Tanzania · Trekking

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

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Witness wildlife including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalos, and potentially elephants
02 Experience a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mount Meru
03 Encounter black and white colobus monkeys and a variety of birds
04 Summit Mount Meru for breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley
05 Hike along a dramatic narrow ridge on one of Africa's most exhilarating descents

Embark on a 3-day trek to Mount Meru from Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. Hike through mountain forest landscapes where you may encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalos, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds, and visit a beautiful waterfall at the base of the mountain. The summit climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, the Crater rim, the Ash Cone, and the Rift Valley. The descent along a dramatic narrow ridge is one of the most exhilarating walks in Africa.

The return route to Rhino Point in the morning light, along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut Through Arusha National Park

Early in the morning, the driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. It takes approximately two hours to reach Arusha. After arriving at Momella Gate, a guide will register you with the Tanzanian National Park (TANAPA), and once the registration is completed, the hike and climb through the mountain forest will begin.
Along the trail, you will have the chance to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, buffalos, and potentially elephants.
As you continue climbing, you will cross the Ngarenanyuki River and reach a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mount Meru, where you can see various birds and black and white colobus monkeys.
Finally, you will arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2500 m), where you will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 02

Ascent to Saddle Hut and Optional Little Mount Meru Hike

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will continue your ascent toward the saddle, where you may see a lot of wildlife along the way. The walk will take you along the Mount Meru crater and the impressive ash cone.
Upon arrival at camp, you will have the option of hiking or climbing Little Mt. Meru (3820 m) with your guide for further acclimatization.
You will be served an early dinner so that you can get ample rest before your midnight summit attempt from Saddle Hut.

Day 03

Midnight Summit of Meru Peak and Descent to Momella Gate

Summiting begins at midnight, with a steep one-hour climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), followed by a path along an ash and rock ridge to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The final ascent to the summit of Meru Peak (4,562 m) takes another hour on a steep path, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro.
Sunrise can be enjoyed at Cobra Point or at the summit, depending on your speed. The views are breathtaking: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley.
The return route to Rhino Point in the morning light, along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.
After brunch and a brief rest at Saddle Hut, continue the descent to Momella Gate, where the driver will pick you up and drive you back to Moshi or Arusha town.