6 Day Mount Meru Trekking
Momela Route
Overview
Mount Meru, rising to 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a spectacular trekking destination in its own right. Often overshadowed by nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, Meru delivers a wilder, quieter, and more intimate experience, offering everything from dramatic volcanic scenery to diverse ecosystems and close encounters with wildlife.
This 6-day trek via the Momela Route is the perfect combination of challenge, adventure, and natural beauty. Located entirely within Arusha National Park, the trail begins at Momela Gate and takes you through a range of landscapes — from lush rainforest and open savannah to misty cloud forest and rugged alpine ridges.
Unlike most mountain climbs, Meru’s trek starts with what feels like a walking safari. You’ll often spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys in the early days of the trek. An armed park ranger accompanies every group to ensure safety in these wildlife-rich zones.
The route features two overnight huts — Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) and Saddle Hut (3,570m) — which offer simple but cozy accommodations, eliminating the need for tents. A well-structured itinerary ensures proper acclimatization, especially with the extra day built in to rest and explore the surroundings around Saddle Hut.
Summit day begins early with an exciting and steep ascent to Socialist Peak. The reward? Breathtaking sunrise views over Kilimanjaro, glowing above the clouds in the distance, and stunning vistas into the crater below. The descent retraces the same scenic route, offering a new perspective of the trail and a chance to reflect on your achievement.
Whether you’re using it as preparation for Kilimanjaro or seeking a standalone high-altitude adventure, the Mount Meru trek offers a less crowded, deeply immersive, and highly rewarding experience — supported by expert guides and surrounded by nature at its purest.
Itinerary
Upon landing at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, marking the start of your Tanzanian adventure. Here, you will meet your guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing on the incredible journey ahead. Afterward, take the time to rest or explore the vibrant city of Arusha, known as the gateway to Tanzania's world-renowned national parks. The hotel staff will be more than happy to recommend exciting activities and hidden gems around the area, ensuring you have a memorable first day in this beautiful country.
Meals: Not Included
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Following breakfast, we'll embark on the first leg of our adventure. We'll drive from the hotel to Arusha National Park, where our hike begins. On the way we come across the unique and huge fig tree arch. Admire the beauty of the tree in the silence of the surroundings. The climb takes us across open, arid savannahs, creating a striking contrast against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for majestic buffalo herds grazing in their natural habitat, and enjoy the thrill of encountering other wildlife species up close. An armed ranger will accompany us for added safety. In the evening, relax and soak in the spectacular views of the vast African landscape from the comfort of the well-maintained hut.
Hike - 14 km | 4 -6 hours
Accommodation(overnight) - Miriakamba Hut 2490m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, we'll continue our ascent from Miriakamba Hut, traversing the buffalo swamps en route to Saddle Hut. Though this stage is relatively short, it's crucial for acclimatization. From here, we also have the option to climb an additional 300 meters to Little Meru, which takes about 45 minutes. This optional ascent offers an extra altitude challenge, as well as breathtaking views of Mount Meru, Arusha National Park, and the awe-inspiring Kilimanjaro Massif. Regardless of whether we tackle Little Meru, we'll retire early to rest up for the following day's activities, looking forward to the incredible experiences ahead.
Hike - 6 km | 3 - 5 hours
Highlight - Little Meru 3801 AMSL
Accommodation(overnight) - Saddle Hut 3540m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We'll begin our predawn ascent to Mount Meru's summit at 1-2 a.m. Climbing over lava sand and scree, we'll reach the crater rim and summit of Africa's fifth highest mountain just in time for a beautiful sunrise. The panorama from this vantage point is truly magnificent, presenting the perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos of Mount Kilimanjaro, the African plains, and the surrounding landscape. Afterward, we'll retrace our steps and descend to Saddle Hut, where we'll spend the night, relishing the memories of our spectacular summit day.
Hike - 12 km | 7 - 10 hours
Summit - Socialist Peak 4566m AMSL
Accommodation(overnight) - Saddle Hut 3540m AMSL
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we embark on the final leg of our trek, descending from Saddle Hut to Momella Gate. As we make our way through the diverse landscapes of Arusha National Park, we can take time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and reflect on the achievements of our adventure. Arriving at Momella Gate, we receive a summit certificate to commemorate our extraordinary achievement. After leaving the park, we drive back to our hotel, where a relaxing and well deserved shower awaits us. Enjoy the moment of triumph and rest.
Hike - 14 km | 4 -6 hours
Gate - Momella Gate 1590m ASML
Meals - Breakfast & Lunch
Comfort Accommodation: Forest Hill Hotel
Premium Accommodation: Gran Melia
Enjoy a last delicious breakfast as the rising sun bathes the surrounding landscape in golden light. Relive the great memories of the past few days. Your driver will transfer you to the airport on time. Please note that this does not have to be the end of your trip. You always have the option to combine your Tanzania trip with another tour. We wish you a pleasant flight and goodbye.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Departure - Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
MID-RANGE INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- Airport Transfers
- National Park Fees
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks
- Oxygen & Emergency Kit
- Boiled water, Coffee & Tea
- 15 kg Porter Service,(Baggage per Person)
- Dinning tent with Tables & Chairs
- Basic Sleeping Tent
MID-RANGE EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
LUXURY INCLUDES
- All Meals as per Itinerary
- VIP airport pick-up and drop-off
- All national park and conservation area fees
- Private 4x4 safari Jeep with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Government taxes and levies
- Soft Drinks
- Premium accommodation in high-end lodges or luxury tented camps
- Oxygen & Emergency Kit
- Boiled Water, Coffee & Tea
- 20Kg Porter service (Baggage per Person)
- Dinning Tents with Tables and Chairs
- personal Porter
- Large Sleeping Tent
- Camp Bed
- Toilent Tent
- Washroom Tent
LUXURY EXCLUDES
- Travel Insurance
- International Flights
- Tipping
- Personal Equipments
- Visa fees
- Premium wines and spirits (unless specified)
FAQs
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, in northern Tanzania, just 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It's the second highest mountain in Tanzania (4,566 meters / 14,980 feet), and the fifth highest in Africa. Most treks begin from Momella Gate, about a 45-minute drive from Arusha town.
The standard trek takes 4 days and 3 nights. Some experienced trekkers do it in 3 days, but we strongly recommend 4 days for better acclimatization and enjoyment.
Mount Meru is moderately challenging. It’s steeper and shorter than Kilimanjaro, but the altitude gain is quick — so you need to be fit and prepared.
Good for first-time high-altitude hikers, especially if you're planning to use it as acclimatization for Kilimanjaro.
The best time to trek is during the dry seasons:
January to early March
June to October
Avoid April, May, and November due to heavy rains which can make the trail slippery and reduce visibility.
Yes. It’s mandatory to trek Mount Meru with an armed ranger and a certified guide, as you pass through Arusha National Park, which is home to wild animals like buffaloes, elephants, and giraffes.
Yes, due to the rapid altitude gain, some trekkers experience mild altitude symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or fatigue. That’s why a 4-day itinerary is better than rushing it in 3.
Staying hydrated, ascending slowly, and following your guide’s pace is key.
Absolutely. In fact, Mount Meru is one of the best acclimatization hikes for Kilimanjaro. Doing Meru first helps your body adjust to high altitude, increasing your success rate on Kili.
Mount Meru is within Arusha National Park, so you’ll likely see:
Giraffes
Buffaloes
Colobus monkeys
Birds (over 400 species)
Bushbucks, warthogs, and sometimes elephants
It feels like a walking safari at the beginning of the trek!
Yes — with a professional guide and proper preparation, it’s very safe. The trail is well maintained and less crowded than Kilimanjaro.
The armed park ranger ensures your safety in wildlife zones.
You don’t have to be an athlete, but a good level of fitness is important. Expect long walking hours (4–8 hours per day), steep sections, and high altitude. Cardiovascular training (like hiking, running, or cycling) before your trek helps a lot.
No. Mount Meru is much less crowded, offering a more peaceful and personal trekking experience. Sometimes, you may even have the trail or huts all to yourself!
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