2 days · Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania
A 2 day Mount Meru trek through Arusha National Park with an armed ranger, hut stay, all meals and park fees.
Operator
Runs this trip. The park permit is in the operator’s name.
The 2 day Mount Meru trek is a short mountain adventure inside Arusha National Park that combines a walking safari with a night on Tanzania's second-highest mountain. It is designed for travellers who want to experience Meru's forests, wildlife and views without committing to a full summit climb.
Mount Meru is often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, but its lower slopes are among the most rewarding walking country in northern Tanzania. The trail starts at Momella Gate and passes through open grassland and montane forest where giraffe, buffalo and many antelope live, and leopard are occasionally seen. Because of the wildlife, an armed national park ranger walks with every group, and your guide and ranger point out animals and tracks along the way. For many visitors this feels less like a hike and more like a safari on foot.
The night is spent in a mountain hut at Miriakamba (2,514 metres), so there is no camping involved. From the hut area you can look up at Meru's great crater wall. The trek then continues higher, through forest and into giant heather, towards Saddle Hut at around 3,570 metres. On clear days the views open up to the dramatic Ash Cone inside Meru's crater and, on the horizon, the unmistakable shape of Kilimanjaro.
This trek does not include a summit attempt. It suits active travellers based in Arusha, people who want to add something different to a safari itinerary, and anyone curious to see Meru before deciding on a longer climb. No technical experience is needed, but the trail is steep in places and you will gain a lot of height, so reasonable fitness helps. If you would like to reach the summit, the 3-day and 4-day Mount Meru climbs continue to Socialist Peak.
Mount Meru rises inside Arusha National Park, and this two-day trek is the short version: a walk from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (about 2,514 m) on the first day, an onward climb to Saddle Hut (about 3,570 m) and a descent to the gate. An armed ranger accompanies every group, because buffalo, giraffe and other animals use the lower slopes.
It is a good test of how you handle altitude, and a way to see Meru's forest and crater views without committing to the summit. The huts have bunk beds and meals are cooked by the crew. Bring warm layers, a rain jacket and sturdy boots. The park fees and ranger are included. If you enjoy it, the three- and four-day climbs continue to Socialist Peak.
Who it suits: Active travelers in Arusha seeking a lower-mountain wildlife and forest trek in Arusha Na…
About Mount Meru: route, ranger and how it compares
Altitude affects everyone differently, so no itinerary can promise the summit. A longer schedule gives more time to adjust.
Times and camps can change with weather and group pace.
Transfer to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. Guided walking safari with armed ranger through wildlife areas. Trek through forest to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m). Dinner and overnight.
Climb through forest and giant heather to Saddle Hut at 3,570m. Views of the Ash Cone and Kilimanjaro on clear days. Descent to Momella Gate.
Begin descent from Saddle Hut through the forest to Momella Gate. Transfer to Arusha hotel.
What each stage of this package feels like. Heights are rounded and vary by source.
Day 1 · 07:00 AM
You register in Arusha National Park and meet your ranger, who carries a rifle for wildlife safety. The path crosses open grassland where giraffe, zebra and buffalo are often seen, and climbs through forest with colobus monkeys to Miriakamba Hut at about 2,500 m. The huts have bunk beds and a dining area.
The first day is short. Use the afternoon to rest and, if time allows, take a short walk with the ranger.
Day 2 · 06:30 AM
A steeper day that climbs through forest and into heath to Saddle Hut at about 3,570 m, in three to four hours. From the hut you can walk to Little Meru, a viewpoint at about 3,800 m, for a first look at the crater and the summit ridge.
Eat early, rest and prepare for a midnight start. It is cold at the hut.
Day 2 · 02:00 PM
A long, pleasant walk down through forest and grassland, with the best chance of seeing wildlife again. At Momella Gate you sign out and the vehicle takes you back to Arusha.
Included
Not included
Starting price, per person
$450
Jan to Febbest
Short dry season: ideal conditions
Mar to Mayfair
Long rains: slippery trails
Jun to Octbest
Long dry season: best wildlife visibility
Nov to Decgood
Short rains: fewer visitors
What to read before you book.
Mount Meru is one of Africa's finest and most underrated trekking objectives. The combination of wildlife encounters in the lower park, ancient forest, heather zones and a dramatic volcanic crater make it uniquely varied. For visitors with a couple of days in Arusha, the 2-day version offers wildlife, forest and high-altitude scenery in a compact itinerary.
Quick Overview
Momella Gate wildlife walk → Miriakamba (2,514m) → Saddle Hut (3,570m) → descent. 2 days. From $450.
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4 days · Trek Featured Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania · extreme
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3 days · Trek Mount Meru, Arusha, Tanzania · extreme
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