3 Days Mount Meru Climbing

The 3 Days Mount Meru Climb is a challenging and rewarding trek up Tanzania’s second-highest mountain (4,566m), located in Arusha National Park. Often used as a warm-up for Kilimanjaro, this climb is a great standalone adventure for hikers looking for a shorter high-altitude experience with spectacular views and rich biodiversity.

The trail begins at Momella Gate, winding through forest inhabited by buffalo, giraffes, baboons, and colobus monkeys. Hikers overnight at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut, before making a predawn summit push to Socialist Peak via Rhino Point and Cobra Point. The route is steep and demanding but highly scenic, offering panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngurdoto Crater, and the Great Rift Valley.

Led by armed rangers due to the park’s wildlife population, the trail provides a unique blend of safari and mountain trekking, all in just three days.

Perfect for:

  • Trekkers short on time

  • Climbers acclimatizing for Kilimanjaro

  • Hikers seeking wildlife, views, and technical variety

Our adventure starts the Moment you land at Kilimanjaro international Airport, you will be met by our staff at the airport and transferred to Moshi/Arusha in the peaceful surrounds of our comfortable pre and post trek accommodation from where there are great views of the mountain. You can relax by the pool before your briefing with the Guides, who will provide the essential information for your trek to Mt Meru.

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.

  • Duration:

    5-7 hours 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!

  • Duration:

    3-5 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 Moshi.

  • Duration:

    12-14 hours of hiking

Include

  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro Intenational Airport to your accommodation in Moshi

  • 2 Night of Accommodation in Moshi

  • Transportation to & from Meru gate

  • Park entry fee

  • Accommodation in wooden cabins on the Mountain

  • Camping fees

  • Team Meru rescue fees

  • 18% VAT on tour fees and service

  • 3 Season Mountain tent

  • Double layered sleeping mats

  • Friendly and professional Mountain Guide, Porters and Cook

  • 3 Hot Meals daily while on the Mountain

  • Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout trekking

  • Hot water for washing

  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by KINAPA and KIATO

  • Government tax

  • Portable oxygen tank and ox meter

  • Emergence first aid kit

Exclude

  • Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after the trekking

  • Travel insurance

  • Flights

  • Laundry (Available at hotel)

  • Personal items and toiletries

  • Tips for guides, porters and cook

  • Guides:

    $20/day/guide

  • Cook:

    $15/day

  • Porter:

    $10/day/porter

Book This Tour

Tour Booking

Trekking Preparation

Altitude Sickness

Best Time To Climb

Climbing Gear For Hire

Kilimanjaro Climbing Checklist

Electronic Gadgets

Private Toilet Tents

Successful Climb Stories

Kilimanjaro Faq's

Climate Zones

Health Issues

Daypack on Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Equipment List

Kilimanjaro Foods

Kilimanjaro Visa