5-DAY MOUNT MERU TREKKING
Package Overview
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak at 4,566 meters, offers one of the most rewarding and underrated climbs in East Africa. Located within Arusha National Park, this 5-day itinerary combines a genuine wilderness trekking experience — complete with the chance to spot buffalo, giraffe, and colobus monkeys en route — with a serious high-altitude summit challenge. Meru is also widely regarded as an excellent acclimatization climb for those planning to attempt Kilimanjaro afterward, thanks to its steep, spectacular ridge walk to the summit.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Airport Pick-Up – Drop-Off at Hotel
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), where you’ll be met and welcomed by your Mbogo Expeditions representative. Transfer to your hotel in Arusha for check-in, a briefing on the climb ahead, and a relaxed evening to prepare. Accommodation: Arusha
Day 2: Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
Distance: ~14 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest After breakfast, drive to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park to complete registration formalities, accompanied by an armed ranger (required due to wildlife in the park, including buffalo and elephant). Trek through lush montane forest, keeping an eye out for giraffe, buffalo, and colobus monkeys, with views of the Momella Lakes below. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut for overnight in shared mountain huts. Accommodation: Huts
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) to Saddle Hut (3,550m)
Distance: ~5 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Moorland A shorter but steeper day, climbing out of the forest into open moorland. Pass Elephant Ridge, with sweeping views over the Momella Lakes and, on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Arrive at Saddle Hut, set on the saddle between Meru’s summit and the smaller peak of Little Meru, allowing time for an optional afternoon acclimatization walk to Little Meru (3,820m). Overnight at Saddle Hut. Accommodation: Huts
Day 4: Saddle Hut (3,550m) – Summit Attempt (4,566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
Distance: ~5 km ascent + 13 km descent | Hiking time: 6–8 hours up, 4–5 hours down | Habitat: Alpine Desert / Summit Ridge Depart around midnight for the summit push, following a narrow, exposed ridge with dramatic drops on either side — a thrilling and physically demanding climb requiring good head-forheights and steady footing. Reach Rhino Point and continue to Meru’s summit for sunrise, with spectacular views across to Kilimanjaro. Descend back to Saddle Hut for a rest and breakfast, then continue further down to Miriakamba Hut for overnight. Accommodation: Huts
Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) to Arusha (1,400m)
Distance: ~14 km | Hiking time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest Final descent through the forest back to Momella Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-earned hot shower, meal, and rest. Accommodation: Arusha
- Arusha National Park entrance and hut/camping fees
- Mandatory armed ranger escort (required due to wildlife in the park)
- Professional, licensed mountain guide(s) • Porters (carrying group and personal gear, food) and cook
- Hut accommodation (Miriakamba and Saddle Huts) — shared mountain huts, not tents
- All meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus hot drinks
- Purified drinking water throughout the trek
- Airport pick-up and hotel drop-off on Day 1
- Transport to/from Momella Gate
- Summit certificate
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (must include high-altitude trekking/evacuation cover)
- Tips and gratuities for guides, rangers, porters, and cook
- Personal climbing gear
- Accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages and bottled/soft drinks
- Personal expenses