3-Day Mount Meru Trek in Arusha National Park with Sunrise Summit

3 Days Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain and Africa's fourth-highest peak
02 Hike through Arusha National Park with chances to spot giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and other wildlife
03 Take in views of Meru Crater, the Ash Tray, and a beautiful waterfall on the ascent
04 Reach the summit at sunrise for spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru's inner crater

Climb Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain, on this 3-day trek through Arusha National Park. This scenic ascent combines high-altitude hiking with the chance to spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, and possibly elephants along the trail. Trek past the Ngarenanyuki River, a beautiful waterfall, Meru Crater, and the Ash Tray before making a pre-dawn summit push for sunrise views of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Often used as a warm-up climb for Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers a rewarding adventure in its own right.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

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

Languages English, French, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Momella Gate and Miriakamba Hut

After an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. Here, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania park authorities.

You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari, and you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, 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 the team for the duration of the trek.

As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and your overnight stay.

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 02

Ascend to Saddle Hut with Optional Little Meru Hike

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

After breakfast, you will start ascending the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way. The trail offers views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray.

When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mount Meru (3820m) with your guide to further acclimatise. You will be served an early dinner so you can get ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 7:00 pm.

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

Day 03

Midnight Summit Attempt and Return to Arusha

Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking

Your guide will wake you up at 12:30 am for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m).

During the last hour of the hike, you will scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and the inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise, with spectacular views of Mount Meru Ash Tray and Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy the views before descending to Momella Gate and returning to Arusha.

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Drinking water (other drinks not included)

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Porterage
Rescue fee
Climbing gear
Park fees (for non-residents)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
Camping equipment
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
All taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinking water (on all days)
Sleeping bag

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Bath towels
Tips (tipping guideline: US$15.00 pp per day)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

What to bring

Warm layers (it gets cold at higher altitude)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Hiking boots (well broken-in)
Gloves, hat, and warm socks
Headlamp or torch
Daypack and water bottle or hydration pack
Energy snacks (nuts, bars, chocolate)
Sleeping bag (cold-rated)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Personal medications and basic toiletries

Know before you go

You will be climbing Mount Meru, a high-altitude trek, so fitness and slow pacing matter.
Altitude can cause fatigue, so acclimatization is important.
Nights are cold, especially near the summit.
The route passes through wildlife zones, so armed rangers may accompany hikers.
Weather can change quickly from sun to rain or mist.
It is often used as preparation for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Logistics