Climbing Mount Meru in 3 days
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAfrica / Tanzania
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AgeFrom 10 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions79.3 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Still relatively unknown, Mount Meru (4566 m) is a prime peak for lovers of challenging alpine hiking , away from the crowds. Located in Arusha National Park , it offers a gradual ascent through rich and preserved ecosystems : rainforest , open grasslands , and then spectacular volcanic ridges leading to the summit.
The adventure begins in Arusha with a personalized briefing before a transfer to the Momela Gate , the starting point of the trek. For three days, you'll trek safely, accompanied by armed rangers , encountering a diverse array of wildlife : giraffes , zebras , antelopes , and buffalo . The route, more technical than the Kilimanjaro trek, reveals exceptional views of the cinder cone , the Meru crater , and, at the summit, a breathtaking aurora borealis with Kilimanjaro as your backdrop.
Once the climb is complete, return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Extensions to Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, or the great Tanzanian parks are possible to prolong the experience.
The highlights
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Second highest peak in Tanzania (4,566 m)
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Hiking in Arusha National Park, in the heart of wild nature
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Possible wildlife sightings: giraffes, buffalo, zebras, antelopes, etc.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 728 m
- Average daily descent: 332 m
Management
Upon arrival at the hotel in Arusha, you will meet our representative for a briefing regarding the climb.
Program
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Transfer
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 53km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly awaiting you, holding a sign with your name on it, ready to give you a warm welcome.
From there, a smooth and comfortable transfer will take you to our charming Green Mountain View hotel.
Upon your arrival at the hotel, our experienced mountain coordinators, accompanied by your guide, will offer you a pre-hike briefing – an exciting opportunity to learn more about the wonders that await you on your upcoming expedition.
Enjoy the relaxing environment of the Green Mountain View Hotel, with its swimming pool, beautiful garden, bar and restaurant.
Day 1 -
Arusha – momela gate – meriakamba hut
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1127 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you will be driven to Momela Gate, the starting point of your trek in Arusha National Park. The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including rainforest home to buffalo, giraffes, and colobus monkeys. You will reach Meriakamba Hut, your campsite for the night, in the afternoon.
Altitude: 1,387 m to 2,514 m
Day 2 -
Meriakamba hut – saddle hut
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 1056 m
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Altitude: 2,514 m to 3,570 m
After an early breakfast, you will begin a steep but very rewarding climb to Saddle Hut. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Mount Meru crater and cinder cone.
A hot lunch will be waiting for you upon arrival.
In the afternoon, you can make a short optional climb to Little Meru, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area – a beautiful way to end the day.
Day 3 -
Saddle hut – summit – return to Momela Gate
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Distance 16 km
- Negative elevation 996 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Altitude: 3,570 m to 4,566 m
Summit day begins very early, with a demanding climb from Saddle Hut to Rhino Point, then on to Socialist Peak, the highest point of Mount Meru.
You will reach the summit at sunrise, with breathtaking views, including Kilimanjaro emerging above the clouds.
After a short break at the summit, you will descend to Saddle Hut for a well-deserved brunch, then continue the descent to Momela Gate, where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Day 4 -
Departure
- Transportation Minibus - 01h20 - 53km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your return flight.
If you wish to extend your adventure, several options are available to you:
Ascent of Kilimanjaro,
Day trips to explore the surrounding area or discover local culture (see our "Day Trips" page),
A stay in Zanzibar, to relax on idyllic beaches or immerse yourself in the island's culture (see our "Zanzibar" page),
Day 5
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Transfers:
- Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
- Transfer to the starting point – the entrance gate to Arusha National Park;
- Pick-up at the exit of Arusha National Park and transfer to the hotel.
- Entry fees:
- All fees collected by Arusha National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, staff fees, vehicle fees, rescue fees, and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
- Accommodation:
- One night at the Green Mountain View Hotel before the expedition, and one night after; the hotels offer all the necessary comforts: attentive staff, pleasant rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, and a restaurant. Hut fees apply.
- Ranger fees --- -
- Meals: Breakfast at the hotel before and after the hike;
- All meals during the hike.
- Our special Meru diet includes energy-rich meals
The price does not include
- Plane tickets
- Visa fees
- Personal equipment rental
- Tips for the mountain team
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Hiking and safety equipment
- Comfortable 10cm thick sleeping mattress
- All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and pulse oximeters
- GPS geolocation service
- Complete medical kit
Equipment to bring
You can rent equipment on site or bring your own.
- Backpack / day bag: $15
- Duffel bag: $15
- Hiking poles (2): $15
- Mont Bell sleeping bag (-25°C to -35°C): $30
- Heavy poncho (Western type): $10
- Lightweight poncho (local type): $10
Clothing to bring
You can rent clothes on site or bring your own.
- Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- Long-sleeved technical T-shirts (avoid cotton)
- Fleece sweaters or jackets (2 light, 1 warm)
- Down jacket or lightweight puffer jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket (ideally Gore-Tex)
- Rain pants
- Durable hiking pants
- Warm hat
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Thermal gloves + waterproof gloves
- Buff or scarf
- Hiking socks (thermal + breathable)
- Undersocks
- Socks (rental: $2 per pair)
- Balaclava: $10
- High-top hiking boots, waterproof and previously worn
- Flip-flops or light shoes for camp (optional)
- Shorts or lightweight trousers for the first stages
- Comfortable clothes for sleeping
- Swimsuit (if hotel has a pool)
