Climbing Mount Meru

Tour Overview

Climbing Mount Meru is a rewarding adventure and a great alternative or warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro. Located in Arusha National Park in northern Tanzania, Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania (4,566 meters / 14,980 feet) and the fifth-highest in Africa.

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Why Climb Mount Meru?

Less crowded than Kilimanjaro.
Offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro.
Rich wildlife encounters (buffalo, giraffes, monkeys) on the lower slopes.
Great for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro.

Day 1

Trekking begins on Mount Meru, 4,568 m. You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and driven to the entrance gate of Arusha National Park, where, accompanied by porters, a ranger, and your mountain guides, you will begin the ascent through tropical rainforest to the Miriakamba Hut, 2,500 m.
Elevation gain: 1,200 m, descent: 100 m; walking time: 4–5 hours

Day 2

Today's destination is the Sattelhütte (3,400 m), which you'll reach after a steep climb. The striking crater of Mount Meru is not far away. You'll spend the night here. Those who wish can also climb the smaller Mount Meru (3,820 m) as acclimatization training.
Elevation gain: 1,300 m, 400 m; walking time: 5 hours.

Day 3

You begin your ascent to the summit of Mount Meru, 4,568 m, at night. Don't despair on the last stretch; you'll often think the summit is just around the corner, but then it's not the last corner before it. After a good five hours, you'll reach the summit and enjoy the view over the savannah. Kilimanjaro towers majestically above everything, for which you've optimally prepared yourself by climbing Mount Meru. Afterwards, you'll descend to the Sattel Hut, where you'll take a short rest and enjoy a hearty meal. You'll then descend to the Miriakamba Hut, 2,500 m.
Elevation gain: 1,200 m, descent: 2,100 m; total walking time: 10 hours

Day 4

Descent and return to Arusha, or rather to Hatari Lodge in Arusha National Park. You'll once again enjoy the comfort of a shower, fresh clothes, and a cool drink for dinner. You'll arrive at the bottom around midday/early afternoon. Therefore, a suggestion: hand-wash some functional clothing for Kili.
Elevation gain: 100 m, descent: 1200 m; walking time: 3 hours