3-Days Mount Meru Climbing: A Wildlife Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating 3-day Mount Meru climbing adventure, where breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and an unforgettable trekking experience await. Towering at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak, located in Arusha National Park. This climb offers a unique combination of mountain trekking and wildlife encounters, making it an ideal choice for both adventure seekers and nature lovers.


Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

  • Altitude Gain: 1,387 meters (4,550 feet)
  • Distance: ~10 km
  • Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

Your adventure begins with a transfer from Arusha to Momella Gate, the starting point of the climb. Before setting off, you’ll complete park formalities and meet your experienced park ranger, who will accompany you throughout the trek to ensure safety due to the presence of wild animals.

The trek starts through lush grasslands and acacia forests, offering your first glimpses of wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos, warthogs, and colobus monkeys. As you ascend, the trail leads past Mayo Falls and through the picturesque Fig Tree Arch, a natural marvel where a massive fig tree has formed an archway over the path.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), where you can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the plains below and the towering peak above.


Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (Little Meru Acclimatization Hike)

  • Altitude Gain: 1,056 meters (3,465 feet)
  • Distance: ~8 km
  • Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

After a hearty breakfast, you continue your ascent along a steep but scenic trail through the montane forest. The vegetation transitions from lush greenery to moorland, offering panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

The path follows the Elephant Ridge, an exhilarating section of the trek with stunning sights of the crater below. Reaching Saddle Hut (3,570m) in the early afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to rest and refuel before an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m).

This short trek helps your body adjust to the altitude and rewards you with breathtaking sunset views over the surrounding landscapes. Afterward, you return to Saddle Hut for an early dinner, as you’ll start the summit attempt before dawn.


Day 3: Saddle Hut – Summit (4,566m) – Descend to Momella Gate

  • Altitude Gain: 996 meters (3,265 feet)
  • Altitude Loss: 2,052 meters (6,732 feet)
  • Distance: ~19 km
  • Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, as you ascend through rocky ridges and steep terrain under the starlit sky. The final push to the summit, Socialist Peak (4,566m), is challenging but rewarding. As dawn breaks, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and Arusha National Park.

After celebrating your achievement and taking in the spectacular scenery, you begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Momella Gate. Along the way, you may encounter more wildlife, making this trek a unique blend of mountain climbing and safari experiences.

Upon reaching the gate, you’ll receive your climbing certificate and be transferred back to Arusha, marking the end of an unforgettable 3-day Mount Meru adventure.


Why Climb Mount Meru?

Perfect for Acclimatization – An excellent pre-trek for Kilimanjaro climbers
Less Crowded – A more peaceful trekking experience compared to Kilimanjaro
Wildlife Encounters – The only mountain trek where you hike among wild animals
Stunning Scenery – Diverse landscapes, from rainforests to alpine deserts

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines challenging trekking, stunning nature, and incredible wildlife, the 3-day Mount Meru climb is the perfect choice!