5 Day Climb Mount Meru

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), you will be warmly greeted by our professional guide, who will be there to assist you. After exchanging greetings, you will be transferred to your accommodation at the luxurious African Tulip Hotel in Arusha. This will be your base for the night, providing comfort and relaxation after your flight.

Depending on your arrival time, we can offer you an exciting Arusha City Tour, allowing you to explore the vibrant culture and landscapes of the city. If you prefer a more relaxed arrival, you may simply rest and enjoy the hotel's amenities. In the late afternoon or evening, you will attend a pre-briefing at the hotel where your guide will provide essential details about your upcoming trek, including what to expect each day, the equipment required, and the itinerary. You’ll also have the chance to ask any last-minute questions. The night will be spent at the African Tulip Hotel, where you can rest up and prepare for your adventure on Mount Meru the following day.

Meal Plan: Dinner

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will drive you to the Momella Gate, the starting point of the trek. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours from Arusha to the gate. At Momella Gate (1,500 meters/4,920 feet), you will complete park formalities, and your trek will begin.

The hike on Day 2 will take you from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut, located at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). This is a relatively moderate hike, with a total trekking time of approximately 4 to 5 hours over a distance of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). The path starts through lush montane forests, where you may see monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. As you ascend, the forest gives way to scenic vistas, and you can start to appreciate the expansive views of the valleys below.

You will arrive at Miriakamba Hut in the afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The hut is basic but provides necessary amenities for an overnight stay. Dinner will be served at the hut, and you’ll spend the night resting in preparation for the following day's trek.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 is an exciting day as you will hike from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut, located at an altitude of 3,570 meters (11,710 feet). The trek will take approximately 5 to 6 hours to cover a distance of about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).

The hike begins with a steady ascent, moving through a combination of alpine forest and moorland. As you climb, the vegetation changes dramatically, and you’ll see unique plants, including giant heathers and lobelias. The higher altitude also brings clearer views of Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the peaks of Mount Meru itself.

The terrain can be steep in parts, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic vistas. By the time you reach Saddle Hut, you will be close to the crater rim, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. After arriving at the hut, you can rest and relax. You will have time to enjoy dinner and prepare for the ascent to the summit the next day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 is the most challenging and rewarding part of the trek. You will begin your day very early, leaving Saddle Hut before dawn. The trek to the Socialist Hut (4,566 meters/14,980 feet) and the summit will take around 6 to 7 hours for the ascent, followed by a descent back to Miriakamba Hut for an additional 4 hours.

The climb to the summit is steep and involves rocky terrain, but the beauty of the journey is unmatched. As the sun rises, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of Mount Meru's crater and surrounding landscapes. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the views become, especially as you approach the Socialist Hut, located near the summit.

At the summit, you'll have the chance to admire the Meru Crater, a large volcanic caldera, and witness the dramatic cliffs and volcanic landscape. After soaking in the view and feeling the sense of accomplishment, you'll begin the descent back to Miriakamba Hut. The descent takes about 4 hours, and while it is less strenuous than the ascent, it can be tough on the knees due to the steep nature of the trail.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Once back at Miriakamba Hut, you'll spend the night, resting after a long and rewarding day.

On your final day, you will descend from Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate. The descent takes approximately 4 hours, covering a distance of 10 kilometers (6 miles). The path winds down through the forest, where you can spot wildlife and enjoy the views of the surrounding areas one last time.

Once you reach Momella Gate, your trek comes to an end, and you will be greeted by your driver for the return journey to your hotel in Arusha. This will be the end of your Mount Meru trek. Afterward, you can either rest at your hotel or arrange additional accommodations or activities with the operator if desired. Please note that hotel accommodation after the trek is not included, but the operator can assist you in booking additional nights if needed.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch