At a height of 4,566 meters/14,980 feet, Mt. Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and second highest in Tanzania. It’s a stratovolcano located 70 kilometers/43 miles west of Mt. Kilimanjaro and is visible from Mt. Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
It’s one of East Africa’s most scenic and rewarding climbs, involving a dramatic walk along the knife edge of the crater rim. At about 2,500 meters/8,202 feet some of the wall has broken away, so the top half of the mountain is shaped like a giant horseshoe.
The cliffs of the inner wall below the summit are more than 1,500 meters/4,921 feet high, making them among the tallest in Africa. Inside the crater, more recent volcanic eruptions have created a subsidiary peak called the ash cone that adds to the scenic splendor.
Mt. Meru slope is a sanctuary home for many wild animals, which gives you a truly unique wilderness experience as you climb to the peak of the mountain. The hike along the gradually ascending slopes of the mountain gives you a chance to spot animals like blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, antelope, and many beautiful colorful birds.
Climbing Mt. Meru is the best option for hikers who have never climbed high before. It’s best for acclimatization and preparation before climbing Kilimanjaro.
Sample Itinerary For a 3-day Trek on Mt. Meru
Day 1: We’ll drive from Arusha to Mt. Meru Park Gate where you’ll be met by our game ranger and porters. You’ll hike for a few hours to Mariakamba Hut. From here, you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater.
- Destination: Arusha to Mt. Meru Park Gate to Mariakamba Hut
- Elevation: 2,514 meters/8,248 feet
- Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: After breakfast, we’ll hike up to 3,570 meters/11,712 feet to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mt. Meru for a scenic view of the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization.
- Destination: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
- Elevation: 3,570 meters/11,712 feet
- Distance: 8 km/4.97 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: After an early rise, we’ll hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. We’ll cross by Rhino Point and Cobra Point. From the summit, we’ll descend back to Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, we’ll hike down to the gate. You’ll collect your certificate then drive back to your hotel or departure.
- Destination: Saddle Hut to Summit to the Gate
- Elevation: 3,570 meters/11,712 feet to 3,810 meters/12,500 feet (Rhino Point) to 4,350 meters/14,272 feet (Cobra Point) to 4,566 meters/14,980 feet (summit)
- Distance: 9 km/6 miles to the summit, then 18 km/11.18 miles to the gate.
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Heath to montane forest
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Sample Itinerary For a 4-day Trek on Mt. Meru
Day 1: We’ll drive from Arusha to Mt. Meru Park Gate where you’ll be met by our game ranger and porters. You’ll hike for a few hours to Mariakamba Hut. From here, you may wish to take an evening walk on the slopes to view wildlife at one of the watering holes in the crater.
- Destination: Arusha to Mt. Meru Park Gate to Mariakamba Hut
- Elevation: 2,514 meters (8,248 feet)
- Distance: 10 km/6.21 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: After breakfast, we’ll hike up to 3,570 meters/11,712 feet to arrive at Saddle Hut. If time permits you can climb a little further on Mt. Meru for a scenic view of the Roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. This will also be part of more acclimatization.
- Destination: Mariakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
- Elevation: 3,570 meters/11,712 feet
- Distance: 8 km/4.97 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: After an early rise we’ll hike all the way to the summit before the afternoon clouds cover the summit. From the summit, we’ll descend back to Saddle Hut in time for lunch. After lunch, we’ll hike down to Mariakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.
- Destination: Saddle Hut to summit to Mariakamba Hut
- Elevation: 3,570 meters/11,712 feet
- Distance: 5 km/3.11 miles to summit and another 13 km/8.08 miles from summit to Mariakamba
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert, moorland, and heath.
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: We’ll eat breakfast at the camp and have a leisurely morning. We’ll descend to the park gate to connect with your waiting transfer vehicle back to Arusha.
- Destination: Mariakamba Hut to Arusha
- Distance: 8 km/4.97 miles or longer distance with longer trail option.
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch