5 DAYS MOUNT MERU TREK
Trekking Spot
Momela Gate , Miriakamba Hut,Saddle Hut,Saddle Hut , Summit , Momela Gate
Duration
5 Days | 4 Nights
Price
From $ 1,389 per person sharing
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Trip Overview
Welcome to the ultimate high-altitude warm-up or a stunning standalone challenge: the ascent of Mount Meru. Located within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and offers one of the most spectacular ridge walks in Africa.
This trek is a hidden gem, providing an intimate wildlife experience as you hike through giraffe and buffalo territory on the lower slopes before tackling the dramatic horseshoe crater rim. With views of its “big brother,” Mount Kilimanjaro, shimmering in the distance, this 5-day journey is a perfect blend of montane forest, alpine moorland, and volcanic rock.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha (1 hour)
Your Tanzanian adventure begins as you touch down at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the gateway to the safari circuit. On a clear day, you may catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak from the tarmac.
You will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a vibrant city nestled at the foot of Mount Meru. Depending on your arrival time, you safari briefing may take place today or early tomorrow meaning.
Overnight
Arusha Serena
Main Destination
Arusha city
Meals
Dinner
Day 2: Arusha – Momela Gate – Miriakamba Hut
After breakfast, you drive to the Momela Gate for registration. Because the lower slopes are home to buffalo, giraffes, and elephants, an armed ranger will accompany your group. The trail winds through lush montane forest, passing the impressive Fig Tree Arch.
You will cross several streams and open glades, offering views of the sheer cliffs of the crater. You will reach Miriakamba Huts by late afternoon, where you can watch the sunset over the Maasai Steppe.
- Elevation: 1,500m – 2,514m
- Altitude Gain: 1,014m
- Hiking Time: 4 – 5 hours
- Distance: 10 km
Overnight
Miriakamba Hut
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
The climb steepens today as you leave the forest behind and enter the heath and moorland zone. You will ascend “Elephant Ridge” on a narrow path that provides breathtaking views of the crater floor and the Ash Cone. As the air begins to thin, the vegetation shifts to giant lobelias and heather.
After arriving at Saddle Huts, you have the option of a short late-afternoon acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for a stunning panoramic view of the park and Kilimanjaro before an early dinner.
- Elevation: 2,514m – 3,570m
- Altitude Gain: 1,056m
- Hiking Time: 3 – 5 hours
- Distance: 8 km
Overnight
Saddle Hut
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Saddle Hut – Summit – Momela Gate – Arusha
Your summit bid begins around midnight. The trail is a thrilling scramble along a narrow, rocky ridge that forms the horseshoe rim of the crater. Passing Rhino Point, you will navigate technical sections of volcanic rock to reach Socialist Peak (4,562m) just as the sun rises over Kilimanjaro.
After celebrating at the top, you will descend back to Saddle Huts for a quick meal, then continue all the way down to Momela Gate. Your driver will meet you at the gate for the transfer back to Arusha for a long-awaited hot shower.
- Elevation: 3,570m to 4,562m (Summit) down to 1,500m
- Altitude Gain: 992m / Altitude Loss: 3,062m
- Hiking Time: 10 – 14 hours (5 – 6 hours up, 5 – 8 hours down)
- Distance: 5 km to summit / 13 km descent
Overnight
Arusha Serena
Meals
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Arusha – Kilimanjaro International Airport
After a final breakfast at your hotel, you will have a few hours for last-minute souvenir shopping in Arusha, perhaps picking up some Tanzanite jewelry or local coffee beans. Your driver will then provide a private transfer back to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight.
Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included:
- All accommodations
- All transportation (Unless labelled as optional)
- Meals (As specified in the day- by-day section)
- Taxes / VAT
- Activities (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Park fees
- Professional Mountain Team (Guides, porters & Cook)
- Camping Equipment (Tents, Sleeping mattress, Utensils, Tables and Chairs)
What’s not included:
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- International & Domestic flights
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips (recommended; Mountain Guide – $25 per day / per guide / per Group – Mountain Chef – $15 per day / per group, Mountain Porter – $10 per day / per porter)
- Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation up to 6,000 meters above sea level and any associated medical treatment.
- Personal gear rentals (Sleeping bags, hiking shoes, trekking poles, etc)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees.
- Portable toilet