Climb Mount Meru in 4 Days
Overview
Ceraa Eyes Safari, a Tanzanian operator based locally, organises this Climb Mount Meru. Experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks climb with you, and we shape every detail together with you.
Reasons to choose us for your Ascent Mount Meru
To begin with, each Climb Mount Meru we operate is built around you, so dates, accommodation and pace can all be changed. Our local team also looks after you from the moment you land until you leave. Before you fly, you might read up on the region at the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. If you want more inspiration, browse our other Mount Meru tours.
Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and rises within Arusha National Park. That makes it a great option if you want a challenging trek before taking on the legendary Mount Kilimanjaro.
This 4-day climb is achievable and rewarding. On the way, you take in sweeping views of the landscapes below, the wildlife and Kilimanjaro rising in the distance. You also climb with Ceraa Eyes Safari Company, which means expert guidance, comfort and a chance to appreciate Tanzania's natural variety.
Itinerary
The adventure starts when you are collected from your hotel in Arusha in the morning. You meet your professional guides from Ceraa Eyes Safari Company, then drive briefly to the Momella Gate, roughly 45 minutes from Arusha, to complete registration.
Next, the hike to Miriakamba Hut begins, along a trail through lush forest rich in vegetation. Buffalo, giraffes and assorted birds may appear along the way. The first day's climb is moderate and lasts around 4 to 5 hours.
You end the day at Miriakamba Hut, where you spend the night in an ideal spot for acclimatising. A warm dinner and preparation for the next day’s climb complete the evening.
Following a hearty breakfast, you climb on to Saddle Hut, a higher camp sitting between the two craters of Mount Meru. The trek lasts roughly 4 to 5 hours on a gradual ascent. Along the way you enjoy incredible views of Meru’s crater, the surrounding valleys and distant Mount Kilimanjaro.
The surroundings change as you gain height, with dense forest giving way to alpine meadows and rugged ground. Watch for wildlife such as colobus monkeys and assorted birds.
At Saddle Hut you can soak up the superb views, and it is also an ideal place to acclimatize. After dinner you get a good rest before the summit push at midnight.
This is the toughest but most rewarding day of the trek. You start your summit attempt in the small hours, at around 12:00 AM, to be at the top for sunrise, and the climb to the peak takes roughly 6 to 7 hours.
On the climb you pass rocky trails, thick forest and ridgelines with striking views of the craters. At the top, a magnificent panorama unfolds across the Serengeti Plains, the Ngorongoro Crater and distant Kilimanjaro.
After a while at the summit, you head down to Saddle Hut for a short break, then keep descending to Miriakamba Hut for the night. The whole round trip takes roughly 10 to 12 hours of trekking.
The last day brings an easy descent back to Momella Gate, a hike of around 2 to 3 hours. The route winds through lush forest, where buffalo, antelopes and many bird species may appear.
You complete the exit formalities at the gate, and your driver from Ceraa Eyes Safari Company then returns you to Arusha. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you like and to reflect on your climb. You have, after all, just conquered Mount Meru, a feat you will remember for good.
Included & Excluded
- Private transfers between Arusha and Momella Gate, both ways
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (when arranged)
- Every Arusha National Park entrance fee
- Hut accommodation and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Mountain huts for 3 nights (Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut)
- A night in an Arusha hotel before or after the climb (if part of the package)
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking equipment such as boots, jackets and sleeping bags
- Alcoholic and soft beverages
- Gratuities for guides, porters and cooks (with a recommended guideline supplied)
- Extra excursions or city tours outside the itinerary
Map
Frequent Asked Question
Mount Meru is a moderate challenge, easier than Kilimanjaro. Still, it has steep climbs and a summit push, so you need good fitness and acclimatisation.
You do not need previous experience, but you should be physically fit and happy with long hikes at high altitude.
Travel during the dry seasons for the best results: January to early March and June to October.
Yes. Altitude sickness is rarer here than on Kilimanjaro, but it can still happen. The itinerary therefore builds in acclimatization, and your guide monitors your health throughout the climb.
Pack layers to keep warm, waterproof outerwear and a good pair of hiking boots, plus a daypack, headlamp, water bottles, sleeping bag and trekking poles. Once you have booked, we send you a complete gear list.
Related Experiences
