Mount Meru, a majestic volcano located in Tanzania, offers an exhilarating trekking experience just a stone’s throw from the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. This 4-day trek is perfect for adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a challenging climb. The trek to Mount Meru’s summit provides spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment that rivals any major peak expedition. Below is a detailed itinerary to help you prepare for this unforgettable journey.
On the first day, you’ll depart from Arusha in the morning and drive to the Momella Gate, situated at an elevation of 1,387 meters within Arusha National Park. After completing registration, you’ll meet your armed ranger who will accompany you for the duration of the trek, ensuring your safety in the wildlife-rich area. The hike begins with a journey through lush montane forests, where you might encounter giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. After trekking for about 4-5 hours over a distance of 10 kilometers, you’ll arrive at Miriakamba Hut, located at 2,514 meters. Here, you’ll enjoy dinner and settle in for the night, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Day two starts with breakfast before you begin your ascent towards Saddle Hut. The trail, which spans 8 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours to complete, winds through a mix of forest and moorland. As you climb higher, the scenery transforms, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll reach Saddle Hut, situated at 3,570 meters, in the early afternoon. After a rest and acclimatization period, you have the option to hike to Little Meru, at 3,820 meters, to aid in altitude adjustment and enjoy stunning vistas. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at Saddle Hut, preparing you for the summit attempt.
The third day is the most challenging yet rewarding part of the trek. You’ll wake up around midnight to start your pre-dawn summit attempt. The trail is steep and rocky, passing notable points such as Rhino Point at 3,800 meters and Cobra Point at 4,350 meters. After a strenuous climb, you’ll reach Socialist Peak, the summit of Mount Meru, at 4,566 meters, just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and the expansive landscape. Following some time at the peak, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and brunch. The descent continues all the way back to Miriakamba Hut, where you will spend your final night on the mountain, covering a total distance of 18 kilometers.
On the final day, after a leisurely breakfast, you’ll begin the descent back to Momella Gate. This 10-kilometer hike takes approximately 2-3 hours and leads you through open grasslands, providing more opportunities to spot wildlife. Upon reaching Momella Gate, you’ll complete the descent and be transferred back to Arusha, marking the end of your Mount Meru adventure. The journey back offers time to reflect on the incredible experiences and achievements of the past four days.
