★ Tailor-Made Safari Expedition
6 Days Tanzania Mount Meru Climb (Kilimanjaro Acclimatization Trek)
15+Years guiding
4×4Private vehicle
100%Tailor-made
★4.9TripAdvisor
01
Overview
The ascent of Mount Meru (4,565 m) is a wonderfully varied trek up the fifth-highest mountain in Africa – and the perfect acclimatization for a Kilimanjaro climb. The vegetation zones mirror those of its famous neighbour, but the route begins with a genuine walking-safari character through the dense rainforest of Arusha National Park, where giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras are regularly met on the trail and an armed national park ranger accompanies every group.
In the upper third, steep rocky passages demand sure-footedness and the occasional use of hands, and the reward is unforgettable: sunrise from Socialist Peak with Kilimanjaro glowing across the plains and the vast savannah stretching east. Far less frequented than its big brother next door, Mount Meru is an absolutely worthwhile climb in its own right. Group size 2–10 people.
Explore more of our Tanzania safaris or see the related 13 Days Kenya & Tanzania Family Safari – Amboseli, Tsavo & Zanzibar.
02
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival in Moshi
Karibuni – welcome to Tanzania! Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer about an hour to your hotel in Moshi, and attend the afternoon briefing for the Mount Meru ascent. Mountain luggage is repacked into a separate bag (max 10 kg per person including sleeping bag, checked by the national park authority to protect the porters); the rest stays safely locked with our team. Dinner and overnight at a mid-range hotel in Moshi.
2
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Drive to Momella Gate (1,580 m) in Arusha National Park and meet your mountain crew. Crossing the open grassland at the foot of the mountain you may well encounter giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes. A 3–4 hour climb (about 7 km, +925 m) brings you to the spacious Miriakamba Hut, where the team serves a hearty dinner.
3
Saddle Hut (3,566 m) and Little Meru
The trail leads through mossy forest – the Topela Mbogo “buffalo swamps” – to the Mgongo wa Tembo (“elephant back”) viewpoint at about 3,200 m, with wonderful views into the blasted crater and a chance of klipspringer antelope among giant heather. After reaching Saddle Hut (4–5 hours, +1,075 m), take the classic acclimatization hike up Little Meru (3,801 m, about 1 hour extra) for late-afternoon views.
4
Socialist Peak (4,565 m) – descent to Miriakamba
A midnight start for the steep, demanding final 1,000 m to Socialist Peak. The moment the sun rises behind the Kilimanjaro massif and the plain between glows orange-red is simply unforgettable. Descend the known route all the way back to Miriakamba Hut (10–12 hours total, +1,050 m / −2,050 m).
5
Descent to Momella Gate – Moshi
A comfortable 4–5 hour descent (about 12 km) to Momella Gate, farewell to the mountain crew, and the drive back to Moshi for a well-earned hot shower, dinner, and overnight.
6
Departure – or continue to Kilimanjaro
Free time until your airport transfer. Climbers who booked a Kilimanjaro ascent rest today and attend the afternoon Kilimanjaro briefing – the perfect two-mountain combination. Ask us about pairing this trek with the Marangu or Machame route.
03
What's Included
✓ Included
- ✓ Local English-speaking mountain guide from/to Moshi
- ✓ 2 nights in a mid-range hotel, 3 nights in mountain huts (multi-bed rooms)
- ✓ 5x breakfast, 4x lunch, 5x dinner
- ✓ Transport of mountain luggage (max 10 kg)
- ✓ Cooking and support crew
- ✓ National park entrance and hut fees
- ✓ Armed ranger escort in Arusha National Park
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International flights
- ✗ Tanzania visa (US$50, e-visa at eservices.immigration.go.tz)
- ✗ Personal expenses and drinks
- ✗ Tips for the mountain crew (approx. US$100)
- ✗ Single room supplement (US$80, 2 hotel nights)
- ✗ Travel insurance
04
Gallery
★
