Arrow Trekking and Safaris – Conquer Africa’s most iconic peaks with expertly crafted mountain adventures.
Trip Overview
Mount Meru (4,566m), located in Arusha National Park, is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and a spectacular alternative to Kilimanjaro. This trek is perfect for those looking for a challenging yet rewarding climb, offering diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and breathtaking views.
Mount Meru offers a unique trekking experience with frequent wildlife encounters, including buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, and monkeys. The trail takes you through dense rainforests, alpine meadows, and dramatic ridges, culminating at the Socialist Peak (4,566m) with stunning views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains.
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 / 4,921 ft → 2,514m / 8,248 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest & Grasslands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your adventure begins after an early breakfast. You will drive from Arusha to Arusha National Park (about 1.5 hours), arriving at Momella Gate (1,500m). After registration, you’ll meet your armed park ranger, who will accompany you for safety due to the presence of wild animals.
The trek starts through open grasslands, where you may spot giraffes, buffaloes, and warthogs grazing. The trail then leads into dense montane forest, home to colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of birds.
As you ascend, you will pass Tululusia Waterfall, a great spot to take a short break and enjoy the scenery. The final stretch before Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) includes a moderate climb through lush vegetation, with fantastic views of Mount Meru’s crater walls and cliffs.
At Miriakamba Hut, you will be welcomed with hot drinks and a warm meal, allowing you to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Altitude: 2,514m / 8,248 ft → 3,570m / 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Trekking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, you will start your steep ascent toward Saddle Hut (3,570m). The trail passes through open meadows and heather vegetation, providing clearer views of the crater and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
A major highlight is Elephant Ridge (3,200m), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the crater below and Kilimanjaro to the east. From here, the vegetation becomes sparser, transitioning to moorland as you approach Saddle Hut.
Upon arrival at Saddle Hut, you will enjoy a hot lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, there is an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m), a fantastic opportunity to adjust to the altitude while taking in stunning views of Arusha National Park and beyond.
Altitude: 3,570m / 11,712 ft → 4,566m / 14,980 ft → 2,514m / 8,248 ft
Distance: 18 km / 11 miles
Trekking Time: 10-12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert & Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your summit attempt begins at midnight, as you embark on a challenging but exhilarating climb to Socialist Peak (4,566m). The trail passes Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m), with steep ridges and rocky paths leading to the summit.
Upon reaching Socialist Peak at sunrise, you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Kilimanjaro, the Meru Crater, and the vast savannah below. The glowing sunrise over Africa’s landscapes makes the effort truly worthwhile.
After some time at the summit, you will descend back to Saddle Hut for breakfast, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Altitude: 2,514m / 8,248 ft → 1,500m / 4,921 ft
Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you will descend through a different scenic route, offering new perspectives of the mountain and surrounding landscapes. The descent is gentle and enjoyable, passing through rainforest zones rich in wildlife.
Upon arrival at Momella Gate, you will receive your climbing certificates, followed by a transfer back to Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
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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