Overview
For a shorter mountain challenge, our 3-day Mount Meru itinerary reaches the summit at a faster pace than the standard 4-day version — a good fit for reasonably fit climbers with less time to spare, though it's worth knowing the compressed schedule means less time to acclimatize along the way.
The route climbs through Arusha National Park's forest zone, where wildlife sightings are common on the lower slopes, before moving into higher moorland and volcanic terrain as you approach Socialist Peak at 4,566m. Summit night begins in the early hours to reach the top by sunrise.
This trek works well as a standalone 3-day mountain trip, or as a quick acclimatization climb ahead of a longer Kilimanjaro expedition.
Contact us to book your Meru climb, or see our guide to route length and acclimatization if you're weighing this against a longer itinerary.
Day 1
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (3 days)
Duration Approx. 5 – 7 hours of hiking
Vegetation Type: Forest
The tour starts after breakfast in your lodge (1400 m) where you drive for about 30 minutes to Ngongongare gate via Usa river town. At the gate your guide will do all paper work before driving along Arusha National Park with some stops for wildlife spotting, reach Momella gate for final checkup of porters & luggage.
Afterward 3 days Mt meru trekking will start with polepole pace, the first day is more or less similar to a walking safari, on the way you may spot some animal species like reticulated Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbuck and Buffaloes. Since the hiking is inside the park an armed TANAPA ranger will be escorting you all the way to the camp.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.
After breakfast start your 3 days Mt Meru trekking along the steep path on the forest zone, see various birds and animal along the way. On the way you will view Mount Meru Crater & the Ash Tray. Reach Saddle Hut situated at the alpine desert zone for hot lunch (but this will depend on your pace).
After Lunch and some rest, you have an option of acclimatization hike at Little Meru (3,820 m), this is a good hike with some great view of great Meru & the area around & it makes you ready for a night attempt on summit the main Meru Mountain. Early dinner will be served on this day so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Go to sleep as early as possible possibly around 19:00 hrs.
Duration Approx. 9-12 hours of hiking.
Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.
Wake up at 00:30 after midnight for tea and biscuit before you start your final push to the summit at 01:30 hrs. This final day of your 3 days Mt Meru trekking you will start by trading on the steep grade path up to Rhino point at (3800 m) then reach Cobra point at (4,350 m).
From there the trekking will be on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Meru Mountain. Reach the summit during the first rays of sun from the East (4,566 m). During clear days, morning can be the best time to view his Majesty Kilimanjaro Mountain, the total cliffs of the crater drops intensely at almost 1000 feet or more.
Spending sometimes at the summit for pictures before return back to Saddle Hut for some rest & afterward continue down to Miriakamba Hut & to Mommella gate for check out.
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Meru and ends in Arusha National Park.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport and Mwanza Airport are the most common arrival points, depending on your route.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.