Mount Meru is the most underrated climb in Tanzania and the best possible acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro. The Momella Route takes you up through Arusha National Park — you walk with an armed park ranger because there are buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkey on the lower slopes — and along a spectacular crater rim to Socialist Peak at 4,566 metres, summiting at sunrise with Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds to the east. Four days, three mountain huts with bunk beds and dining rooms, our own mountain crew, cook and porters, and a briefing before you leave so you know exactly what each day asks of you.
- Highlights
What makes this journey unforgettable
- Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m) at sunrise, facing Kilimanjaro
- Dramatic knife-edge crater rim walk above the ash cone
- Miriakamba and Saddle huts, professional guide, cook and porters
- Walk with an armed ranger past buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkey
- Ideal acclimatisation trek before a Kilimanjaro climb
- Small groups and all park, rescue and hut fees included
- Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your journey, day by day
- Day 1
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Start the day morning after breakfast and meet your crew, ready for the experience. We drive from Arusha to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, complete registration and meet your armed ranger. The first day’s walk climbs gently through open grassland and fig forest — you will very likely pass buffalo, warthog, giraffe and waterbuck, which is why the ranger is there. About four to five hours brings you to Miriakamba Hut, with the ash cone and crater wall rising directly above. Hot dinner and an early night.
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Miriakamba Hut.
- Day 2
Miriakamba to Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
After breakfast, we begin a 3–4 hour uphill hike from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut. The trail becomes steeper as we climb through montane forest and areas of giant heather, gradually opening to views of the surrounding landscape.
We arrive at Saddle Hut, located between Little Meru and the main summit, where we have lunch and time to rest.
In the afternoon, there is an optional acclimatisation hike to Little Meru (3,820 m). This shorter climb helps your body adjust to the altitude and rewards you with wide views across the Rift Valley, especially around sunset. We then return to Saddle Hut for an early dinner and rest before the overnight summit climb begins later tonight.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Saddle Hut.
- Day 3
Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m), descend to Miriakamba
This is the main summit day on Mount Meru. We wake around midnight, have a warm meal, and begin the climb by headtorch. The trail follows the crater rim towards Socialist Peak (4,566 m), with a steady uphill climb over rocky and sometimes steep sections.
We aim to reach the summit around sunrise, when the first light spreads across the landscape and Mount Kilimanjaro may appear above the clouds on a clear morning.
After enjoying the summit, we descend to Saddle Hut for breakfast and a short rest. We then continue the long descent through the forest to Miriakamba Hut, where we spend the night. This is a demanding full day of climbing and descending, so a good level of fitness is important.
- Meals: All meals
Click to see the lodge description and photos in Miriakamba Hut.
- Day 4
Miriakamba to Momella Gate & Arusha
After breakfast, we begin our final descent from Miriakamba Hut, following the direct forest trail down towards Momella Gate. The walk is relaxed, taking you through the forest with chances to see colobus monkeys and small waterfalls along the way. As the forest opens, enjoy the views back towards the Mount Meru summit you stood on the day before.
We reach Momella Gate before lunch, where you receive your Mount Meru summit certificate and say goodbye to the mountain crew. From here, we drive back to Arusha, giving you time to rest, enjoy a well-earned shower, and reflect on the journey. Or, if another adventure awaits, continue straight into your next chapter — a safari across Tanzania’s wild landscapes or the challenge of Kilimanjaro.
- Meals: All meals
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- What's Included
- Arusha National Park entry, hut, rescue and climbing fees
- Armed park ranger escort as required by park regulations
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- All meals on the mountain and boiled drinking water
- Hut accommodation at Miriakamba and Saddle huts (bunk beds, dining halls)
- Return road transfers between Arusha and Momella Gate
- Airport meet-and-greet, transfers and complimentary pre-trip briefing
- Personalised welcome pack and 24/7 on-trip support
- What's Excluded
- International flights, visa fees and travel insurance covering trekking to 4,600 m
- Accommodation in Arusha before and after the climb
- Personal trekking equipment, sleeping bag and hiking boots (rental available)
- Tips for your guide, cook and porters (guidance amounts provided)
- Alcoholic and soft drinks, snacks and items of a personal nature
- Tour Price