Mount Meru Climbing
$1,280
Per Person
Located 70 odd km west of Mt Kilimanjaro, in Arusha Park, and – at 4,566m – Tanzania’s second highest mountain, Mount Meru is a beautiful, classically shaped volcano. While it last saw serious activity 100 years ago, it is thought to have lost the bulk of its size in a super-eruption some 8,000 years ago, and its nutrient-rich soils support a wide range of flora and fauna.
Surrounded by plains, the mountains slopes rise typically through montane forest, a large region of heather and then moorlands, which, after a few thousand feet, peter out into volcanic desert. These different habitats are home to a variety of animals, including elephant, rhino, giraffe, monkey, baboon, klipspringer, warthog, duiker and leopard. Mount Meru boasts up to 400 species of bird, and the mountain is usually a fixed item on birders’ itineraries.
Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500m/4,920ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,515m/8,250ft); Elevation Gain: 1,015 meters, 3,330 feet; Hiking Time: Four to seven hours.
After breakfast, leave Miriakamba and walk along flat land before entering the montane forest. Continue hiking until you reach a brief opening in the woods called Elephant Ridge. Arrive at Saddle Hut. The normal cloud cover of Arusha National Park burns off at about 3,200 meters. Saddle Hut lies at 3,570 meters.
The more energetic can summit Little Meru (3,820m) in the afternoon for breathtaking views of Meru and Kilimanjaro. The hike takes one to two hours round-trip. It does get cold on top of Little Meru so bring a jacket, gloves and a hat. Saddle Hut is very similar to Miriakamba Hut, and is well-maintained, with separate facilities for mountain staff and tourists.
Day 2: Miriakamba (2,515m/8,250ft) to Saddle Hut (3,570m, 11,710ft); Elevation Gain: 1,055 meters, 3,460 feet ; Hiking Time: Three to five hours.
After breakfast, leave Miriakamba and walk along flat land before entering the montane forest. Continue hiking until you reach a brief opening in the woods called Elephant Ridge. Arrive at Saddle Hut. The normal cloud cover of Arusha National Park burns off at about 3,200 meters. Saddle Hut lies at 3,570 meters.
The more energetic can summit Little Meru (3,820m) in the afternoon for breathtaking views of Meru and Kilimanjaro. The hike takes one to two hours round-trip. It does get cold on top of Little Meru so bring a jacket, gloves and a hat.
Saddle Hut is very similar to Miriakamba Hut, and is well-maintained, with separate facilities for mountain staff and tourists.
Day 3: Descend to Momella Gate and transfer to Moshi, trip concludes
We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning. Transfer back to Moshi, where trip concludes. (2-3 hours walking)
Meals: B,L
Tour Location
History Of Mount Meru
Mount Meru is a serious three to four-day trek and is often used as a practice run by those hoping to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. A guide is mandatory on every trek and there is only one official route up to the summit. The route is well marked with huts along the way offering simple, comfortable beds. Unofficial routes on the west and northern sides of the mountain are illegal. Acclimatization is important, and while you won't need oxygen, spending at least a few days at altitude before attempting the climb is highly recommended.
Guides are mandatory for every trek up Mount Meru. With you is an armed ranger he is there for your safety in light of the mountain's abundant wildlife like Buffalos. Porters are not mandatory but make the trek more enjoyable by helping to carry your equipment. Each porter carries up to 33 pounds/ 15 kilograms. You can hire both porters, guides and an armed at the Momella Gate, but it's a good idea to book in advance with us because in this way we assure you that you have the best experienced and professional crew that will help you summitt. If you choose to trekk with us, these services are usually included in the price that we give you. To book with us click here! Also don't forget to Contact us to ask for tipping guidelines as hiker tips make up a significant percentage of total income for the mountain's guides, porters, and cooks.
There is an avarage price to climb mount Meru per person including food, accommodation, guide fees, permits and other involved logistics. As you will need a climbing permit and which takes at least 12 hours to obtain. Booking your climb through an organized tour operator like us might seem a bit more expensive, but also makes the logistics and organization of the whole trip much simpler, professional and successful. You can see a sample of Meru hiking content
Price Included
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- Professional guides, cooks and porters
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Park fees, huts fees & rescue fees
- VAT fees and Charges
- Armed Ranger Fee.
- Salaries for support crew cook and guides.
- Accommodation in wooden cabins on the mountain
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- Pick up and drop off at the airport.
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
Price Not Included
- International flights.
- Bank charges
- Personal Expenses
- Tips to Crew (highly recommended).
- Visa, Travel Insurance (we can help arrange of them).
- Expenditures of personal nature like drinks, telephone, laundry, Internet etc.
Hayate H
January 25, 2025
Amazing trip Kilimanjaro hike
We had an amazing trip with Tanzania Seasons.Guide and his crew was excellent and really appreciate their efforts . We had a great time. Highly recommend!!