The task of climbing Mount Meru is gratifying. It is frequently done as a pre-tour to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing one of these famous locations will reward you with breathtaking views of the other, which are barely 70km/43mi apart.

Altitude sickness is less likely to occur during a hike up Mount Meru than during a climb of its larger sister, Mount Kilimanjaro. You might want to climb this lesser-known peak for other reasons, though.

Why Take the Mount Meru Climb?

One of the most breathtaking excursions in East Africa is climbing Mount Meru. Additionally, Meru has very little foot traffic, whereas the majority of Kilimanjaro routes are congested. Hiking across various vegetation zones is part of the experience. Numerous wildlife, like as buffalo, leopards, Harvey’s red duiker, bushbuck, Kilimanjaro colobus, and blue monkeys, can be found on the forested slopes. There are more than 400 species of birds, making the birdlife amazing as well.

Where Is Mount Meru?

Mt. Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-highest summit in Africa, standing at 4,562m/14,967ft. Although experiencing this altitude can assist your body adjust to climbing Kilimanjaro, you are unlikely to suffer from severe altitude sickness at this level.

How Difficult Is Mount Meru to Climb?

Never undervalue a climb up Mount Meru. It requires a fair level of fitness and is fairly steep and tricky. The Momella Route is the only route up. Beginning on the mountain’s eastern flank, it climbs to the Socialist Peak’s top along the crater’s northern flank.

How Much Time Does Mount Meru Take to Climb?

Climbing Mount Meru typically takes four days, including three nights. It can also be completed in three days, which includes two nights. We wouldn’t advise using the three-day option, even if it will save you some money. In the shortened version, days three and four are combined into one day, but the first two days of both itineraries are the same. As a result, the third day is extremely long, with a sunrise peak followed by a descent of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) back to the park entrance.

What Does a Normal Mount Meru Climb Itinerary Involve?

First Day

At the beginning of a trek up Mount Meru, Momella Gate, your guide will organize your documentation. Your mountain crew, which includes porters and a park ranger, will be picked up here. Up until the actual climbing begins, you will hike on wide grassland. Along the route, you may come see zebras, buffalo, and giraffes. As you ascend, the landscape continues to change, and soon you’ll be encircled by thick woodland, which is ideal habitat for Harvey’s red duiker and Kilimanjaro colobus.

Trek from Miriakamba Hut (2,514m/8,248ft) to Momella Gate (1,500m/4,921ft)
Time spent walking: four to six hours

Day Two

Although the second day’s trip isn’t particularly lengthy, it is somewhat taxing due to the high rise. If the weather permits, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the crater from Elephant Ridge, the halfway point. You can trek out and back from Saddle Hut to Little Meru (3,801m/12,533ft) in the afternoon if you’re still feeling upbeat. In addition to helping you on summit day, the additional elevation acquired by the optional Little Meru climb will reward you with breathtaking vistas of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park. As an alternative, you can take it easy on summit day.

Climb from Saddle Hut (3,570m/11,713ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m/8,248ft).
Walking duration: three to five hours

Day Three

For a dawn peak, you will begin your walk at approximately two in the morning. This route begins with an extremely steep climb to Rhino Point (3,850m/12,631ft). You will then continue over a short ridge to the summit, where you will be rewarded with countless vistas in all directions. You will travel all the way back to Miriakamba Hut to spend the night after leaving Socialist Peak. The hardest day is by far today.

Climb to Socialist Peak (4,562m/14,967ft) from Saddle Hut (3,570m/11,713ft) and then descend all the way back to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m/8,248ft).
Time spent walking: 10 to 12 hours

Day Four

It is basically a walk in the park on the last day. Following a leisurely breakfast, you will stroll slowly back to Momella Gate, where your tour comes to a close. You have the option of returning the direct way or making a brief diversion to view the ash cone. You’ll have the opportunity to witness additional wildlife as you descend the mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even spot elephants.

Trek from Momella Gate (1,500m/4,921ft) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m/8,248ft)
Walking duration: two to three hours
3–4 Day Climbs of Mount Meru

How Do the Huts on Mount Meru Look?

On Mount Meru, hikers can find well-equipped shelters at two different places. Dormitory accommodations are available at Miriakamba and Saddle Hut. Up to four individuals can sleep in bunk beds in each dorm room. There is a mess area for meals and shared restrooms. There are also tables outside.

What Should I Bring on a Hike Up Mount Meru?

Your vacation could be made or broken by your equipment. Planning to climb a mountain is the one situation where a packing list is crucial. Your tour operator should provide you with a comprehensive list, but to get you started, here are some necessities:

A waterproof duffel bag, which, if you have one, will be carried by a porter
A daypack that you will be carrying on your own
Clothing that is warm, light, and quick to dry (no cotton)
A jacket that is waterproof
Excellent hiking boots. Make careful you break them in at home and never cut corners on these.
High-quality socks
Sandals or comfortable shoes to wear around camp (to relieve your feet from the boots)
Everything you need for a restful night’s sleep, including a very warm sleeping bag
Toiletries and any medical supplies you may require, such as plasters
Fill up water bottles and store them in your daypack.
Wet wipes, sunscreen, and maybe sanitizer (to include in your daypack as well)
A few of your favorite hiking snacks (even if you’re scheduling a guided climb and your meals will be provided)

Does Hiking Mount Meru Require a Guide?

For your trek up Mount Meru, you must, at the very least, employ an armed ranger. This will shield you from any creatures you may come across. Although it is normally advised to schedule your trip with a professional operator, you have the option to attempt climbing Mt. Meru without assistance aside from the ranger. All fees, meals, equipment, transportation, porters, guides, and park rangers will be handled by the operator.

Does Mt. Meru Offer Day Trips?

A day excursion is a fantastic option if you find climbing Mount Meru to be too difficult, costly, or time-consuming. The renowned Fig Tree Arch—a massive strangler fig with an archway large enough for a Land Cruiser to walk through—will be visible as you travel through stunning primary woodland. You can continue hiking through Meru Crater with its ash cone for two to four hours when the road stops at Kitoto Viewpoint (2,500m/8,202ft).

How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Meru?

A four-day hike up Mount Meru might cost anywhere from US$850 to US$1500 per person. This often include transportation to and from Arusha National Park from your lodging in Arusha or Moshi. Tips for the mountain crew (guide, cook, park ranger, and porters) are not included, but food, permits, and overnight lodging in mountain huts are.

Since everyone lodges in the same huts, tours don’t change significantly despite the huge range of pricing. Although it costs the same, camping is also an option. The primary distinction is found in the cuisine and the level of guidance. Climbs of Mount Meru that last three days cost almost the same.

Which Season Is Ideal for Climbing Mount Meru?

Although you can climb Mt. Meru at any time of year, the best weather for climbing is from June to February, when it’s largely dry and pleasant. December through February are the best months to visit if you want clear skies with fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.