4 DAYS MOUNT MERU CLIMB
The perfect trekking challenge, offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and an incredible start through Arusha National Park's diverse wildlife zone.
Climbing Details: What's Included & Excluded
Inclusions (What you pay for)
- • Park Fees, Hut Fees, and Rescue Fees (required).
- • 3 Nights Accommodation in designated Meru Huts.
- • All nutritious meals (Breakfast, Lunch/Picnic, Dinner) on the mountain.
- • Dedicated, certified Mountain Guide and armed Ranger escort.
- • Porters to carry all gear and supplies (up to 15kg per climber).
- • Private transportation from Arusha to Momella Gate & return.
- • Clean, filtered water and hot drinks throughout the climb.
- • Comprehensive briefing before the climb starts.
Exclusions (What's not included)
- • International flights to and from Kilimanjaro (JRO).
- • Visa fees for entry into Tanzania (currently $100 for US citizens, $50 for others).
- • Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bag, specialized clothing).
- • Tips for Guide, Chef, Porters, and Ranger (Highly customary).
- • Travel and medical insurance (Mandatory for high-altitude trekking).
- • Accommodation in Arusha before and after the climb.
4-Day Mount Meru Climbing Itinerary
We follow the Momella Route, passing through forest, moorland, and alpine deserts to the summit (4,566m).
Morning: After breakfast and transfer from Arusha, you will register at Momella Gate. Accompanied by your guide and an armed park ranger (mandatory due to wildlife), the trek begins through lush Montane Forest within Arusha National Park. This section is essentially a walking safari, offering chances to see Cape buffalo, giraffes, waterbucks, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The trail is gentle but steadily uphill. The ranger ensures safety from larger game. We arrive at Miriakamba Hut in the late afternoon.
Altitude Gain: 1,014m | Trekking Time: 4-5 hours | Distance: ~10 km
Morning: Today is shorter but much steeper, ascending through the thinning forest and transitioning into Moorland. The air becomes noticeably cooler and crisper. The trail offers fantastic views of the Meru Crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner crater wall. We aim for an early arrival at Saddle Hut, located in the saddle between the main peak of Mount Meru and Little Meru. Afternoon Acclimatization: After lunch, we take an optional but highly recommended acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m). This brief trek significantly aids in acclimatization for the final summit push tonight. We have an early dinner and rest before the midnight start.
Altitude Gain: 1,056m | Trekking Time: 3-4 hours | Distance: ~4 km (+ Little Meru hike)
Midnight Start: We wake up around midnight for the summit attempt. The trek begins steeply, navigating rocky ridges, sometimes using fixed ropes near the *Rhino Point* section. This is the coldest, most challenging part, passing through Alpine Desert. We aim to reach Meru Summit (Socialist Peak) at sunrise, offering magnificent, unobstructed views of Mount Kilimanjaro towering above the clouds. Descent: After a short celebration and photos, we descend rapidly back to Saddle Hut for a brief rest and brunch, then continue the long descent back to the more comfortable Miriakamba Hut.
Altitude Gain/Loss: 996m gain / 2,052m loss | Trekking Time: 10-14 hours total | Distance: ~19 km
Morning Descent: We enjoy our final breakfast on the mountain before embarking on the final stretch. This is a rapid descent through the Montane Forest back to Momella Gate. We take the shortest route down, which is highly scenic. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the lush vegetation and look out for wildlife one last time. Departure: Upon reaching Momella Gate, you will receive your climbing certificate. Our vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) for your onward journey.
Altitude Loss: 1,014m | Trekking Time: 2-3 hours | Distance: ~10 km | Overnight: N/A (Departure)
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