Mount Meru offers an excellent acclimatization hike before attempting Kilimanjaro, or it can be a stunning standalone trek for those seeking a shorter, yet challenging adventure. The route passes through scenic landscapes teeming with wildlife, and a sunrise summit rewards climbers with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
Although it’s possible to complete the trek in just four days, summiting Mount Meru—rising nearly 15,000 feet—is no easy feat. The final ascent involves some rock scrambling in the dark at high altitude, and climbers should be ready for a demanding summit day involving up to 10 hours of hiking. For a less strenuous option, trekkers can hike to Rhino Point and enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro before descending.
The climb takes place within Arusha National Park, where all hikers must be accompanied by an armed ranger employed by the park authority. In addition to the ranger, your own mountain guide will oversee your safety and coordinate the crew. Note that Arusha National Park may assign multiple groups to share a ranger, so private treks cannot always be guaranteed. Porters specific to Arusha National Park are assigned at the trailhead during registration.
Starting from Momela Gate, the track passes through open grassland with cape buffalo and warthogs. With luck, you may also see giraffe and elephants. Continue a steady climb through montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”.
After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are lots of birds and monkeys including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut, situated in idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro.
Day 2 Hike Miriakampa Hut To Saddle Hut, Afternoon Hike Up Little Meru
The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep sustained climb all the way.
Starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant Back Ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch.
In the afternoon, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for superb views. It takes about 1 hour to walk up and 30 minutes to walk down. The ascent is 1,056 m / 3,465 ft.
Summit day has an early start at around 12:00AM. There is a 1 hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft).
The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley.
The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut.
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
? Professional, experienced, mountain guides
? Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
? Quality, waterproof, four seasons private mountain sleeping tents
? Sleeping Mattress
? All meals while on the mountain
? Quality mess tents with table and chairs
? Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
? Clean purified drinking water
All Government taxes and levies including 18% VAT.
? International or Local Flights
? Optional activities
? Alcoholic and soft drinks
? Visa fees
? Tips
? Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
? Travel insurance
