6-Day Mount Meru Trek from Arusha with Sunrise at Socialist Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Marvel at the breathtaking Meru Crater, the volcanic caldera on the mountain
• 02 Spot wildlife along the trail, including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and often elephants
• 03 Take in panoramic views over Arusha National Park, with Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance
• 04 Watch the sunrise from Socialist Peak, the highest point of Mount Meru

Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain, is an excellent acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro and an amazing trek in its own right. This route takes you through montane forest and moorland, with chances to spot wildlife such as buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and often elephants. Along the way, discover the awe-inspiring Meru Crater and panoramic views over Arusha National Park, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the distance when the weather is clear. The trek culminates in a sunrise ascent to Socialist Peak, the summit of Mount Meru.

You will reach Mount Meru's summit, Socialist Peak (4,566 m), right at sunrise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru

Languages English, French, German, Latin, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you will be picked up and transferred to Kizumba House or a similar accommodation for your overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

• Drive from Arusha to Momella Gate. After a short registration at the gate, your walk begins with a fully armed ranger escorting you on the hike. Along the way, you will see wild animals including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and often elephants. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
• Altitude: 1,500 m - 2,541 m
• Hiking time: 4-6 hours
• Distance: 10 km
• Habitat: Montane Forest

3

Day 03

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

• The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day, but it is a steep climb. The trail takes you slowly along the ridge for spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, you can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
• Altitude: 2,541 m - 3,570 m
• Hiking time: 3-5 hours
• Distance: 8 km
• Habitat: Forest and Moorland

4

Day 04

Summit Ascent to Socialist Peak via Rhino Point

• You will start climbing between 1 am and 2 am. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3,850 m), and from there it continues towards the summit along a very narrow ridge. You will reach Mount Meru's summit, Socialist Peak (4,566 m), right at sunrise.
• The scenery there is stunning; if the weather is clear, you can see Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After taking photos on the summit, you will descend back to Saddle Hut and then continue down to Miriakamba Hut.
• Altitude: 3,570 m - 3,850 m - 4,566 m - 2,541 m
• Hiking time: 10-12 hours
• Note: In icy conditions or strong winds, it is not always possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit. Your guide will decide whether the conditions are good enough to continue.

5

Day 05

Descent to Momella Gate and Return to Arusha

• You will leave at about 8:00 a.m. and descend to Momella Gate. You can choose either the longer or the shorter route down. On the longer route, you have a very good chance to see wildlife and the Ash Cone.
• Altitude: 2,541 m - 1,500 m
• Hiking time: 2-5 hours
• Once at the gate, it is time to tip your porters, guide, cook, and game ranger. After that, your driver will be ready and waiting to transfer you back to Kizumba House in Arusha for refreshments, dinner, and your overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Departure from Kilimanjaro Airport

• After breakfast, enjoy some leisure time at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will then be transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight home.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transportation from Arusha town to the mountain starting point and العودة to Arusha
• National park gate fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
• All meals on the mountain
• Armed ranger fee
• Two nights' accommodation at Kizumba House or similar: the first night on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and the last night including dinner, bed, and breakfast
• Qualified Kilimanjaro guides with mountain crew

What's Not Included

• Internal or international flights
• Entry visa to Tanzania
• Travel and health insurance
• Gratuities for your guide, hotel staff, and porters
• Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
• Any other personal items, laundry, telephone, and postage
• Airport transfers
• Gear for your climb
• Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included

What to bring

• Camera
• Extra battery for your camera
• Mountain gear (available for rent)
• Things of a personal nature

Know before you go

• Be open and honest with us at all times.
• Never pretend to feel well if you do not, either before or during the climb.
• Make sure you are in good physical and mental health before attempting the mountain.
• Most people will experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.