Rising to 4,562 m, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and the fourth-highest in Africa. It is particularly well-known because it lies just 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru has become a popular “warm-up” trek for those planning to climb Kilimanjaro, and it can also be admired from the slopes of Kilimanjaro itself.
After an early breakfast in Arusha (1,400 m), you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. While the porters organize and pack your gear, you and your guide will complete registration with the park authorities. The hike then begins within the park, with the first day resembling a walking safari. Along the trail, you may encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, and even elephants. Because of the high likelihood of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, provided by the park, will accompany the group throughout the hike.
As you continue, you’ll pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a scenic waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. Upon reaching Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will have a hot dinner and washing water ready. Relax, enjoy the stunning sunset, and settle in for an overnight stay.
Duration: 3–5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent along the steep ridge of the saddle. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way! The trail offers spectacular views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. Once you reach camp, you’ll have the option to hike Little Mount Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to aid further acclimatization. An early dinner will be served so you can rest well and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Aim to be asleep by 7:00 pm to maximize your energy for the climb.
Your guide will wake you at 12:30 am for tea and biscuits, and the summit attempt will begin at 1:30 am. The trail starts with a steep climb from Rhino Point (3,800 m) to Cobra Point (4,350 m). In the final hour, you’ll scramble along a rocky ridge between the crater and Meru’s inner cliffs. You’ll reach the summit of Mount Meru (4,565 m) at sunrise, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ash Tray and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After soaking in the scenery, you’ll descend back to Momella Gate and return to Arusha.
