Tanzania · Trekking

5-Day Mount Meru Trek in Tanzania with Sunrise Summit

5 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Summit Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain
02 Trek through grassy plains, dense forests, rocky slopes, and narrow ridges
03 Look out for wildlife including elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and antelope
04 Reach the summit at sunrise with the possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro above the clouds

Summit Tanzania's second-highest mountain, Mount Meru, on a 5-day trekking adventure through grassy plains, dense forests, rocky slopes, and narrow ridges. Along the route, look out for wildlife sightings as you hike with spectacular scenery all around you. Reach the summit in time for sunrise, with the possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro above the clouds, and receive your certificate of completion on the way back.

We reach the summit (4,566 m) in time for sunrise, with the possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Arusha

You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Arusha town. There, you will meet your driver-guide, who will brief you on your upcoming safari before you rest for the night ahead of the next morning.

Day 02

Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut

We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the gate, our walk begins with a fully armed ranger escorting us. Along the way, we may see wild animals, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, and antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight stay at Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation (m): 1,387 m to 1,500 m

Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft to 3,000 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest.

Day 03

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut via Little Meru

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The trail takes us slowly along the ridge for spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.

Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut.

Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m

Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Habitat: Forest and Moorland.

Day 04

Summit Day via Rhino Point and Cobra Point

We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and then on to Cobra Point (4,350 m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) in time for sunrise, with the possibility of seeing Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb follows a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the crater's sloping outer wall. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565 m to 2,514 m

Elevation (ft): 14,977 ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250 ft

Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down

Hiking Time: 10-12 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland, and Montane Forest.

Day 05

Descent to Momela Gate and Return Transfer

We take a short and fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with the possibility of seeing wildlife before reaching Momela Gate in the late morning. The return transfer will be waiting at Momela Gate to take you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 1,500 m to 1,387 m

Elevation (ft): 4,921 ft to 8,250 ft to 4,921 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 2-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest.