4-day hike to Mount Meru
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAfrica / Tanzania
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions44.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
German
English
French
Swahili
Italian
In a few words
Welcome to Mount Meru!
The 4-day Mount Meru expedition is the ultimate high-altitude adventure for those seeking spectacular scenery and a technical challenge. Often overshadowed by its neighbor, Kilimanjaro, Meru nevertheless offers a more intimate and authentic encounter with wildlife.
This private trek begins in the heart of Arusha National Park , where an armed ranger joins your team to traverse mountain forests populated by giraffes, buffalo, and blue monkeys.
The highlights
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A spectacular hike along a volcanic ridge with breathtaking views into the crater
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Exclusive encounters with wildlife in the heart of a protected national park
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The ultimate viewpoint for contemplating Kilimanjaro at dawn
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A good physical condition and good fitness level is beneficial. Mountaineering experience is an advantage but not mandatory.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Colman is one of our most experienced guides on Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru
All our guides are fully certified and Wilderness First Responders
Program
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Day 1: Arrival day
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 30km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today we pick you up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). You will meet our driver and we will transfer you to your accommodation near Mount Kilimanjaro. You will meet our guide for briefing + gear check. All gear can be rented from our office at an additional cost. After your briefing you will have time at leisure & overnight at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Day 2: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Huts
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Accommodation Cabin
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
We depart Moshi Town for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant and buffalo – is high. We climb continuously through the rain forest until we reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
Day 2 -
Day 3: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cabin
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Pit. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day 3 -
Day 4: Saddle Huts to Summit - Summit to Miriakamba Huts
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cabin
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit – Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.
Saddle Huts to Summit
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Summit to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Day 4 -
Day 5: Miriakamba Huts to Momella Gate & end of hike
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast you will begin your final descent to Momella gate . You will be using the southern route to descend. During your descent you will pass through the montane forest where you will pass the amazing Fig Tree Arch. Upon arrival at the Momella gate, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel.
Distance covered: 14km / 8.5mi
Approx. time taken: 4 – 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 5 -
Day 6: Departure day or additional safari or beach vacation
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 35km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
● Meals: Breakfast Included
Day 6
Accommodation
Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with a swimming pool. The hotel enjoys an ideal location in Usa River, near Mount Meru and Arusha National Park, in a peaceful and serene setting. From the hotel, guests can admire Mount Meru and enjoy their stay in the beautiful garden and tastefully decorated rooms.
Access
International flights are at your own expense and must be arranged independently. Our driver can meet you at the airport at any time to transfer you to the accommodation included in your package. At the end of your expedition, we will arrange your return transfer to the airport for your departure flight, unless you choose to extend your adventure with a safari or a beach holiday.
Go to the starting point
We adjust the transfers to the arrival & departure flights. On arrival you will meet our driver and mountain guide. They will hold a sign with our logo and your name on it.
Price details
The price includes
- Private transport: Return transfers between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and your accommodation.
- Accommodation in town: 2 hotel nights (one before and one after the trek).
- Transfers to the mountain: Private round-trip transportation between your hotel and the gate of Arusha National Park.
- Park fees: National park entrance fees and accommodation fees.
- Accommodation at altitude: Overnight stays in wooden mountain huts.
- Safety and rescue: Rescue costs of the "Team Meru Rescue".
- Taxes: 18% VAT on tour services and government taxes included.
- Mountain team: Accompanied by professional guides, a cook and experienced porters.
- Meals: 3 hot meals daily prepared throughout the trek.
- Hydration: Sufficient treated and filtered drinking water provided daily.
- Hygiene: Hot water provided for daily washing.
- Ethics: Fair and respectful wages for the entire local team.
- Medical monitoring: Regular oxygen level checks (oximeter) to monitor acclimatization.
- Safety: Emergency first aid kit.
The price does not include
- Meals in town: Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Flights: International or domestic air transport.
- Laundry: Service available at the hotel.
- Personal equipment: Toiletries and technical clothing.
- Tips:
- Guides: $20 / day / guide
- Cook: $12/day
- Porters: $8 / day / porter
- Armed ranger (National Park): $10/day (amount to be shared among all members of the group)
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Sleeping bag rental : CHF22.87 / person
- Winter jacket rental : CHF22.87 / person
- Rental of 2 hiking poles : CHF9.15 / person
- Rain poncho rental : CHF7.32 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bags (can be rented)
Clothing to bring
Clothes
- Hiking T-shirts (breathable)
- Hiking jacket (soft-shell)
- Hiking pants
- Fleece sweater
- Fleece pants
- Rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
- Rain pants
- Winter jacket (warm down jacket)
- Winter trousers
- technical underwear
- Short (optional)
- Sports bra (women's)
Technical Equipment
- Sleeping bag (4 seasons / comfort -15°C)
- Walking sticks
- Headlamp (+ spare batteries)
- Carrier bag (Duffel Bag) (90 litres)
- Daypack (30-35 liters)
- Waterproof bags (Dry bags)
Accessories and Hydration
- Sunglasses
- Ski goggles (optional)
- Water bottles (2 x 1 liter)
- Water bladder / Camel bag (2 liters)
Head and Hands
- Sun hat
- Winter hat (warm)
- Balaclava / Ski mask
- Thin inner gloves (windproof)
- Winter gloves (very warm)
Footwear and Foot Accessories
- Hiking boots (high-top and broken in)
- Lightweight shoes (like sneakers for the evening, optional)
- Hiking socks
- Gaiters (optional, recommended)
- Lightweight crampons (optional, recommended depending on the season)
Additional Articles and Health
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent (with DEET)
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Toiletry bag
- Refreshing wipes
- Energy snacks
- Electrolytes (powder or tablets)
- Personal first aid kit
- Camera (+ spare batteries)
The Elizabeth team
Specializing in East Africa for over 10 years, this tour operator relies on three branches dedicated to Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The team offers unparalleled local expertise to design authentic journeys to the heart of the region.
The team stands out for the diversity of adventures it offers: from iconic safaris in the Serengeti or the Masai Mara to challenging expeditions on Kilimanjaro and the Rwenzori Mountains. They also organize memorable treks to encounter gorillas, as well as relaxing stays on the beaches of Zanzibar and the Kenyan coast. Between wild savannah and crystal-clear shores, each itinerary is led by passionate experts to guarantee a fully immersive experience.
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