Overview (Highlight)
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,562 meters, offers a spectacular trekking experience inside the wildlife-rich Arusha National Park. This adventure combines forested hiking trails, dramatic volcanic formations, and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Less crowded than Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a peaceful ascent with excellent acclimatization and a rewarding summit sunrise. Expect diverse ecosystems, wildlife sightings, and the excitement of trekking through a volcanic crater landscape.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your lodge in Arusha. In the evening, your mountain guide conducts a full trek briefing and equipment check to ensure all your gear is ready. Optional gear rental is available for any missing items.
Accommodation Options:
- Kili Villa
- Green Mountain View
Day 1: Kili Villa → Momella Gate (1,580m) → Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
After breakfast, drive to Arusha National Park for registration with an armed ranger escort. Begin your ascent across open grasslands and acacia woodlands rich with giraffes, buffalos, baboons, and monkeys. Along the way, pass the beautiful Maio Falls and the famed Fig Tree Arch before reaching Miriakamba Hut after a 4–5 hour trek. Enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s climb.
Accommodation Options:
- Miriakamba Hut
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut → Saddle Hut (3,550m)
Today’s trail climbs steeply through misty rainforest and transitions into heather and moorland zones. Reach the scenic Elephant Back viewpoint for panoramic views before continuing to Saddle Hut. After settling in, take an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for stunning sunset views. Rest early for your midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation Options:
- Saddle Hut
Day 3: Saddle Hut → Socialist Peak (4,562m) → Miriakamba Hut
Your summit attempt begins at midnight. Trek through high-altitude trails and scrambling sections toward Rhino Point (3,821m) and along the dramatic crater rim under the stars. Reach Socialist Peak just in time for a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro. After celebrating your achievement, descend back to Miriakamba Hut for rest and recovery. Please note: In unsafe weather conditions, the summit may be cancelled for your safety.
Accommodation Options:
- Miriakamba Hut
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut → Momella Gate → Kili Villa
Enjoy a relaxing descent through lush forests along the northern route, where wildlife encounters are common—giraffes, elephants, buffalos, and Colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Momella Gate, say goodbye to your mountain crew and transfer back to Kili Villa, where you can unwind and enjoy well-deserved comfort.
Accommodation Options:
- Kili Villa
- Green Mountain View
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight. If continuing your adventure in Tanzania, your team will assist in coordinating the next stage of your journey.
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
Included in the Package:
- Park fees, hut fees & rescue fees
- Salaries for mountain crew (guide, assistant guide, ranger, cook & porters)
- All meals & drinking water during trek
- Emergency oxygen
- Transport to/from Momella Gate
- 18% VAT tax
- Pre-climb accommodation at Kili Villa (full board)
- Post-climb accommodation at Kili Villa (bed & breakfast)
- Two airport transfers
Excluded from the Package:
- Personal trekking equipment (clothing, sleeping bags, poles, etc.)
- Crew tips (guideline per day: Guide $20, Ranger $12, Assistant Guide $12, Cook $12, Porters $5–7)
- Costs for visas, vaccinations & personal spending
- Drinks at Kili Villa
- Optional add-on activities
Optional Add-Ons:
- Game drive in Arusha National Park
- Canoeing at Lake Duluti
- Coffee tour
