Mount Meru is located in the heart of Arusha National Park and it is 50 miles west of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru is a massive volcano reaching 14,980 feet (4,565 meters). This trek serves as an ideal warm up for Mt. Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared toward hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent.
You will be picked up by the staff of Travel Holidays Tours & Safari from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and driven to your accommodation in Moshi. Participants will be given a short briefing for the climb the next day. Kits and the necessary equipment will be checked as well.
| Accommodation | Planet Lodge |
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and after a 45-minute drive, you will arrive at the Arusha National Park Gate for entry formalities. Afterwards, we drive a little further to Momella Gate to start ourclimb. After a steady 2-hour climb, you will reach Maio Falls and some picturesque meadows. After resting, we will be on our way to the well-known ‘Arched Fig Tree’, with its shape forming an arch over the path. After another 1½ – 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut.
| Accommodation | Miriakamba Hut |
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
In the morning, we follow a steep track with wooden steps upwards. Due to the increase in altitude, it will be noticeably cooler than the previous day making the hike easier. After approximately 2 hours, you will reach the vantage point ‘Mgongo wa Tembo’ (Elephant back) at an elevation of 3200m, where you will enjoy a well-earned break. After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into an airy bush land, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) at midday for a relaxing lunch break. In the afternoon, you have the option to do a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 – 1 ½ hours where you can have wonderful views of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro (approx. 80 km away).
| Accommodation | Miriakamba Hut |
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking
Your guide will wake you at 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt at 1:30am. The trail starts off on a steep grade from Rhino Point (3800m) to Cobra Point (4350m). At the last hour of the hike, you will scamble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru. You will reach the summit of Meru (4565m) at sunrise with spectacular views of Mt. Meru Ash Tray and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your views then descend to Saddle Hut for a short break. You will then continue descending to Miriakamba Hut (2500m).
| Accommodation | Miriakamba Hut |
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.4km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, we turn left up the ridge and the route ascends 640m towards Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents.
The summit is now a further 1214m higher and you will commence with your final ascent attempt, the same night. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask.
| Accommodation | Barafu Camp |
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
What’s included?
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinking water on all days
- Camping Equipment
- Porterage
What’s not included?
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcoholic drinks
- Rescue Fee
- Climbing Gear
- Sleeping Bag
Frequently Asked Questions
The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.
We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.
Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.
We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.
The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.
Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.
Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.
Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.
Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.
We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.
A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.
Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.
