4-Day Mount Meru Climb
Tour Duration
4 Day
Tour Type
Private
Tour Starts / Ends
Moshi/ Arusha
Group Size
Unlimited
4-Day Mount Meru Overview
Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a striking feature within Arusha National Park. Known for its diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes, Mount Meru offers one of the most scenic and rewarding treks in East Africa.
While the trail is challenging due to its steep ascent, it serves as an excellent acclimatization climb for those preparing to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the lower slopes, trekkers often encounter wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, warthogs, and monkeys, making it a unique blend of safari and mountain adventure. For this reason, all climbers are accompanied by an armed park ranger.
Mount Meru also carries a touch of legend—some traditions even suggest it as the possible resting place of Noah’s Ark following the great biblical flood.
Whether you’re looking to build your climbing confidence or simply experience the thrill of high-altitude trekking in a pristine natural setting, Mount Meru is a fantastic option for those seeking a true wilderness adventure without taking on Kilimanjaro just yet.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Moshi to Momela Gate to Miriakampa Hut
Your adventure begins at Momela Gate, where the trail leads you through open grasslands often frequented by Cape buffalo and warthogs. With a bit of luck, you might also spot giraffes and elephants along the way. The route gradually ascends into lush montane forest, offering cool shade and a rich variety of plant life.
Around midday, enjoy lunch beneath the iconic Fig Tree Arch, a famous natural landmark along the trail. After your break, the trek continues through lighter forest, home to an array of bird species and playful monkeys, including the striking black-and-white colobus.
As the afternoon progresses, you’ll begin to glimpse the impressive Ash Cone and the towering cliffs of Mount Meru’s inner walls. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Miriakamba Hut, nestled in a peaceful grassy clearing. Here, you can unwind and take in sweeping views across the plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro.
Day 2: Hike Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, afternoon hike up Little Meru
Today’s trek is a challenging but rewarding ascent from Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle Hut, situated just below Little Meru. The trail is consistently steep and begins by winding through dense, vibrant montane forest, filled with rich flora and the sounds of nature.
Midway, you’ll pass the scenic Elephant Back Ridge, a notable marker on the route. As you gain elevation, the landscape shifts dramatically into giant heather and open moorland, eventually leading you to Saddle Hut, where you’ll stop for lunch and a well-earned rest.
In the afternoon, you have the option to summit Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft), a short but invigorating climb. The round-trip hike takes about 1 hour up and 30 minutes down, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding peaks and plains.
Day 3: Hike to Summit then down to trail head, return to Moshi/Arusha
Your summit attempt begins around midnight (12:00 AM), with a steep, one-hour climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft). From there, the trail follows a dramatic ridge of ash and volcanic rock to Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). As you push toward the final goal—Socialist Peak (4,566m / 14,980ft)—expect a challenging ascent rewarded by unforgettable views, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ash Cone, and the dramatic cliffs of Mount Meru’s crater rim.
If your pace allows, you can catch sunrise either at Cobra Point or at the summit itself—a breathtaking moment above the clouds.
After summiting, you’ll descend along the same narrow ridge back to Rhino Point, where the morning light reveals stunning landscapes, offering one of Africa’s most exhilarating walks. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, enjoy a hearty brunch and take a brief rest.
The descent continues to Miriakamba Hut, then onward to Momela Gate, passing through open grasslands and forest with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. You may also pass under the iconic Fig Tree Arch, and optionally detour to a hidden waterfall nestled in a nearby ravine.
Depending on conditions and your route choice, you may either return via the main trail or descend along the jeep road, reaching Momela Gate by midday or afternoon.
Day 4: Hike to trail head, return to Moshi or Arusha
Summit day begins in the early hours, with your ascent starting around 12:00 AM. A challenging, steep climb takes you to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft) in about an hour. From here, the path continues along a dramatic ridge of volcanic ash and rock, leading to Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft).
After a short rest, you’ll begin the final push to the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566m / 14,980ft), reached in approximately one more hour. The reward is absolutely worth the effort — spectacular sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley, and the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, with the crater walls and cliffs framing an unforgettable landscape.
On your descent, you’ll return along the same narrow ridge to Rhino Point, now bathed in early morning light. This stretch is considered one of the most exhilarating ridge walks in Africa.
You’ll have a brunch and a short rest at Saddle Hut before continuing your descent back to Miriakamba Hut.
On the final day of your 4-day Mount Meru climb, you’ll descend from Miriakamba Hut back to Momela Gate, concluding your adventure. You have two descent options: either retrace the original ascent route or take the jeep road, which leads through the lower crater floor. Along this scenic route, you’ll pass through the iconic Fig Tree Arch and have the chance to visit a hidden waterfall tucked away in a nearby ravine. The descent offers a fast-paced journey through open grasslands and mixed forests, with excellent opportunities to spot wildlife such as buffalo, bushbuck, and monkeys. As you descend, enjoy panoramic views of the crater and the vast plains of Arusha National Park. You’ll arrive at Momela Gate by late morning, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-deserved overnight rest.
Book this Tour
Tour include
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Transportation
- Park Fee
- Lunch & Water
Tour Exclude
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides
