Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Highlights: Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by your LandAfrica representative and transferred to Meru View Lodge in Usa River, located near Arusha and conveniently positioned for your upcoming Mount Meru trekking adventure.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from your journey. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Usa River and prepare for the days ahead.
In the evening, you will attend a Mount Meru trekking briefing, where your guide will provide important information about the route, daily schedule, safety procedures, equipment, and what to expect during your climb.
Enjoy a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at Meru View Lodge, ready for the start of your Mount Meru adventure the following day.
Day 2: Arusha – Momella Gate (1500m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Highlights: After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge and transferred to Arusha National Park, where your Mount Meru trekking adventure officially begins. At the park entrance, your guide will complete the necessary registration and park formalities while the trekking team prepares for the journey ahead.
Once everything is ready, you will continue to Momella Gate, the starting point of your four-day Mount Meru climb. From here, an armed park ranger will accompany the group, providing security as you trek through the wildlife-rich lower slopes of the mountain.
The first section takes you across open grasslands, where you may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. As the trail continues, you enter the beautiful acacia forest along the southern route, surrounded by the natural scenery of Arusha National Park.
After approximately two hours of trekking, you will reach Maio Falls, a peaceful location to take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Refreshed, you will continue along the trail toward the famous Fig Tree Arch, one of the distinctive natural landmarks along the Mount Meru route.
The trek then continues through the forest toward Miriakamba Hut, where you will arrive in the afternoon. Enjoy some well-earned tea and snacks while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery before settling in for the evening.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 3: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3550m)
Highlights: After breakfast, you will begin the next stage of your Mount Meru trek in Tanzania, following a steep trail with wooden steps as you gain altitude. The higher elevation brings cooler temperatures, while the changing scenery and fresh mountain air make the climb a rewarding experience.
The trail winds through the lush rainforest, where clouds often settle among the trees, creating a beautiful and atmospheric setting. After approximately two hours of uphill trekking, you will reach Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant’s Back) at around 3,200 metres. This scenic viewpoint provides the perfect opportunity to rest, catch your breath, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Beyond Mgongo wa Tembo, the vegetation gradually transforms from dense rainforest into heath and moorland, marking the transition into the higher alpine environment of Mount Meru. You will continue trekking toward Saddle Hut, arriving around midday.
After lunch and some time to rest, you have the option to make an afternoon hike to Little Meru (3,820 metres). The climb takes approximately one to two hours and rewards you with spectacular panoramic views across Arusha National Park, the surrounding Tanzanian landscape, and, on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 80 kilometres away.
You will then return to Saddle Hut for a warm evening meal and an early rest. An early night is important, as your final ascent to Mount Meru Summit will begin shortly after midnight.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Day 4: Saddle Hut (3550m) – Socialist Peak (4562m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)
Highlights: After a light snack and tea, you will begin your Mount Meru summit trek around 2:00 AM, following the trail by headlamp toward Rhino Point (3,821m). From here, the climb becomes more challenging as you follow the crater rim over volcanic ash and rocky terrain.
After approximately 4–5 hours, you will reach Socialist Peak (4,566m), the summit of Mount Meru. Celebrate your achievement while enjoying spectacular sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and the dramatic Meru crater.
You will descend to Saddle Hut for a well-earned rest, hot soup, and tea before continuing down to Miriakamba Hut, arriving in the early afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 5: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Momella Gate (1500m) – Arusha
Highlights: After breakfast, begin your final Mount Meru trek along the northern route, descending for approximately 2–3 hours toward Momella Gate. The shorter trail offers another opportunity to spot wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
At Momella Gate, say goodbye to your trekking crew before your driver transfers you back to Meru View Lodge. Relax, celebrate your successful Mount Meru climb, and enjoy your final evening in the area.
Dinner and overnight at Meru View Lodge.
Day 6: Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
Highlights: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Mount Meru trekking adventure in Tanzania.
Alternatively, extend your Tanzania holiday with an unforgettable wildlife safari or unwind on the white-sand beaches of the Indian Ocean in Zanzibar.
End of the Mount Meru Trekking Adventure.
Additional Information:
Wildlife Encounters:
Expect to see various wildlife, including buffaloes, giraffes, and monkeys, throughout the trek.
Safety:
An armed ranger accompanies all climbing groups for safety against wildlife encounters.
Preparation:
Ensure proper acclimatization and physical fitness for the trek, as it involves significant elevation gain and challenging terrain.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide for planning your Mount Meru adventure, ensuring a memorable and safe trekking experience.