4 Days Mount Meru Climb from Arusha

Your adventure kicks off with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Arusha. After a short 45-minute drive, you’ll arrive at Arusha National Park Gate, where your guide will take care of the necessary paperwork. Feel free to explore the park’s information displays while you wait. Once everything is set, you'll drive a little further to Momella Gate, the official starting point of your trek. Here, an armed park ranger will join your group for safety, and soon, you'll be on your way. As you hike, keep an eye out for giraffes and buffalos grazing in the open plains. The trail then leads into the acacia forest, following the scenic Southern Route. A steady two-hour climb will bring you to Maio Falls, a beautiful spot perfect for a short break and a picnic. Continuing your trek, you’ll pass the famous ‘Arched Fig Tree,’ a massive tree shaped by nature in a way that allows you to walk right through it!

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a steep but rewarding climb from Miriakamba Huts. As you ascend, the temperature drops, and you’ll notice the landscape changing from dense rainforest to misty, open bushland. After about two hours, you’ll reach Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Back) at 3,200m—an excellent viewpoint to pause and take in the stunning scenery. From here, the trail continues upward, with the lush greenery gradually giving way to the alpine zone. By midday, you’ll reach Saddle Huts (3,550m), where a hot lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you have the option of a short side trek to Little Meru (3,820m)—a great warm-up for summit day. The one-hour climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Arusha National Park and even Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After soaking in the sights, you’ll return to Saddle Huts for dinner and an early night, preparing for the big climb ahead.

Summit day starts early—really early! At 2:00 AM, you’ll have a quick tea and biscuits before setting off into the dark, guided by the light of your headlamp. The first challenge is reaching Rhino Point (3,821m), where the trail becomes steeper and more technical. The next stretch follows the dramatic north ridge, leading you through volcanic ash and rugged rock formations. After 4 to 5 hours of steady climbing, you’ll finally reach the summit: Socialist Peak (4,562m). Standing at the top of Mount Meru, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking sunrise over Kilimanjaro and panoramic views of the crater below. The sense of achievement is incredible! After soaking in the moment, you’ll begin your descent back to Saddle Huts, where a well-earned break and some hot soup await. Once refreshed, you’ll continue down to Miriakamba Huts, where you can relax and celebrate your summit success.

Your final day on the mountain starts with a relaxed breakfast before beginning the 2 to 3-hour descent back to Momella Gate. Taking the Northern Route, you’ll walk through open meadows and forested areas where you might spot elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and playful black-and-white Colobus monkeys. At the gate, you’ll say goodbye to your hiking crew and receive your certificate of achievement. Your driver will then take you back to Arusha, where you can unwind after an unforgettable four-day adventure.