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6 Days Mt Meru Hike

6 Days Mt Meru Hike

Destinations Multiple Locations
Duration 6 Days
Starting From $1,540

The Overview

The Mt Meru hike is one of Tanzania’s most underrated trekking experiences perfect as a standalone adventure or as acclimatization for Kilimanjaro. Located in Arusha National Park, this Mount Meru climb offers lush forest trails, abundant wildlife, crater views, and a thrilling summit ridge to Meru Peak (4,566 meters). With fewer crowds, designated mountain huts, and dramatic scenery of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, this 6 day itinerary (including arrival and departure days) is an unforgettable high altitude journey in the heart of East Africa.

Why it stands out

Journey Highlights

  • Highest Altitude: 4,566m/14,980 ft
  • Momela Route 3 days
  • Hiking: 4 5km at a time
  • Tanzania's 2nd tallest mountain

The Route

Day by Day

01
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport → Airport Planet Lodge

    Road • 00:45h

    A short drive through the Arusha countryside, where the first hints of altitude settle in the evening air.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our team will meet you and transfer you to your lodge or hotel in Arusha. Enjoy dinner, relax, and prepare for your upcoming Mount Meru trek through Arusha National Park.

Where you'll stay

Mid Range Airport Planet Lodge
Luxury Airport Planet Lodge
02
  • Airport Planet Lodge → Momella Gate

    Road • 01:00h

    The morning road carries you from Arusha into the lush foothills of Mount Meru, toward the trailhead at Momella Gate.

The Mt Meru climb officially begins at Momella Gate (1,500m) with a scenic trek through open grasslands and dense montane forest. Keep your eyes out for buffalo, warthogs, and colobus monkeys as you ascend past the iconic Fig Tree Arch. After 4 6 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) a serene, grassy site with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater cliffs.

Where you'll stay

Mid Range Miriakamba Hut
03

Today is a shorter but steeper ascent through montane forest and moorland. Stop to admire panoramic views from Elephant Ridge, with possible elephant sightings and views across the crater. Reach Saddle Hut (3,570m) in time for lunch, and for those feeling strong, there’s the option to summit Little Meru (3,820m) in the afternoon for a stunning pre sunset view.

Where you'll stay

Mid Range Saddle Hut
04

Start your Mount Meru summit hike around 2:00 AM under the stars. Ascend steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m) and along a narrow, rugged ridge to Cobra Point (4,350m). From here, it’s a final push to Socialist Peak (4,566m), with jaw dropping views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ash Cone, and the Rift Valley. Descend carefully back to Saddle Hut for a hot meal and well earned rest.

Where you'll stay

Mid Range Saddle Hut
05
  • Momella Gate → Airport Planet Lodge

    Road • 01:00h

    After descending through forest and moorland, the return drive brings you back to Arusha and a hot shower.

Descend through moorland, grassland, and forest with continued chances of seeing wildlife like giraffe or monkeys. The trail offers beautiful views back toward the Mount Meru crater and surrounding plains. Arrive at Momella Gate by late afternoon, where your driver will transfer you back to Arusha. Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Pt.

Where you'll stay

Mid Range Airport Planet Lodge
06
  • Airport Planet Lodge → Kilimanjaro International Airport

    Road • 00:45h

    A final transfer takes you to the airport, carrying memories of the summit and the mountain's quiet majesty.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue the adventure with a customized Tanzania safari. Your Mount Meru hike comes to an end, but the memories (and the photos) will last a lifetime.

Investment

Semi Luxury $1,540 USD per person sharing

Included

  • Arrival and departure Kilimanjaro airport transfers
  • Free scheduled Riverside bus shuttle transfer Nairobi Arusha Nairobi if arriving/departing from Nairobi
  • Transport from the hotel to the mountain and back to the hotel
  • Accommodation and meals as indicated
  • All park fees and taxes
  • Services of English speaking Mountain guide, assistant guides and enough porters for your luggage, food and water, and a skilled cook
  • 4 days of trekking
  • 2 nights at Airport Planet Lodge; bed and breakfast

Excluded

  • International airfare
  • Items of a personal nature such as passport and visa
  • Climbing gear (can be rented on arrival)
  • Tips