4 Days Mount Meru Trek

A beautiful, shorter alternative to Kilimanjaro, the 4-day Mount Meru trek offers stunning views of Arusha National Park, dramatic crater scenery, and a rewarding summit at 4,566 meters. This trek is perfect for hikers who want a challenging but shorter climb, or as an excellent acclimatization hike before attempting Kilimanjaro.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destinations: Mount Meru, Arusha National Park
Tour Type: Trekking / Hiking / Acclimatization
Starting Point: Arusha

Trek Highlights

  • Summit Mount Meru at 4,566 meters with spectacular sunrise views

  • Hike through Arusha National Park with chances to see giraffes, buffalos, colobus monkeys, and more

  • Walk along dramatic ridges with views into the Meru crater and ash cone

  • Fully guided trek with park ranger escort (required for Mount Meru)

  • Great acclimatization climb before a Kilimanjaro expedition

  • Comfortable mountain huts along the route

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arusha → Momella Gate → Miriakamba Hut

You will be picked up from your hotel in Arusha and driven to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for registration and briefing.
Begin your trek through forest and open grassland, with opportunities to see wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos, warthogs, and monkeys along the way (escorted by an armed ranger).
Reach Miriakamba Hut (around 2,500 m) in the afternoon, where you will rest and enjoy dinner.
Overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

After breakfast, continue ascending through montane forest and heather zones with beautiful views of the Meru crater and surrounding valleys.
The trail becomes steeper as you approach Saddle Hut (around 3,500 m), located below Little Meru.
In the afternoon, you can take an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) for sunset views.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

Your summit day begins very early (usually around midnight).
Climb steadily up to Rhino Point and then along a narrow ridge to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) as the sun rises over Kilimanjaro and the Meru crater below.
After enjoying the summit views and photos, descend carefully back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and meal, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut.
Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

After breakfast, descend through forest and open clearings back to Momella Gate, with more chances to spot wildlife along the way.
At the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your trek certificate.
You will then be transferred back to Arusha, where your Mount Meru adventure ends with drop-off at your hotel or preferred location.

namshal safaris (36)
namshal safaris (35)
namshal safaris (34)

BOOKING TREKKING

Safari Booking

  • Park fees and conservation fees for Arusha National Park

  • Hut accommodation on the mountain (3 nights)

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide

  • Required armed park ranger during the trek

  • Porters and cook to carry gear and prepare meals

  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

  • Drinking water on the mountain

  • Transfers from Arusha to Momella Gate and back

  • Government taxes and charges

  • Accommodation in Arusha before and after the trek

  • Personal trekking gear (clothing, boots, sleeping bag, etc.)

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for guides, porters, and ranger

  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)

  • Optional extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary