4-Day Mt Meru Hike in Arusha National Park with summit sunrise

The trek begins at Momella Gate within Arusha National Park, with a Tanzanian guide accompanied by an armed park ranger.

Walking through the grasslands towards the Acacia forest on the southern route, giraffes and buffaloes may be spotted lazily grazing on the lush vegetation.

After a 2-hour climb, reach Maio Falls and enjoy some picturesque meadows that are a perfect place for a picnic.

The trek continues through the fig tree arch, an unusual tree formation created by the wild fig Ficus thonningii.

After another 1 1/2-2 hours, you will reach Miriakamba Hut.

In the morning, you will leave Miriakamba Hut behind, and the trek continues on wooden steps along a steep track. The shift in altitude brings about a noticeable drop in temperature, and walking may feel easier.

After approximately 2 hours, the uphill trek reaches the vantage point of Mgongo wa Tembo at an elevation of 3200 m.

After another hike, during which the vegetation changes from rainforest into airy bushland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550 m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break.

In the afternoon, you have the option of a side trip to Little Meru (3820 m), which takes approximately 1-1 1/2 hours and offers beautiful views of Arusha National Park and Mt Kilimanjaro about 80 km away.

After an early start with tea and biscuits, you will leave for the summit at 02:00 am. The trek follows the trail through bushland to Rhino Point (3,821 m). The path becomes more challenging, and occasional climbing will be required. Following the crater rim, trek on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit.

After 4-5 hours, witness breathtaking views of the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and of Mt Meru's crater, with its steep sides and the ash cone in the middle.

The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3550 m), where you will take a well-deserved long break and recuperate with hot soup and tea.

In the early afternoon, head towards Miriakamba Hut (2500 m).

The final descent is via the northern route back to Momella Gate. On this 2-3 hour trek, there is the chance to see giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, as well as black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Drive back to Arusha National Park Gate.