6-Day Mount Meru Trekking Expedition in Arusha National Park

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Trek through Arusha National Park's lush forest, grasslands, and heath zones
• 02 Spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and colobus monkeys on the lower slopes
• 03 Reach Socialist Peak at sunrise with views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater rim
• 04 Stay at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut during the mountain ascent
• 05 Prepare for the climb with a professional mountain guide and armed park ranger

Experience a rewarding 6-day Mount Meru trekking expedition in Arusha National Park, combining scenic mountain trails with memorable wildlife encounters. Trek from Momella Gate through lush montane forest, open grasslands, and heath vegetation to Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut before making a midnight summit push to Socialist Peak for sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater rim. Along the way, look out for giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and colobus monkeys on the lower slopes. The journey begins and ends in Arusha, with airport transfers, hotel stay, and mountain hut accommodation included.

Trek from Momella Gate through lush montane forest, open grasslands, and heath vegetation to Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut before making a midnight summit push to Socialist Peak for sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater rim.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, Arusha National Park

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Pre-Trek Briefing

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Arusha.
• Meet your professional mountain guide for a detailed briefing, safety instructions, and equipment check.
• Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel while preparing for the upcoming Mount Meru trekking adventure inside Arusha National Park.

2

Day 02

Momella Gate Trek to Miriakamba Hut

• Drive to Momella Gate inside Arusha National Park after breakfast to begin the trek.
• Hike through lush montane forest and open grasslands, with opportunities to spot giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and colobus monkeys.
• Ascend gradually to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes.

3

Day 03

Ascent from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

• Continue the ascent after breakfast through forest and heath vegetation within Arusha National Park.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Meru Crater, valleys, and surrounding dramatic landscapes along the trail.
• Arrive at Saddle Hut for rest, acclimatisation, dinner, and an overnight stay in preparation for summit day.

4

Day 04

Midnight Summit Push to Socialist Peak

• Begin the summit ascent around midnight under starry skies through steep volcanic ridges.
• Reach Socialist Peak at sunrise and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater rim.
• Descend back to Saddle Hut for rest, lunch, and overnight recovery after the summit achievement.

5

Day 05

Descent to Momella Gate and Return to Arusha

• Descend after breakfast through scenic forest trails within Arusha National Park towards Momella Gate.
• Enjoy wildlife sightings and the changing landscapes during the descent journey.
• Transfer back to Arusha for relaxation, a shower, dinner, and an overnight stay at the hotel.

6

Day 06

Departure from Arusha

• Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Arusha, depending on your flight schedule.

• Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

• Conclude your 6-day Mount Meru Ultimate Trekking Expedition, marked by adventure, wildlife encounters, and a successful summit experience inside Arusha National Park.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport pick-up and drop-off (Arusha / Kilimanjaro)
• 1 night hotel accommodation in Arusha (before and/or after trek)
• All park entrance fees for Arusha National Park
• Professional mountain guide and armed park ranger
• Full board meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Accommodation in mountain huts (Miriakamba and Saddle Hut)
• Rescue and emergency evacuation service (park system)
• Trekking permits and conservation fees
• Drinking water during trekking
• Government taxes and service charges

What's Not Included

• International flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tips for guides, porters, and ranger staff
• Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, etc.)
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
• Laundry services and personal expenses
• Optional hotel upgrades in Arusha

What to bring

• Valid passport and travel documents
• Comfortable hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
• Warm jacket, gloves, and thermal layers
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Daypack for essentials
• Headlamp or torch (for summit night)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
• Personal medication and a basic first aid kit
• Camera with extra batteries

Know before you go

• The trek involves steep altitude gain up to 4,566 m.
• Proper acclimatisation and fitness are important.
• The summit attempt starts around midnight for sunrise views.
• Weather changes quickly - expect cold nights and warm days.
• Wildlife may be seen on lower trekking routes.
• Follow guide and ranger instructions at all times.
• Mount Meru is ideal preparation for Kilimanjaro climbs.
• Slow pacing ("pole pole") is key to success.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.