Mountain Meru
Facts About Mount Meru
- Place: Tanzania
- Duration: From 4 Days
- Hotel , Lodges and Tents
- Cost: From $1500.
Mountain Meru
Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano located in northern Tanzania, near the city of Arusha. It is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and stands at a height of 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) above sea level. The mountain is surrounded by several national parks and is a popular destination for hiking and climbing. The most popular route to the summit of Mount Meru is the Momella route, which takes 2-3 days to complete.
Mount Meru is known for its diverse range of ecosystems, including montane forests, savannas, and alpine deserts. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, monkeys, and over 400 species of birds.
Climbing Mount Meru requires a certain level of fitness and altitude acclimatization. It is recommended to hike with a guide and to properly prepare for the physical demands of the hike. Climbing Mount Meru can also require obtaining permits from the Tanzanian National Parks Authority.
Mt Meru is located in Arusha National Park. Mt Meru’s peak rises to a height of 4,566m and is only 80km away from Mt Kilimanjaro.
The mountain slopes offer natural shelter to numerous animal species such as elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, baboons, colobus monkeys and antelopes, making your trek an adventurous
one therefore, a park ranger will accompany you for your safety. Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania. Meru is often used as warm-up
hiking in preparation for Kilimanjaro.
What other mountains to hike around Tanzania?
Other mountains in northern Tanzania that you can go hiking are Mt Lomalasin (3,648m), Mt Hanang (3,417m), Ol Doinyo Lengai (2,878m) and Mt Longido (2,637m). The rest are Usambara Mountains in Lushoto, Mt. Lemagrut, Mt. Lolmalasin, Mt Oldean, Uluguru Mountains, etc.
Mount Meru Key facts
1. Tanzania’s second tallest mountain at 4,566m
2. Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
3. Great acclimatization climbs before tackling Kilimanjaro
4. Ascent and descent via the Momela route over 3 days
5. Dormitory style hut accommodation
Visitors to Mount Meru are more likely to spot wildlife along the trail, particularly in the early
days of the hike. Often times a ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the
journey to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite.
From there, the route wanders up the north side of Meru’s volcanic crater, before approaching
the true summit itself. At the top, the views are outstanding, particularly with Kilimanjaro
gleaming tantalizingly in the distance.
Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to
the top as even on this lower peak, acclimatization is the key to success. All trekking groups
take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.
Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the top, with basic but comfortable
accommodations located at two different campsites prior to the going to the summit, which is
located at a place called Socialist Peak.
Mount Meru Climbing offers two advantages to travelers. First, it allows trekkers a chance to
experience what it is like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, providing a grand adventure
for those who don’t have a lot of time in their schedule or don’t want to deal with the higher
altitude found on Kilimanjaro.
But perhaps more importantly, it truly is a wonderful way to prepare for the larger challenges
that they’ll face on Kilimanjaro, taking some of the mystery and acclimatization process out of
the picture before ever stepping foot on the mountain.
Mount Meru climbing Cost
The price for a 3 day climb is USD 770 Per Person and the price for a 4 day Meru climb is USD
850usd per person. You can climb Mount Meru all year round and you can pick and choose your
own travel dates but we recommend you avoid the rainy season. The best time to climb Mount
Meru is January to early March and June to October.
Items included
- Transport to/from Arusha National Park
- Overnight stays in mountain huts
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Mount Meru waterfalls
- Never pretend to feel well if you don’t before or during climb.
- Make sure you are in good physical and mental health before attempting the mountain. We
recommend a medical check prior to any climb. - Most people will experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness. Your guide is experienced in
identifying and dealing with altitude sickness but you should also educate yourself about the
symptoms and prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Sickness (HAS),
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). - Should you experience any symptoms of AMS, immediate descent is the remedy on Mt. Meru
and will be ordered by your guide.
Highlights About Mount Meru
- Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano located in Tanzania, Africa.
- It stands at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) tall, making it the fifth highest peak in Africa.
- Climbing Mount Meru typically takes 3-5 days, with the summit hike taking 8-10 hours.
- The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.
- Altitude sickness is a concern on Mount Meru and climbers should be acclimatized properly before attempting the summit.
- Climbing Mount Meru requires a park entry fee, guide and support staff fees, and camping fees.
Contact us.
About Itineraries .
Best time to hike: All year round
Duration: 3 days
Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking.After an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking.
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900!
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Arusha (1400m)
Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Momella Gate and return to Arusha.
Cost $670usd
Items included:
Transport to/from Arusha National Park
Overnight stays in mountain huts
Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
All Park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Items not included:
Airport transfers
Accommodation in Arusha
Tanzania Visa
Gratuity
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
Best time: All year round
Duration: 4 days
Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking
After an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)
Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking
After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 1900!
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade to Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). The last hour of the hike you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Arusha (1400m)
Duration: 2-3 hours of hiking
After a long rest and breakfast, we will begin our final descent to Momella gate. We will hike through forest and meadows where it is likely to spot wildlife. At the base of Mt. Meru, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you back to Arusha.
Rate including VAT:
Per person $800usd
Items included:
Transfer to/from Arusha National Park
Overnight stays in Mountain Huts
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
All Park fees
Rescue fees
All meals while on the Mountain
Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Airport transfers
Items not included:
Accommodation in Arusha (Can be arranged upon request )
Tanzania Visa
Gratuity
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed above
FAQ
Mount Meru is 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) tall.
Mount Meru is located in Tanzania, Africa.
The standard climbing route, Rongai Route, is considered a relatively easy climb compared to Kilimanjaro. However, altitude sickness is a concern on Mount Meru and proper acclimatization is necessary.
Climbing Mount Meru typically takes 3-5 days, with the summit hike taking 8-10 hours.
The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry season, which runs from June to October.
Climbing Mount Meru requires a park entry fee, guide and support staff fees, and camping fees.
Yes, a guide is required to climb Mount Meru as it is located within Arusha National Park.
The climb to Mount Meru offers breathtaking views of both Mount Meru and its larger neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as a taste of African high-altitude trekking for those not ready for the more challenging Kilimanjaro.
Contact us.
About Climbing Mt Meru.
Climbing Mount Meru is an unforgettable experience that offers a taste of African high-altitude trekking, breathtaking views, and a chance to connect with nature and challenge yourself physically. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just looking for a new adventure, Mount Meru provides a unique and rewarding opportunity to explore one of Tanzania’s most magnificent natural wonders. So gather your gear, plan your trip, and make the climb to the summit of Mount Meru today!
Address:
275,Sombetini Road, P.o.box 275, Arusha, Tanzania Phone:+255655707352
Email:
info@travelers Africa.com
Open Hours:
Mon-Sat: 9am - 6pm
