3-Day Hiking Mount Mount Meru

• A transfer from the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Momela Gate - 1500m to Mariakamba Hut - 2514m

After breakfast in Arusha, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, where your Mount Meru climb officially begins. Porters will organize equipment's while you proceed to register with your guide.

The first day’s trek feels more like a walking safari than a mountain climb. As you make your way along the scenic forest path, you will be able to sport giraffes, zebras, warthogs, buffalo, and bushbucks, and with luck elephants grazing nearby. Due to the presence of wildlife, an armed park ranger will accompany your group.

The trail gradually ascends through open grasslands and montane forest, crossing the Ngarenanyuki River and passing a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. You’ll continue upward until you reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), where you’ll be greeted with warm washing water, a hot meal, and a magnificent sunset view over the Rift Valley and Arusha plains.

Distance: 10 km
Elevation: 1,500m → 2,514m
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Meru

Accommodation:

Mariakamba Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Meru

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Miriakamba Hut 2514m - Saddle Hut 3570m

After breakfast at Miriakamba Hut, you’ll begin your ascent along a steep and scenic trail that climbs steadily up the ridge towards the Saddle area. The hike passes through lush montane forest and transitions into heath and moorland vegetation, offering frequent opportunities to spot colobus monkeys, duikers, and a variety of bird species.

As you gain altitude, the forest opens up, revealing spectacular views of Mount Meru’s crater, the dramatic Ash Cone, and even Mount Kilimanjaro rising in the distance on a clear day. The trail is well-maintained but challenging, requiring a steady pace as you climb higher.

Upon reaching Saddle Hut, you’ll have lunch and time to rest before an optional acclimatization hike to Little Mount Meru (3,820m) — a rewarding climb that offers panoramic views of the Meru summit and surrounding landscape. An early dinner will be served to allow for plenty of rest before your midnight summit push.

Distance: ~6 km
Elevation Gain: 3,570m
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Meru

Accommodation:

Saddle Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Meru

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Saddle Hut 3570m - Socialist Peak 4565m - Miriakamba Hut 2514m - Momella Gate 1500m

Your summit day begins early — you will wake you up around 12:30 am for a light snack. At 1:30 am, you’ll begin your summit ascent under, climbing steadily along a steep and rocky trail. The route first leads to Rhino Point (3,800m) and then continues upward to Cobra Point (4,350m), where the horizon begins to glow as dawn approaches.

The final stretch involves a challenging scramble over rocky ridges between the crater rim and Meru’s inner cliffs. As you reach Socialist Peak (4,565m) around sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Meru Crater, and the glowing Ash Cone far below — a truly unforgettable sight.

After taking photos and soaking in the moment, you’ll descend carefully back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and brunch, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut and onward to Momella Gate (1,500m), where your vehicle awaits to transfer you back to Arusha.

Distance: ~19 km (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 4565 to summit
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Meru

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• A transfer back to the airport can be arranged for an extra cost.