3-Day Mount Meru Climbing Tour from Arusha with Sunrise Summit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Hike through acacia forest to Maio Falls in Arusha National Park
• 02 Explore the iconic Arched Fig Tree with insights from a park ranger
• 03 Ascend to Mgongo wa Tembo viewpoint for high-altitude rainforest views
• 04 Watch sunrise over Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru's summit
• 05 See Mount Meru's crater and the Ash Cone from Socialist Peak

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure on Mount Meru through Arusha National Park, starting at Momella Gate and ascending through acacia forest to Miriakamba Hut. Along the way, experience lush landscapes, Maio Falls, and the iconic Arched Fig Tree before continuing to Saddle Hut at 3550m. Your summit push begins around midnight, leading to sunrise views over Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru's dramatic crater with the Ash Cone in the middle. Descend via Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate, with possible wildlife sightings en route.

At the summit, you can enjoy the sunrise over Kilimanjaro and the stunning view of Mount Meru's crater with its steep sides and the "Ash Cone" in the middle.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

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

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arusha to Momella Gate and Trek to Miriakamba Hut

• In the morning, after breakfast at your lodging, you will be picked up by the driver and your mountain guide. You will then take a 2-hour drive to the Arusha National Park gate to complete park formalities and obtain authorization for your climbing permit. Once the guide finalizes the park formalities, you, along with the rest of your mountain crew - porters and chef - will drive further to Momella Gate, where your adventure begins.
• At the start of your climb, you will be accompanied by an armed park ranger due to the presence of wild animals along the way. You may catch a glimpse of wonderful giraffes and buffaloes before entering the acacia forest along the Southern Route.
• After hiking for 2 hours, you will reach Maio Falls, a picturesque spot ideal for a picnic. Take a short rest at the falls, then continue your hike to the popular Arched Fig Tree. Here, a park ranger will provide detailed information about the tree.
• Afterwards, embark on a 2-hour hike to reach Miriakamba Hut, where you will camp for the night.

2

Day 02

Climb from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

• The day begins with a hike from Miriakamba Hut, following a steep track with wooden steps leading upward. At a higher elevation, you will notice a cooler environment than the previous day, making for an easier hike. Clouds often hang in the rainforest, creating a moody atmosphere and draping the lush vegetation. After a hike of up to 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point of 'Mgongo wa Tembo' at an elevation of 3200m, where you can take a short break.
• After the break, you will continue the hike up to Saddle Hut, reaching an altitude of 3550m, where you can have lunch and set up your camp. While at Saddle Hut in the afternoon, you can choose to take a side trip to a small peak at 3820m, a 1 to 1.5-hour hike that offers stunning views of Arusha National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
• You will then head back to your camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Summit Mount Meru and Return to Arusha

• On summit day, the hike usually begins around 02:00 hrs. You will start with a light meal, typically tea and biscuits, before trekking through the bushland to Rhino Point, which is 3821m high. As this is a night hike, headlamps are mandatory. From Rhino Point, the climb becomes more challenging as you hike along the northern ridge, navigating through lava ash and rocks until you reach the summit. The hike typically takes 4 to 5 hours.
• At the summit, you can enjoy the sunrise over Kilimanjaro and the stunning view of Mount Meru's crater with its steep sides and the "Ash Cone" in the middle.
• After taking in the breathtaking view and capturing some photos, you will descend to Saddle Hut for a short break, warm soup, and tea.
• Then continue the descent to Miriakamba Hut and finally to Momella Gate through the Northern Route. You may even have the chance to see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
• At Momella Gate, your driver will be ready to pick you up and drive you back to Arusha town.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport, with two nights' accommodation in Arusha/Moshi town before and after the climb
• Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and 18% VAT
• Transportation to and from the mountain gate before and after the climb
• Professional mountain guides, chefs, and porters
• 3 meals daily with filtered water for all climbing days
• Approved fair wages for the mountain crew by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)

What's Not Included

• Tanzania visa costs and items of a personal nature
• Medical insurance, doctor for the group, personal medicine, and laundry services
• Tips and gratuities for the mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature, such as mountain climbing equipment and the portable flush toilet

What to bring

• Clothing:
  • Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
  • Insulating layers (fleece or down jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
  • Hiking pants and shorts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
  • Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support
  • Gaiters (optional for keeping debris out of your boots)
• Gear:
  • Backpack (30-40 liters)
  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (0°F/-18°C rating or lower) (if you don't have one, you can rent one here)
  • Sleeping pad for insulation and comfort
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Trekking poles for stability and reducing strain on knees
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Water bottles or hydration system (at least 3 litres capacity)
  • Snacks for energy (trail mix, energy bars, chocolate)
  • Personal first aid kit (bandages, blister treatment, pain relievers, personal medications)
  • Toilet paper and hand sanitiser
  • Lightweight towels and toiletries
  • Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
  • Binoculars for wildlife viewing (optional)
  • Portable charger for electronic devices
• Miscellaneous:
  • Valid passport and permits (if required)
  • Cash for tipping guides and park fees (USD is widely accepted)
  • Personal identification and emergency contact information
  • Maps or guidebooks of the area (if available)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Lightweight dry bags or stuff sacks for organizing gear and keeping items dry
  • Garbage bags for packing out trash and keeping gear dry in case of rain

Know before you go

• Physical fitness: Mount Meru is a challenging climb, so good physical condition is essential. Regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and hiking with a weighted backpack can help prepare you for the trek.
• Altitude considerations: While Mount Meru's summit is lower than Kilimanjaro's, altitude sickness can still be a concern. Acclimatization is crucial, so consider spending a few days at higher elevations before the climb and ascending gradually during the trek.
• Weather conditions: Mount Meru's weather can be unpredictable, ranging from hot and humid at lower elevations to cold and windy at higher altitudes. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather, including rain, wind, and even snow at the summit.
• Packing essentials: Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climb, including layers for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, and essential items such as a headlamp, water bottles, and snacks. Refer to the previous list for a detailed packing guide.
• Health and safety: Prioritize your health and safety during the climb by staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, and listening to your body. Be aware of common altitude sickness symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue, and notify your guide if you experience any concerning symptoms.
• Leave No Trace: Practice Leave-No-Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact during the climb. Pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, and stick to designated trails to preserve Mount Meru's natural beauty for future generations.
• Cultural considerations: Respect the local culture and customs of the communities surrounding Mount Meru. Learn basic Swahili phrases, ask for permission before photographing locals, and support local businesses and initiatives whenever possible.
• The 3-day Mount Meru climbing and hiking tour is an excellent acclimatization experience before climbing Kilimanjaro. The mountain is located in Arusha National Park, one of Tanzania's gems.
• Standing in the Arusha region at 4566m high, Mount Meru is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and the second-highest in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. During the climb, you will pass through different habitats, starting with dense mountain forest and moving to scrubland, moorland forest, and finally alpine desert. As the habitat changes, so does the wildlife. On the lower slopes, you may find large wild animals such as elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, which is why an armed park ranger is required on your hike.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.