Short Overview

The peak can be ascended in 3 or 4 days on the Momela Route, which is the only way up to the summit. You don’t need any technical equipment for the climb but you will need to be prepared for the altitude gain. You will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. Meru is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. The climb not only offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but also wildlife on the forested slopes and the summit itself offers an amazing view of small cones and craters, which are probably the results of numerous volcanic activities in the past.

Kilimanjaro may be the main attraction in Tanzania, but Mt. Meru is worth your attention as well.

Although it is 4,000 feet shorter than Kilimanjaro, solitary Mt. Meru nonetheless cuts an impressive figure and makes for a challenging acclimatisation hike or an attraction in its own right.

While all of our climbing itineraries are private, it is policy on Mt. Meru for multiple tour groups to join together on the lower slopes.

Your Journey Mapped Out

Ready to set out? Your adventure awaits!

  1. DAY ONE – ARUSHA – MOMELLA GATE – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
  2. DAY TWO – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS
  3. DAY THREE – SADDLE HUTS – SUMMIT – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS
  4. DAY FOUR – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – ARUSHA

Let’s plan your trip to the Momela Route – Climbing Mount Meru – 4 days/3Nights

DAY ONE – ARUSHA – MOMELLA GATE – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

You’ll be picked up from your Arusha hotel/lodge and transferred to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll go through the necessary pre-climb formalities.

Today’s hiking takes you across the open grasslands of the park in the company of an armed ranger. As you’re inside a national park, you’ll have an excellent chance of spotting game such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, and much more during the day.

In the afternoon, you’ll begin to climb into the rainforest, where you’ll overnight in the Miriakamba huts.

Elevation (m): (1,387) m to (1,500m)

Elevation (ft): 4,921ft) to 3,000 ft)

Distance; 10 km

Hiking Time: 4 -6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

DAY TWO – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – SADDLE HUTS

You’ll pass from the lush rainforest and into the more spartan heath zone today, with giant clumps of heather and other moorland scrub dotting the terrain.

Hiking along the ridge of the Mount Meru Crater, you’ll have breathtaking views of both the crater and the Ash Tray.

For those with a little extra energy, there’s the option to ascend to the peak of Little Mount Meru for a panoramic view of Arusha and its surrounds. Dinner and overnight at saddle hut.

Elevation (m): 2,514m to 3,570m

Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft

Distance : 8 km

Hiking Time : 3-5 hours

Habitat: forest and moorland

DAY THREE – SADDLE HUTS – SUMMIT – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS

You’ll be up very early today. Around midnight, in fact!

It’s a steep trail that separates you from the summit of Mt. Meru and your trail takes you via Rhino Point and Cobra Point through volcanic terrain before you finally reach Socialist Point.

From here, you’ll experience a stunning sunset via of Arusha and the surrounding landscape before beginning your descent back to Miriakamba Huts.

You’ll overnight here to get some well-earned rest!

Elevation (m) ; 3, 570m to 4,565m to 2,514m

Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712ft to 8,250ft

Distance: 5km up 13 km down

Hiking time:12-14hours

Habitat:Alping desert moorland and montane forest

DAY FOUR – MIRIAKAMBA HUTS – ARUSHA

It’s a relatively short morning of hiking through the rainforest and back to the Momella Gate.

You’ll be met here by a Shadows of Africa driver and taken to your Arusha accommodations.

INCLUDED

  • Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi/Arusha bed and breakfast
  • Return traspotation from moshi to Arusha from starting/finishing point on the mountain
  • Qualified guides with mountain crew
  • National Park fees
  • Tents and sleeping mattresses
  • Cutlery/crockery/eating utensils
  • Mess tent (for dining) mini camping chairs/tables/candles)
  • Rescue fees
  • Pulse oximeters
  • First aid kit
  • Guides, porsters, cook,waiter salaries
  • Boiled water on the mountain
  • All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Guides, porters,waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain.
  • Armed ranger fee.

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers
  • Guides, porters, cook & waiter tips
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Gear for your climb
  • Items of personal nature
  • Additional nights beyond the two standard hotels nights included
  • Visas
  • Emergency oxygen