Mount Meru Climbing

Conquer Tanzania's second highest mountain at 4,562 metres! Perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro or an incredible standalone adventure. Experience unique wildlife encounters, stunning views of Kilimanjaro from the summit, and the dramatic Socialist Peak climb in beautiful Arusha National Park.

6 Days
Total Duration
4,562m
Socialist Peak
Wildlife Encounters
Ranger Required
Kilimanjaro Prep
Perfect Training

Why Choose Mount Meru?

Mount Meru offers the perfect introduction to high-altitude climbing in Tanzania. Whether you're preparing for Kilimanjaro or seeking an incredible standalone adventure, this 4,562-meter peak provides stunning wildlife encounters, spectacular summit views of Kilimanjaro, and an unforgettable climbing experience in Arusha National Park.

Perfect Kilimanjaro Prep

Ideal acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro, or enjoy it as a spectacular standalone mountain adventure!

Wildlife Encounters

Spot giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and colobus monkeys during your climb - ranger required due to abundant wildlife!

Kilimanjaro Views

Breathtaking sunrise views of Kilimanjaro from the summit, plus spectacular views deep into Mount Meru's crater!

Less Crowded

Enjoy a more intimate mountain experience with fewer crowds compared to Kilimanjaro, perfect for peaceful adventure!

Mount Meru Climbing Pricing

Transparent pricing for your 6-day Mount Meru climbing adventure. All prices include professional guides, rangers, porters, accommodation at Kili Villa, mountain hut stays, meals, and airport transfers for this complete mountain experience.

Low Season

April 1st - May 19th

1 Person $1,450
2-3 Persons Each $1,280
4+ Persons Each $1,250
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Mid Season

Rest of the Year

1 Person $1,550
2-3 Persons Each $1,380
4+ Persons Each $1,350
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High Season

Jul-Sep & Dec 20-Jan 10

1 Person $1,650
2-3 Persons Each $1,480
4+ Persons Each $1,450
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* Prices per person in USD, excluding international flights and visas

6-Day Detailed Itinerary

Follow our carefully planned day-by-day Mount Meru climbing itinerary. This adventure takes you through diverse ecosystems from grasslands to alpine environments, with incredible wildlife encounters and spectacular summit views of Kilimanjaro from Socialist Peak.

1

Arrival & Briefing at Kili Villa

Airport transfer • Accommodation • Equipment check • Full briefing

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation at Kili Villa where you can relax and recover from your journey.

Comprehensive Briefing: Your experienced guide will meet you for a full briefing about the Mount Meru climb, including route details, safety procedures, and what to expect each day. Complete equipment check to ensure you have everything needed for a safe and successful climb to Socialist Peak.

Mount Meru Briefing
2

Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

First climbing day • Wildlife encounters • Maio Falls visit
Starting Point
1,580m / 5,180ft
Ending Point
2,500m / 8,200ft
Elevation Gain
920m / 3,020ft
Hiking Time
4-5 Hours

Transfer to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger (required due to abundant wildlife!). Walk through grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, where you may spot giraffes and buffalo.

Wildlife & Waterfalls: After roughly 2 hours, reach the spectacular Maio Falls for a refreshing break, then continue through the famous 'Fig Tree Arch.' After 4-5 hours of trekking through this wildlife-rich environment, reach Miriakamba Hut for your first night on the mountain.

Mount Meru Wildlife
3

Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Elephant Back traverse • Optional Little Meru hike • Acclimatization
Starting Point
2,500m / 8,200ft
Ending Point
3,550m / 11,650ft
Elevation Gain
1,050m / 3,450ft
Hiking Time
3-4 Hours

Continue your trek along a steep track, reaching "Mgongo wa Tembo" (Elephant Back) after approximately 2 hours. Low-lying clouds often shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a magical, moody atmosphere.

Little Meru Adventure: After lunch at Saddle Hut, you may choose to hike Little Meru (3,820m), taking approximately 1½ hours. This optional climb is excellent for acclimatization and, weather permitting, rewards you with fantastic views over Arusha National Park and distant Kilimanjaro. Enjoy a warm meal and early rest back at the huts.

Little Meru Views
4

Summit Day: Saddle Hut - Socialist Peak - Miriakamba Hut

Summit attempt • Scrambling sections • Kilimanjaro sunrise views
Starting Point
3,550m / 11,650ft
Summit
4,562m / 14,968ft
Ending Point
2,500m / 8,200ft
Total Time
10-12 Hours

Midnight Summit Push: Awaken around midnight to start your final ascent to Socialist Peak. Headlamps light your way through bush to Rhino Point (3,821m) where the path becomes more challenging with some easy but unsecured scrambling required.

Ultimate Triumph: Following the dramatic crater rim, walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks for 4-5 hours to reach the summit. Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views behind Kilimanjaro and look deep into Mount Meru's impressive crater! Descend via the same route to Saddle Hut for hot soup and tea, then continue to Miriakamba Hut.

Important: The summit stage contains easy but unsecured scrambling passages. Good head for heights and sure-footedness necessary. In adverse weather, the park ranger may call off the summit attempt for safety.
Socialist Peak Summit
5

Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

Northern route descent • Final wildlife encounters • Farewell to crew
Starting Point
2,500m / 8,200ft
Ending Point
1,580m / 5,180ft
Elevation Loss
920m / 3,020ft
Hiking Time
2-3 Hours

After breakfast, start your final stretch on Mount Meru via the 'northern route' to Momella Gate. This pleasant 2-3 hour trek offers a different perspective of the mountain and surrounding landscape.

Wildlife Farewell: On this descent you may once again be lucky enough to see giraffes, buffalo, and elephants, as well as beautiful black and white Colobus monkeys playing in the trees. Arriving at the gate, say farewell to your hiking crew and travel back to Kili Villa to rest and celebrate your achievement!

Final Descent
6

Departure from Kilimanjaro Airport

Airport transfer • Flight departure • Adventure extension options

Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, feeling accomplished after conquering Tanzania's second highest mountain and experiencing incredible wildlife encounters.

Extend Your Adventure: If you've decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey! Many climbers use Mount Meru as perfect preparation before tackling Kilimanjaro, or add a safari or Zanzibar beach extension for the complete Tanzania experience.

Tanzania Departure

What's Included & Excluded

Complete transparency on what's covered in your Mount Meru climbing package. We provide comprehensive support with professional crew, comfortable accommodation, and quality equipment to ensure your safety and success on Tanzania's second highest mountain.

What's Included

  • All park fees and hut fees
  • Professional head guide
  • Park ranger (required for wildlife)
  • Assistant guides and cook
  • Experienced porters
  • All meals during climb
  • Drinking water
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Rescue fees
  • Kili Villa accommodation (pre & post)
  • Two airport transfers
  • Celebration dinner
  • Transport to/from park gate
  • 18% VAT tax

What's Excluded

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Sleeping bags and walking poles
  • Tips for climbing crew
  • Personal expenses
  • Vaccinations
  • Drinks at Kili Villa
  • Spending money
  • Clothing and personal gear
Tipping Guidelines:

Standard recommendation: $20/day for head guide, $12/day for ranger, $12/day for assistant guide, $12/day for cook, and $5-7/day per porter. Porter to client ratio approximately 3:1.

Fitness Requirements & Preparation

Mount Meru climbing requires good physical fitness due to altitude, terrain variety, and some technical scrambling near the summit. This adventure is perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro or as a challenging standalone mountain experience requiring sure-footedness and a good head for heights.

Technical Sections

The summit stage includes easy but unsecured scrambling passages. A good head for heights and sure-footedness are necessary for safe completion.

Physical Preparation

Start training months before your climb. Multi-day hikes, running, and aerobic exercise will build the endurance needed for this challenging mountain adventure.

Perfect Kilimanjaro Prep

Mount Meru provides excellent acclimatization experience before attempting Kilimanjaro, helping your body adjust to high-altitude conditions.

Safety First

In adverse weather conditions, the park ranger may call off the summit attempt for safety. We prioritize your wellbeing above all else.

Wildlife Awareness

Rangers are required due to abundant wildlife. Follow guide instructions when encountering giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and other animals during your climb.

Health Monitoring

Our guides monitor your health and provide emergency oxygen when needed. Professional support ensures your safety throughout the climb.

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Mount Meru Climbing Guides & Tips

Essential information and expert advice for your Mount Meru climbing adventure. Preparation tips, wildlife guides, and insider knowledge from our experienced mountain guides.

Mount Meru Preparation
20 Jul
Preparation

Mount Meru: Perfect Kilimanjaro Preparation Climb

Learn why Mount Meru is the ideal training climb for Kilimanjaro, including acclimatization benefits and what to expect on Tanzania's second highest mountain.

Read More
Mount Meru Wildlife
15 Jul
Wildlife

Wildlife Encounters on Mount Meru Climbing

Discover the amazing wildlife you'll encounter during your Mount Meru climb, from giraffes and elephants to colobus monkeys in Arusha National Park.

Read More
Socialist Peak Summit
10 Jul
Summit Guide

Conquering Socialist Peak: Mount Meru Summit Tips

Essential tips for successfully reaching Socialist Peak, including scrambling techniques, safety considerations, and what to expect during the summit push.

Read More

Ready to Climb Tanzania's Second Highest Mountain?

Join adventurous climbers who have conquered Mount Meru's Socialist Peak! Whether you're preparing for Kilimanjaro or seeking an incredible standalone adventure, our experienced guides ensure your safety while you enjoy unique wildlife encounters and spectacular summit views of Kilimanjaro. Book your Mount Meru climbing adventure today!