella gate. Once the formalities have been sorted out you will start from here. An armed park ranger will accompany you and right from the start you might spot giraffes and buffaloes as you walk through open grasslands. After approximately 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls – the perfect spot to rest and have a picnic. Thereafter you will continue your trek to the well-known “fig tree arch”. After about another two hours your will arrive at the Miriakamba Hut in time for afternoon tea and snacks. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Saddle Hut (3,550 m)
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Mount Meru
In the morning you will follow wooden steps along a steep track. Due to the gain in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day and walking may seem easier. The clouds often hang low in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere in the lush vegetation. After going uphill for approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) at a height of 3,200 m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. The vegetation now changes from rainforest to heather and moorland and you should reach Saddle Hut (3,550 m) at around midday. During the afternoon, you have the option to hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) which should take about 1 to 1½ hours. From here you will enjoy wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away. Back at Saddle Hut you will have a warm meal before you retire to bed early as your wake-up call with be just after midnight.
Day 3 Saddle Hut (3,550 m) – Socialist Peak (4,562 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
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Mount Meru
After a small snack and some tea, you will leave the camp at night. Lighting the way with headlamps, you will follow the trail through bush land to Rhino Point (3,821 m). From here the path becomes more challenging and occasionally climbing will be necessary. You will walk on volcanic ash, rocks and gravel, following the crater rim. After about 4 to 5 hours you should reach the summit, Socialist Peak. From here, you will experience the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and enjoy the fantastic view of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the “ash cone” in the middle. The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3,550 m) where you will take a break and recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once refreshed, you will continue the descent and in the afternoon you reach Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – tired but happy.
Day 4 Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) – Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Arusha
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Mount Meru
After breakfast, you will follow the so-called “northern route” – a 2 to 3 hour trek back to the Momella gate. The descent follows a shorter route than the ascent but there is still a chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes as well as the black and white colobus monkeys. At the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew and your driver will take you back to the Aquiline Hotel where you will celebrate your achievement and spend the night.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Africa/Dar es Salaam).
Additional Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about 4 Day Mount Meru Trekking Tour from Arusha With Breakfast
Can I cancel 4 Day Mount Meru Trekking Tour from Arusha With Breakfast for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long is the trek, and what route does it follow each day?
The trek lasts 4 days. Day 1 goes from Momella Gate (1,500 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m); day 2 from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,550 m); day 3 from Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak (4,562 m) and back to Miriakamba Hut; day 4 returns to Momella Gate and continues to Arusha.
Is pickup available, and where can it be arranged?
Pickup is offered from hotels. The pickup place can be sent to the operator later.
What meals are included?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, along with all fees and/or taxes.
Which languages can the guide speak?
Guide languages include German, English, Italian, French and Spanish.
What wildlife might be seen on the trek?
Possible wildlife sightings include giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes. An armed park ranger is obligatory on the tour.
Operated by Rupia Adventure
