3 Days Mount Meru Climbing – Momela Route
Explore Tours
Mount Meru is an often overlooked, but the spectacular volcano located in the centre of Arusha National Park. At 14,980 feet high, Meru serves as a great warm-up to Mount Kilimanjaro or a complete standalone hike. The crowds of Kilimanjaro are non-existent here, allowing for a solitary, peaceful trek. Accommodations are in wood huts. On the lower slopes of the mountain and inside the park, there is a good chance of spotting animals. An armed ranger will accompany your party on the first stage to protect against any wildlife threats. The trail follows the north rim of the crater, along a dramatic ridgeline. Once at the summit, the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and down into Meru crater are unforgettable. Tanzania Private Select Safaris offers Mount Meru as a four-day private climb. However, clients from different parties and operators are often combined to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.
Tour Plan
Elevation: 4,921 ft to 8,250
distance: 10 km
Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha for Momella Gate in Arusha National Park for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins in open grassland with an armed ranger as the possibility of seeing wildlife – giraffe, zebras, antelope, elephant, and buffalo – is high. We climb steadily through the rain forest until they reach Miriakamba Huts, situated in a grassy glade.
Elevation: 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
We continue climbing through the rain forest until we enter the heath zone accompanied by giant heather and other moorland vegetation. Along the ridge of the saddle, we have views of Mount Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. After arriving at Saddle Huts, there is an option to hike to the top of Little Mount Meru for superb views and to further aid acclimatization.
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 14,977 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our climb to the summit. The trail is steep to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point. The path continues along the ridge of ash and rock to the summit - Socialist Peak. Here we enjoy magnificent views of Kilimanjaro and the sunrise before returning to Miriakamba Huts.
Summit to Miriakamba Huts
Elevation: 14,977 ft to 8,250 ft
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath
Elevation: 11,712 ft to 4,921 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we descend quickly through the tropical rainforest to Momella Gate. At the base of the mountain, our vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
