5 Days Mount Meru Hike
About this tour
Here’s a fantastic alternative to the longer Mt. Kilimanjaro hike! The trails offer breathtaking views from the start to the end, passing through Arusha National Park. As you begin your trek, keep an eye out for giraffes, buffaloes, and black and white colobus monkeys – what an incredible way to kick off your adventure!
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania to Arusha, Tanzania
Arrival You’ll be collected from the airport. Upon your arrival at either Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport, you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to Karibu Heritage House. Depending on your schedule, there’s an exciting opportunity for an Arusha city tour, which includes visits to the renowned art gallery (Cultural Heritage), the local market, and the vibrant Maasai Market. Accommodation: Karibu Heritage House Budget hotel located in or near Arusha Meals & Drinks: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 2: Arusha, Tanzania to Miriakamba Hut, Momella, Tanzania
We will embark on a drive from Arusha to Arusha National Park Gate, where a brief registration will take place. Our walk will commence with a dedicated armed ranger escorting us. Along the way, we’ll have the incredible opportunity to observe various wild animals, such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and antelopes. We might even spot elephants during the hike. We will conclude the day at Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight stay. Elevation: 1,387m to 1,500m (4,921ft to 8,250ft.) Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 4-6 hours Habitat: Montane Forest. Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Meru Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut, Momella, Tanzania to Saddle Hut, Ngare Nanyuki, Tanzania
The trek from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle beneath Little Meru may be short, but it involves a steep ascent. We’ll take our time, following the ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. Once at Saddle Hut, a hot lunch awaits, and for those interested, a quick climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) is possible, granting superb views just before sunset. We’ll have dinner and spend the night at Saddle Hut. Elevation: 2,514m to 3,570m (8,250ft to 11,712ft) Distance: 8 km Hiking Time: 3-5 hours Habitat: Moorland. Accommodation: Saddle Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Meru Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 4: Saddle Hut, Ngare Nanyuki, Tanzania to Miriakamba Hut, Momella, Tanzania
We set out early, around 1:30 a.m., embarking on a steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800m) and further to Cobra Point (4,350m). As we reach the summit (4,566m), we are greeted by the breathtaking sunrise, with a chance to glimpse Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final stretch of the climb takes us along a thrilling narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. After a brief rest and brunch at Saddle Hut, we begin our descent to Miriakamba Hut. Saddle Hut to Summit Elevation: 3,570m(11,712ft) to 4,566m(14,977ft) Distance: 5 km. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours. Habitat: Alpine Desert. Summit to Miriakamba Hut Elevation: 4,566m(14,977ft) to 2,514m(8,250 ft) Distance: 13 km. Hiking Time: 4-6 hours. Habitat: Montane Forest. Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Meru Meals & Drinks: All meals included Non-alcoholic drinks
Day 5: Momella Gate Arusha NP, Tanzania to Arusha, Tanzania
During the descent, we will enjoy a swift and easy journey, passing through open grassland and mixed forest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife. By late morning, we’ll reach Momella Gate, where you’ll be rewarded with a summit certificate. Your return transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Elevation: 2,514m(8,250ft) to 1,387m(4,552ft) Distance: 10 km Hiking time: 2-4 hours Habitat: Montane Forest. Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included) All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)
What's included
Park fees (For non-residents) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) A professional driver/guide All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) All flights during the tour All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home) Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips (Tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day) Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania to Arusha, Tanzania