Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters, is located within Arusha National Park. It features a single route to the summit and can be completed in 3 days. Many climbers use Meru as a preparation for Kilimanjaro. Unlike Kilimanjaro, climbing Mount Meru requires an escort by armed rangers. During your trek, you’ll enjoy a walking safari, passing African buffaloes, zebras, and black-and-white Colobus monkeys.
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel or the airport and head towards Arusha National Park, arriving at the trailhead after a 2.5 to 3-hour drive. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes.
At Momella Gate, your guides will handle the entry permits before starting the trek to Miriakamba Huts. An armed park ranger will accompany you as you walk through open grasslands, with more chances to spot wildlife. After about two hours, you’ll reach Maio Falls, a perfect picnic stop. Continuing your hike, you’ll pass through the famous “fig tree arch” before reaching Miriakamba Huts, where afternoon tea and snacks await.
Distance: 10 km from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: From 1,387m to 2,514m
Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours
Habitat: Grassland and rainforest.
After breakfast, you’ll ascend wooden steps along a steep trail. As you gain altitude, the air becomes cooler, making the hike feel more manageable. Low-hanging clouds often create a misty, moody atmosphere in the rainforest. After about two hours of hiking uphill, you’ll reach “Mgongo wa Tembo” (Elephant Back) at 3,200m, a great spot for a well-deserved break. The landscape shifts from lush rainforest to open heather and moorland as you continue, arriving at Saddle Huts around midday.
At Saddle Huts, you’ll enjoy a warm meal before an early night, as your climb to the summit begins just after midnight.
Distance: 8 km from Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
Elevation: From 2,514m to 3,570m
Hiking time: Approximately 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland and heath.
At midnight, you’ll begin your ascent to Socialist Peak, ready for a challenging trek. Guided by headlamps, you’ll make your way through bushland toward Rhino Point (3,821m). The trail becomes steeper as you approach Rhino and Cobra Points, so take caution. After 4 to 5 hours, you’ll reach Socialist Peak just as the sun rises over Mount Kilimanjaro, offering breathtaking views. From the summit, you can admire the dramatic Mount Meru crater and its striking ash cone.
You’ll then descend back to Saddle Huts, where you can rest and recharge with hot soup and tea. Afterward, you’ll continue descending to Miriakamba Hut for the night.
Distance: 6 km from Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak, 19 km to Miriakamba Hut
Elevation: From 3,570m (Saddle Huts) to 4,565m (Socialist Peak), descending to 2,514m (Miriakamba Hut)
Hiking time: 10 to 12 hours
Habitat: Heath, alpine, and rainforest.
After breakfast, you’ll begin your descent to Momella Gate. An early start offers great wildlife viewing opportunities, as animals are more active in the morning. Upon arrival at the gate, the African Wanderlust Adventures team will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha, a journey of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Elevation: Miriakamba Huts (2,514m) to Momella Gate (1,387m)
Hiking time: 6 hours
Habitat: Grassland and rainforest.
