5-Day Mount Meru Trek
Your Trek Experience
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest mountain and one of the most beautiful trekking experiences in East Africa. Located inside Arusha National Park, this climb combines mountain adventure, wildlife encounters, forest trails, crater views, and a rewarding summit at 4,566 meters.
This 5-day trip includes one night in Arusha before the trek and four days on Mount Meru. The slower pace is perfect for travelers who want more time on the mountain, better acclimatization, and a relaxed descent after reaching the summit. Mount Meru is also a good practice climb before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro.
Kiota Adventures provides professional mountain guides, porters, a cook, and an armed ranger as required by the park. You will stay in mountain huts and enjoy full board meals during the trek.
Trek Highlight
Day 1: Airport Pick Up and Transfer to Arusha
When you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our team will greet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha. This day is for you to relax after your journey and prepare for the climb.
If you arrive early, you may also choose an optional Arusha city tour to visit the Cultural Heritage, the local market, and the colourful Maasai Market. Afterward, we can arrange a short pre-trek briefing with your guide. You will go through the route, packing list, safety information, and what to expect on the mountain.
Main Destination: Arusha City
Accommodation: Karibu Heritage House or similar budget hotel in Arusha
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner not included
Drinks: Drinking water included, other drinks not included
Day 2: Arusha National Park to Miriakamba Hut
After breakfast, we drive from Arusha to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. Once you register and meet the mountain crew, your trek starts with an armed ranger, as the route goes through a wildlife area.
The first day of trekking is especially scenic. The trail leads through open grassland and lush montane forest, where you might spot giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, monkeys, and many kinds of birds. Unlike many other mountain treks, Mount Meru starts with a true wildlife experience.
The hike continues gradually uphill until you reach Miriakamba Hut in the afternoon. After arrival, you can rest, have dinner, and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Main Destination: Mount Meru
Starting Point: Momella Gate
Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Drinks: Non alcoholic drinks included
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
After breakfast at Miriakamba Hut, you continue climbing toward Saddle Hut. The trail gets steeper as you move higher through the forest and into the moorland. Along the way, you’ll see great views of the Meru Crater, the Ash Cone, and the landscapes of Arusha National Park.
The pace is steady and comfortable, helping your body adjust to the altitude. You’ll reach Saddle Hut around lunchtime or early afternoon, where you can rest and enjoy your meal.
In the afternoon, there is an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru at 3,820 meters. This short hike is highly recommended when the weather is good, as it offers beautiful sunset views and helps your body prepare for summit night.
Main Destination: Mount Meru
Accommodation: Saddle Hut
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Optional Hike: Little Meru, 3,820 meters
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Drinks: Non alcoholic drinks included
Day 4: Saddle Hut to Mount Meru Summit and Descend to Miriakamba Hut
Summit day begins just after midnight. After a light snack and a hot drink, you start climbing from Saddle Hut toward Rhino Point, then follow the crater rim to Cobra Point. This is the most challenging and exciting part of the trek, with steep paths, narrow ridges, and dramatic views.
You continue to Socialist Peak, the highest point of Mount Meru at 4,566 meters. Reaching the summit at sunrise is a special experience. On a clear morning, you might see Mount Kilimanjaro above the clouds, with the crater and Ash Cone below.
After taking photos and enjoying the summit, you head back to Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short rest. Then you continue down to Miriakamba Hut for the night. This slower pace means you have more time to recover after reaching the summit.
Main Destination: Mount Meru Summit
Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut
Saddle Hut to Summit:
Elevation: 3,570 m to 4,566 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Summit to Miriakamba Hut via Saddle Hut:
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland and Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
Drinks: Non alcoholic drinks included
Day 5: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate and Return to Arusha
After breakfast at Miriakamba Hut, you start your final descent to Momella Gate. The trail leads you through the forest and lower slopes of Mount Meru, offering another chance to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife.
When you arrive at Momella Gate, you’ll complete the checkout process and receive your summit certificate if you reached Socialist Peak. After saying goodbye to the mountain crew, our driver will take you back to Arusha.
Depending on your travel plans, Kiota Adventures can arrange extra accommodation in Arusha or take you straight to the airport for your next flight.
Main Destination: Arusha
Starting Point: Miriakamba Hut
Ending Point: Momella Gate
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Hiking Time: 2 to 4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included, dinner not included
Drinks: Non alcoholic drinks included
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost
Airport drop off available on request
Included in the price
• Airport pick up and drop off from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport
• Transfers in Arusha as per itinerary
• Professional mountain guide
• Assistant guide, porters, and cook
• Armed ranger as required by the park
• All park fees and hut fees
• All meals on the mountain
• Drinking water during the trek
• Summit certificate
• Rescue fees as required by the park
Excluded in the price
• International flights and visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Hotel accommodation in Arusha after the trek unless added
• Lunch and dinner in Arusha on Day 1 unless added
• Dinner in Arusha on the final day unless added
• Personal trekking gear and equipment
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Tips for the mountain crew
• Personal spending money and snacks