Climbing Kilimanjaro & Mt. Meru

At a height of 4.566 meters (14,980 ft), Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located in Arusha National Park, 70 Kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the country of Tanzania. Usually Mount Meru Climbs takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the Summit for more experienced hikers.
It is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa. Climb Mount Meru, Second highest Mountain in Tanzania, is great with no traffic and amazing wildlife experience as you hike past wild animals on the first day, accompanied by a wildlife ranger for your safety.

Mount Meru Facts

1. Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second tallest mountain at 4.566m
2. Mount Meru is located inside Arusha National Park
3. Mount Meru offers abundant wildlife sightings on the first day of the hike
3. Mount Meru is a perfect acclimatization hike before climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
4. Mount Meru is accessible on a 3 days Meru hike and 4 days Meru hike
5. Mount Meru offers mountain hut accommodations

Main differences between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro

While Kilimanjaro gets most attention by visitors due to its high altitude and prominent title, Mount Meru receives less hikers throughout the year. As Mount Meru has an altitude of 4.566m it is still a very high mountain but the covered distance allows shorter access to the summit within 3 to 4 days for the entire trek. That makes it a great opportunity to experience an active adventure while spending less time than at Kilimanjaro where you need at least 5 to 7 days for the trek. Mount Meru can be seen as a stand-alone hike or also as an acclimatization hike for Mt. Kilimanjaro. Doing so increases their chances of a successful summit on Kilimanjaro and can reduce the number of days needed to climb to the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers well established mountain huts and no camping in tents which also makes it more reliable when it comes to bad weather conditions. Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park which gives visitors a great opportunity to spot some wildlife on the first section of the day on the first day. A wildlife ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the journey to ensure they make it safely to the first hut.
From there, the route wanders up the north side of Meru’s volcanic crater, before approaching the true summit itself. At the top, the views are outstanding, particularly with Kilimanjaro gleaming tantalizingly in the distance.

Mount Meru Itinerary

Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the top as even on this lower peak, acclimatization is the key to success. All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.
Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the top, with basic but comfortable accommodations located at two different campsites prior to reaching the summit, which is located at a place called Socialist Peak.
Mount Meru Climbing offers two advantages to travelers.

1. It allows trekkers a chance to experience what it is like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, providing a grand adventure for those who don’t have a lot of time in their schedule or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro.
2. It truly is a perfect way to prepare for the larger challenges that they’ll face on Kilimanjaro, taking some of the mystery and acclimatization process out of the picture before ever stepping foot on the mountain.

Climb Mount Meru Itinerary / 4 Days Example

DAY 1 : MOMELLA GATE (1500 M) –MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
WALKING TIME: 4-6 HOURS

Leaving early in the morning from your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi and driving to Momella gate in Arusha National Park. Driving takes about 3 hours from Moshi and about 1 hr from Arusha. At the gate you will clear your trekking permits, meet up with your porters, guide, cook and game ranger, and start climbing. You will pass open grassland which will give you a good opportunity to see buffaloes, warthogs and other grazers. You will cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and continue climbing through mountain forest. There you will have the chance to see many different kind of birds and black and white colobus monkeys. Finally you will reach Miriakamba Hut where you will stay overnight.

DAY 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M)
WALKING TIME: 3-5 HOURS

Second day of climbing is quite short but demanding. You will start early in the morning and ascend steeply through lush mountain forest full of birds to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. There you can see the crater. After 3 to 5 hours climbing you will reach Saddle Hut where you will have lunch. In the afternoon you will have another hike to Little Meru (3794 m) for superb views before sunset. Then you will return to Saddle Hut for overnight. It is good to go to sleep early so that you get enough rest for the next day’s hiking.

DAY 3 : SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – PEAK ( 4566 M) – RHINO POINT (3850 M) – SADDLE HUT (3570 M) – MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M)
WALKING TIME: 10-12 HOURS

You will start climbing between 1 to 2 at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3850 m) and from there towards the summit along a very narrow ridge. You will reach the mount meru summit, Socialist Peak, (4566 m) right at the sunrise. The scenery there is stunning; you will see Mount Kilimanjaro in close distance. After taking photos on the summit you will descend back to Saddle hut.
Please Note: There can be icy conditions and strong wind. In that case it might not be possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit. Your guide will decide if the conditions are good enough to continue.

DAY 4 : MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2541 M) – MOMELLA GATE (1500 M)
WALKING TIME: 2-5 HOURS

You will leave at about 8.00 in the morning and descend to Momella gate. You can choose a longer or shorter route down. On the long way down you have very good chances to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook and game ranger. After that your transportation back to Moshi will be waiting for you.

See more Mount Meru itineraries here.

What are the costs for climbing Mount Meru?

Knowing all costs before your hike is an important topic when traveling to Tanzania. We are providing all information on our website and will also write that in your itinerary so that there will not be any hidden costs for our guests. In case that something is not clear, please ask us so that we can clarify all details before your hike.

In general, the costs can be divided into 3 main parts:

• Your travel expenses (flights, visa)
• Your hike (including accommodations and transfers)
• Rental gear costs & Tipping

Mount Meru Costs

First of all, you are getting a great service that starts from emails, communication, preparation, info and gear and will finish at the airport for departure by a very dedicated team.
The price for a 3 day Meru private climb is roughly 1000 USD per Person and the price for a 4 day Meru private climb is roughly 1200 USD per person. We always include 1 overnight before and after your hike and all transfers to and from Mt. Meru so that no extra fees will apply besides tipping your mountain crew. You can lower your costs by joining one of our Mount Meru hiking groups so that some costs are shared with your fellow hikers. Please note that tipping is not mandatory but expected and has a long tradition on all Mt. Meru hikes.

Tipping Guidelines:

Guide: 20 USD per day
Assistant guide: 15 USD per day (for larger groups)
Cook: 12 USD per day
Porter: 8 USD per day (usually it is 2 porters per person / our clients/porter ratio is 1:2)

Which gear do I need to successfully climb Mount Meru?

We have prepared a detailed article for you about the right gear for Mount Meru here.

Best time to climb Mount Meru

You can climb Mount Meru all year round and you can pick and choose your own travel dates but we recommend you to avoid the rainy season to increase your chances of success and to fully enjoy your hike.
The best time to climb Mount Meru is January, February, March and June to October.

Before Climbing Mount Meru

• Start your physical preparation (hiking) at least two months before. The best way to prepare yourself is to go hiking with a daypack of 10kg and to get used to your hiking gear, especially your hiking boots. Decrease efforts the last 2 weeks and rest the final days before the climb so your body can recover properly. We recommend long walks in different terrain and if possible at higher altitude.
• Make sure you are properly equipped according to our Mt. Meru packing gear list.
• You should bring some energy food, such as chocolate and energy bars. You might need this for a boost at summit night.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to assist you to be perfectly prepared for your Mt. Meru hiking adventure.