3-Day Mount Meru Hike: Your Gateway to Tanzania’s Peaks & Wildlife
Prepare for an exhilarating 3-day Mount Meru hike, a spectacular adventure that serves as the perfect introduction to Tanzania trekking. Towering majestically within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru stands as Africa’s fifth-highest peak, offering a unique blend of challenging ascent and incredible wildlife encounters.
This compact yet rewarding Mount Meru trek takes you through diverse ecological zones. Unlike many high-altitude climbs, your journey begins amidst lush montane forests and open grasslands where giraffes, buffalo, and various monkey species can often be spotted on foot, providing an unparalleled wildlife experience right from the start.
As you ascend towards the Mount Meru summit (Socialist Peak), the landscapes transform, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views of its dramatic crater, the iconic Ash Cone, and, on clear mornings, the magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro proudly visible across the plains. Often chosen as an excellent acclimatization hike for Kilimanjaro, this 3-day Mount Meru climbing experience is a fantastic standalone challenge for any adventurer.
Ready for a truly immersive and accessible high-altitude adventure that combines thrilling ascent with unforgettable wildlife moments? Discover our 3-day Mount Meru hike packages and step onto the path of East African exploration.
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Day 0 : Breafing Day
If you just arrived in Kilimanjaro airport one day or more before the trek and you choose to use transfer service, we will pick you up from the airport directly to your accommodation in Arusha/Moshi.
A day before the hike used for briefing about the whole trek. Checking of the equipments and everything regarding the hike, Meeting with the Head guide to answer all of your questions etc. so it is advised to arrive at least one day before the hike for all the arrangements etc
Day 1 : Momela Gate To Miriakamba Huts
After breakfast at your hotel in Arusha/Moshi start off a trip to a starting point Momella gate, around hour and a half drive from Arusha. Once you will get to the gate, your head guide will do registration and permits at the [ark office, and then you will start the hike. Along the way you can catch amazing views of mount Kilimanjaro and Momella lakes. Trekkers usually encounter wildlife such us bushbucks, buffaloes and giraffes. You will have a stop for Lunch (lunch box) along the way, and later arriving at Miriakamba huts for resting, Dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 1,500m/4,921ft at Momella gate to 2,500m/8,202ft at Miriakamba
Walking distance: 6km/3.7 miles
Estimate walking time: 4-5 hours
Day 2 : Miriakamba Huts To Saddle Huts
After breakfast at Mriakamba huts continue ascending to Saddle huts, this second part is steeper compared to the first day. On the way you will see some stunning views of Meru crater, the ash cone and little Meru. We will end the hike for the day at Saddle Huts. Once you settled at the camp and rest for a bit, we will set off on a short trek to little Meru (3,810m) for acclimatization purpose. After that coming back to the camp for resting, dinner and overnight.
Elevation: 2,500m/8,202ft at Miriakamba huts to 3,500m/11,482ft at Saddle huts
Walking distance: 6km/3.7 miles
Estimate walking time: 4-5 hours
Day 3 : Saddle Huts To Summit To Saddle Hut To Momella Gate
Wake up in the middle of the night, doing final preparations for the summit hike, having a light meal, and then starting the hike to the summit. The summit ascent is very steep, and you will hike through gravel and rocky cliffs. This is the most challenging section of the trek, but it is rewarding by watching the incredible views of Meru crater and the Ash cone. After reaching “Socialist Peak” and spending some time there, you will descent all the way down to Momella Gate, and there our team will be waiting for you to bring you back to your hotel.
Elevation: 3,500m/11,482ft at Saddle huts to 4,566m/14,980ft at Social Peak
Walking distance: 25km/15.5 miles
Estimate walking time: 13-15 hours
Tour Reviews
Nickson knows Meru like his backyard! Weather turned nasty day 2 but his experience got us safely to Socialist Peak. Amazing sunrise views over Kilimanjaro in distance. His trail stories and hot tea kept spirits high. Professional porters, good mountain food.
Did the 3day/2night Meru trek to celebrate finishing med school (finally!). The guide was amazing about accommodating our needs – slower pace, extra snacks, made we were hydrated enough.
Josh was worried but our guide totally got it and adjusted our schedule so we could have a peaceful Friday evening at base camp. Food was solid though we brought our own kosher snacks just in case.
The sunrise from Socialist Peak was unreal – worth every step. Only downside was the altitude hit me harder than expected but our guide was super patient. Would def recommend for other couples!
Just did the 3-day Meru trek. Furaha knows her mountains – this isn’t amateur hour. Proper gear lists, realistic difficulty expectations, qualified guides (ours had some certs).
Food was surprisingly good at altitude, porters were well-equipped and fairly compensated (asked around). Bonus coffee farm visit on descent wasn’t planned but she thought I’d dig learning about local coffee culture. She was right.
One small thing – would’ve liked more detailed weather briefing beforehand as we hit unexpected rain day 3, but the gear recommendations covered it. Follow-up after descent to check for altitude issues was professional touch. Solid operation. Discussing Kili plans with her already.
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