Arrow Trekking and Safaris – Conquer Africa’s most iconic peaks with expertly crafted mountain adventures.
Trip Overview
Mount Meru, standing tall at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and offers one of the most scenic and diverse trekking experiences in East Africa. Located in Arusha National Park, this 3-day trek is a perfect challenge for trekkers looking for an alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro or an acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro.
This trek takes you through lush montane forests, where you can spot giraffes, buffalos, elephants, and colobus monkeys, and up to the alpine desert and rocky summit ridges of Socialist Peak. With fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro, it’s an intimate and authentic trekking experience, providing breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and the Maasai Steppe.
Trip Highlight
- Encounter diverse wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys.
- Panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley.
- Camp in scenic locations beneath starlit skies.
- Cultural Experience: Interact with local porters and guides.
- Professional Support: Experienced guides and porters.
- Dramatic crater views and volcanic formations.
Itineray
Activities:
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by Arrow Trekking & Safaris representatives, who will ensure your smooth transfer to a comfortable hotel in Arusha. This day is all about settling in, meeting your guides, and receiving an informative pre-trek briefing. During the briefing, your guides will outline the itinerary, discuss safety protocols, and check your gear to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions and make any last-minute adjustments.
What to Expect:
Rest, recover from travel fatigue, and mentally prepare for the trek.
Meals and Accommodation:
Dinner can be arranged as an add-on, and you’ll stay overnight in Arusha.
Altitude: 1,500m → 2,514m
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure begins with a morning drive from Arusha to Arusha National Park, where you'll check in at Momella Gate (1,500m). Before starting the trek, an armed ranger will accompany the group, as this trek passes through wildlife-rich terrain.
The trek kicks off through the lush montane forest, home to giraffes, buffalos, warthogs, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. As you ascend, you’ll cross streams, waterfalls, and open glades, offering plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
The hike is gentle but steady, preparing you for the altitude gain. By late afternoon, you'll reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), a cozy mountain hut with bunk beds, dining areas, and ranger accommodations. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot meal and breathtaking sunset views over the plains.
Overnight at Miriakamba Hut
Altitude: 2,514m → 3,570m
Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Trekking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s trek is short but steep, transitioning from thick rainforest to open moorland. As you ascend, the temperatures drop, and views of Mount Kilimanjaro become more spectacular.
The trail climbs up the steep Saddle Ridge, a beautiful section of the trek with views of the Meru Crater, the Ash Cone, and the surrounding savannah. Upon reaching Saddle Hut (3,570m), we’ll have lunch and rest before an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m). This short trek helps adjust to the altitude while providing amazing sunset views over the Maasai Steppe.
Overnight at Saddle Hut
Altitude: 3,570m → 4,566m (Summit) → 1,500m (Momella Gate)
Distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Trekking Time: 10-12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland, Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Summit day starts at midnight! With headlamps lighting the way, we begin our final push to the top, climbing through rocky ridges and steep trails along the crater rim. The summit ridge is thrilling, offering one of the most spectacular sunrises in Africa.
After several hours of slow but steady climbing, we reach Socialist Peak (4,566m) – the highest point of Mount Meru! From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and the endless African savannah.
After taking summit photos and enjoying the views, we carefully descend back to Saddle Hut for breakfast before continuing to Momella Gate, where our vehicle awaits. You’ll then be transferred back to Arusha for a well-deserved rest or directly to the airport.
Overnight in Arusha (Hotel/Lodge) or Airport Transfer
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees.
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Tents and sleeping mats.
- Transportation to and from the mountain gate.
Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented).
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook.
- Beverages and personal expenses.
Trip Map
Gallery
FAQs
Yes, most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Tourist visas can be obtained online, at Tanzanian embassies, or upon arrival at the airport. It’s advisable to check specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Visitors are typically advised to get vaccinations for yellow fever (if traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country), typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended, as Tanzania is a malaria-endemic area. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels, lodges, and for safari bookings. It’s advisable to carry smaller denominations and exchange money at authorized bureaus or banks.
The summit success rate is high, around 85-90%, due to the gradual ascent and shorter trekking days.
Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, and English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few Swahili phrases is appreciated and can enhance your cultural experience (greeting people with “Jambo” (hello) )
Yes! Many trekkers combine Mount Meru with a safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire for a complete Tanzanian adventure.
Trekkers must obtain a Mount Meru trekking permit, which is included in our package. The fees contribute to park conservation and ranger services.
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, so you may encounter giraffes, buffalos, elephants, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birds on the lower slopes.
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