Tanzania · Trekking

3-Day Mount Meru Trek from Arusha with Sunrise Summit Views

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

View all 8 photos

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Encounter wildlife on a walking safari through Arusha National Park
02 Ascend steep trails with stunning views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray
03 Reach Mount Meru's summit at sunrise with panoramic views including Mt. Kilimanjaro
04 Trek with an armed ranger through wildlife-rich mountain terrain

Embark on a 3-day Mount Meru adventure through Arusha National Park, where each step reveals diverse wildlife, from African buffaloes to black and white colobus monkeys, majestic giraffes, and elusive elephants. Trek through lush landscapes to Miriakamba Hut at 2500m, then continue along the steep ridge with views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. Your summit push begins after midnight, rewarding you with a sunrise on Mount Meru and breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro and beyond.

You will reach the summit of Meru (4565 m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru, Ash Tray, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Meru, Arusha National Park

Languages English, French, German, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arusha to Miriakamba Hut via Momella Gate

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha after an early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m) and transferred to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park.
At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with Tanzania National Park (TANAPA).
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, antelope, 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 your team.
As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru.
Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight stay.

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

Day 02

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut and Optional Little Meru Hike

After breakfast, you will start ascending the steep trail along the saddle ridge. You may see various wildlife along the way, and the trail offers views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray.
When you arrive at the camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820 m) with your guide to further acclimatize.
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.

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

Day 03

Midnight Summit Attempt and Descent to Momella Gate

Your guide will wake you at 00:30 am for tea and biscuits.
You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30 am. The trail starts on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800 m) to Cobra Point (4350 m).
In 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 (4565 m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru, Ash Tray, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy the views, then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break and brunch before continuing the descent to Momella Gate.
Your transfer vehicle will be waiting for you at Momella Gate, ready to drop you off at your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking

Where this trip takes you

Miriakamba Hut, Saddle Hut, Little Mt. Meru, Mt. Kilimanjaro views

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Guide
Park fees
Tax
Gate transfer
Crew wages
Ranger
3 breakfasts
3 lunches
3 dinners
Cook
Porters

What's Not Included

Flights
Tipping the crew
Visas
Additional park fees
Non-climbing accommodation

What to bring

How do you arrange a backpack that will be carried by support crews? Packs that the support crews carry on Kilimanjaro are limited to 20 kg. Wrap clothing in waterproof plastic bags.
In the day pack, take along water, sunglasses, a camera, rain pants, and a jacket at a minimum. Add any other items you might need during the day because you will not see the support crew until you reach your hut at the end of your day of hiking. Bring double extra sets of batteries, as cold weather quickly shortens their life. Carry critical climbing gear on the airplane in case baggage is delayed.
SLEEPING BAG
- Sleeping bag (rated 10 degrees F/-25 degrees C or colder is recommended)
- Sleeping pad and repair kit
CLOTHING
- You want your inner layer to be wicking - no cotton
- The next layer should be insulating and warm, and the top layer should be waterproof but breathable. You will need clothes for hiking during the day, lounging in the evening, and sleeping. Layers are important, as temperatures vary greatly.
- Your clothing should be lightweight, breathable, hand-washable, and quick-drying.
- Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
- Long pants (zip-off pants are very useful)
- Short-sleeved shirts, long-sleeved shirts, undergarments, socks
- Sports bras for women (roads can be bumpy), sweater, jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket and pants, or rain poncho
COLD WEATHER CLOTHING
- Long underwear, fleece jacket or wool sweater, fleece pants, mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
- Wool or pile hat, balaclava or neck gaiter, hand and foot warmers (chemical activated), down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)
FOOTWEAR
- Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike
- Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle support - not too light and not too heavy
- Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening, hiking socks for warmer conditions, and wool socks for colder conditions
BAGGAGE
- Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover for support crews to carry. Daypack and rain cover for you to carry.

Know before you go

Mount Meru is one of the major attractions of Arusha National Park. The total ascent requires at least three days. The route takes climbers through a series of natural environments with various flora and fauna and an interesting mixture of nature and culture.
Meru has a route to the top and can be attempted in three days, but we highly recommend four days for acclimatization. Most alpines use Meru for acclimatization before the Kilimanjaro climb. The mountain had less snow formed during the volcano eruption.
Unlike Kilimanjaro, when climbing Mount Meru, you must be escorted by an armed ranger as you pass through Arusha National Park. At this time, you will enjoy the walking safari as you pass groups of African buffaloes, zebras, and black and white colobus monkeys.
Climbing Mount Meru is a rewarding challenge. It is often done as a warm-up trek for Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain. These iconic landmarks are only 70 km/43 mi apart, and when climbing one, you'll be treated to great views of the other. A Mt Meru trek will reduce the risk of altitude sickness when climbing its bigger sister, Mt Kilimanjaro. But there are other reasons you might want to conquer this lesser-known peak.
Why climb Mount Meru?
- A climb of Mt Meru is one of the most spectacular treks in East Africa. While most Kilimanjaro routes suffer from overcrowding, there is very little foot traffic on Meru. You'll be hiking through several vegetation zones. The forested slopes are home to many animals, including buffalo, leopard, Harvey's red duiker, bushbuck, Kilimanjaro colobus, and blue monkey. The birdlife is fantastic too, with over 400 species recorded.
How high is Mt Meru?
- At 4,562m/14,967ft, Mt Meru is Tanzania's second-highest and fifth-highest peak in Africa. You're not likely to experience serious altitude sickness at this height, but experiencing it will help your body adapt sufficiently for climbing Kilimanjaro.
How hard is it to climb Mt Meru?
- Don't underestimate the climb to Mt Meru. It is steep and technical, and a reasonable amount of fitness is required. There is only one way up, the Momella Route. It starts on the mountain's eastern side and ascends along the northern side of the crater to the summit, Socialist Peak.
How long does it take to climb Mt Meru?
- A Mt Meru climb usually takes four days (three nights), but it is also possible to do it in three days (two nights). Although the three-day option will save you some money, we wouldn't recommend it. The first two days are identical in both itineraries, but you compress Days 3 and 4 into a single day for the shorter version. This makes for a very long third day, where you summit at sunrise and then descend more than 3,000m/9,800ft back to the park entrance.
What is the typical itinerary of a Mt Meru climb?
- With only one way up and down the mountain, a Mt Meru climb has a standard four-day itinerary.
What are the huts like on Mt Meru?
- Two locations on Mt Meru have well-equipped huts for hikers. Miriakamba and Saddle Hut offer dormitory accommodation. Each dorm room has bunk beds for up to four people. There are communal bathrooms and a mess room for meals. Outside tables are also provided.
What do I need to pack for a Mt Meru hike?
- Your gear can make or break your trip. If a packing list is ever important, it is when you plan to climb a mountain. You should get a complete list from your tour operator, but here are a few essentials to get you going.
- A waterproof duffel bag (to be carried by a porter, assuming you will have one)
- A daypack (which you will carry yourself)
- Warm, lightweight, quick-drying clothing (no cotton)
- A waterproof jacket
- Good hiking boots. Don't ever skimp on these, and make sure to break them in at home.
- Good-quality socks
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for around camp (to give your feet a break from the boots)
- A very warm sleeping bag and anything else you need for a good night's rest
- Toiletries and any medical items you might need, including plasters
- Water bottles to fill and put in your daypack
- Sunscreen and maybe sanitiser and/or wet wipes (to put in your daypack too)
- A few favourite hiking snacks (even if you're booking an organized climb and your food will be taken care of)
Do I need a guide for a Mt Meru hike?
- At a minimum, you must hire an armed ranger for your Mt Meru climb. This protects you from the wildlife you might encounter along the way. Aside from the ranger, you could decide to tackle Mt Meru unsupported, but booking your trip with a licensed operator is generally recommended. The operator will sort out all the fees, food, equipment, transport, porters, guides, and park rangers.
Are there day trips on Mt Meru?
- If climbing Mt Meru is too time-consuming, too expensive, or just too daunting for you, a day trip is a great alternative. You'll drive through a beautiful primary forest, passing the famous Fig Tree Arch, a vast strangler fig with an archway big enough for a Land Cruiser to pass through. The road ends at Kitoto Viewpoint (2,500m/8,202ft), where you'll continue on foot for a two-to-four-hour hike through Meru Crater with its ash cone.
What is the best time of year to climb Mt Meru?
- You can climb Mt Meru any time of the year, but the most favourable conditions are from June to February when it is mostly dry and relatively warm. For clear skies offering great views of Mt Kilimanjaro, December to February is your best bet.