3 Days 2 nights Mount Meru Trek Package
Destinations
Mount Meru, Arusha
Duration
3 days
Trip Type
Mountain Climbing
Mount Meru (4,562m) is a beautiful volcanic cone located inside Arusha National Park. It offers dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, and superb views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our shorter treks are perfect for fit hikers looking for a challenging adventure in fewer days.
Drive from Arusha (about 1 hour) to Arusha National Park. After registration and a briefing with your guide and armed ranger, you begin the trek through dense montane rainforest. The trail is gentle but steadily climbs. You will walk under a canopy of giant trees while listening to birdsong and keeping an eye out for colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and possibly giraffes and buffaloes grazing in the clearings.
- Trekking distance: 10 km
- Trekking time: 4–6 hours
- Altitude gain: +1,014m
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (basic bunk beds with mattresses)
After a hearty breakfast, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend through giant heather and moorland zones. You will cross a ridge with impressive views into the Meru crater and its dramatic ash cone. This day offers excellent opportunities for photographs of the rugged landscape. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, you enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). In the afternoon, we highly recommend a short acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for better adaptation.
- Trekking distance: 8 km
- Trekking time: 3–5 hours
- Altitude gain: +1,056m
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Overnight: Saddle Hut
Wake up very early (around 12:30–1:00 am) for the final summit push. The trail is steep and rocky in sections, passing through alpine desert before reaching the crater rim. You will arrive at Socialist Peak in time for a magical sunrise with sweeping views over Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley, and the Indian Ocean on clear days. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend the same route, passing Saddle Hut for a hot lunch, and continue all the way down to Momella Gate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha.
- Trekking distance: 18–20 km
- Trekking time: 10–14 hours (4–6 hrs up, 6–8 hrs down)
- Altitude gain/loss: +992m / -3,062m
- Meals: Early Breakfast & Lunch
- Overnight: Arusha (hotel not included)
Includes
- Professional English-speaking lead guide, assistant guide(s) & armed park ranger
- Professional porters and cook team
- All Arusha National Park fees, hut fees & rescue fees
- All meals while on the mountain (freshly prepared nutritious meals with vegetarian/vegan options available)
- Private 4×4 transportation from/to Arusha
- Treated/purified drinking water throughout the trek
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter & basic medical support
- Summit certificate for successful climbers
- All accommodation in mountain huts (bunk beds with mattresses)
Excludes
- Tips for guides, porters, cook & ranger (recommended: $200–300 per climber)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment (sleeping bag, hiking poles, etc.)
- Travel insurance (mandatory – must cover high altitude trekking)
- Hotel accommodation in Arusha before/after the trek
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and personal expenses
- Visa fees and international flights
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
What is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
The dry season (June–October) is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and roads are passable. January–February is also excellent. The short rains (November–December) and long rains (March–May) have fewer crowds and greener landscapes but can have wetter conditions. We help you choose the best timing for your goals (e.g., Great Migration).
Are the safaris private or in groups?
Most of our packages are private safaris (just your group in a dedicated vehicle), offering flexibility and a personalized experience. We also arrange small group departures for those seeking to share costs.
Is it safe to go on safari?
Yes , Tanzania is a popular and generally safe destination for organized tours. Our experienced guides follow strict safety protocols in the parks. Risks are minimized by traveling with professionals. Petty theft is the main concern in cities, so standard precautions apply.
What training should I do before climbing?
Start training 3–6 months in advance:
- Regular cardio (running, cycling, swimming)
- Hike with a daypack carrying weight (simulate 8–10 kg)
- Stair climbing or hill walks
- Strength training for legs and core
We can provide a recommended training plan upon booking.
Do I need vaccinations or a visa for Tanzania?
- Visa: Most visitors need a tourist visa (obtainable online via e-visa or on arrival).
- Vaccinations: Routine vaccines recommended; Yellow Fever certificate if coming from a risk country. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly advised. Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
You have excellent chances of spotting the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) plus giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, and hundreds of bird species. The Great Migration in Serengeti is a highlight.
What is your cancellation policy?
Policies vary by package but are clearly stated at booking. We offer flexible options and recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations.
