Looking for an unforgettable hiking adventure in Tanzania?
Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), offers one of the best trekking experiences in East Africa. Located within Arusha National Park, just a short drive from Arusha town, the Mount Meru hike is perfect for climbers seeking a challenging yet scenic alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro or a valuable acclimatization trek before summiting Africa’s highest peak.
You'll be picked up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi and driven to Momella Gate, where the climb begins. Accompanied by an armed ranger (due to the presence of wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and monkeys), you’ll hike through lush montane forest to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), where you’ll spend your first night.
After a hearty breakfast, you continue your ascent through lush forest and moorland. The trail becomes steeper as you pass the viewpoint known as “Mgongo wa Tembo” or Elephant Ridge, offering spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. The trek to Saddle Hut (3,570m) takes about 3 to 5 hours and covers around 8 km. Upon arrival, a hot lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you have the option to take an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m), which offers fantastic sunset views and helps your body adjust to the altitude. You’ll return to Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight.
Summit day starts early, with a midnight wake-up call and a light snack before beginning your ascent to the peak. With your headlamp lighting the way, you'll pass Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m) as the trail follows a narrow ridge along the crater rim. After 5 to 6 hours of challenging trekking, you reach Socialist Peak (4,566m) at sunrise. The view from the top is breathtaking, with the dramatic Meru Crater below and Mount Kilimanjaro clearly visible in the distance. After enjoying the summit, you begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short rest. You then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and your final overnight stay on the mountain. The full day covers about 18 km and takes between 10 to 12 hours.
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before descending back to Momella Gate through open meadows and forest paths. The 10 km hike takes around 2 to 4 hours. Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll sign out and receive a completion certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, marking the end of your incredible Mount Meru adventure.
