5-Days Trekking Mount Meru
Make your booking
Overview
This is the shortest program, ideal for experienced climbers, athletes, or those short on time. Upon reaching the summit of Mount Meru, the descent begins immediately, and you’ll head back to your hotel on the same day.
The 3-day itinerary allows for a moderate-paced ascent and descent of Mount Meru. On the first day, you’ll enjoy light hiking, with opportunities to observe wildlife from a safe distance. Accommodation for two nights will be provided in mountain huts: Miriakamba Hut on the first night and Saddle Hut on the second. On the third day, you’ll commence your ascent early in the morning, witnessing the sunrise at an altitude of 4,565 meters. Following this, you’ll descend back to the mountain’s base and exit Arusha National Park. Two additional days before and after the expedition are set aside for rest at the hotel and leisure activities.
Schedule Details
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by a representative from Machokodo Tanzania Tours and transferred to your hotel. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including superb rooms, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, our managers will hold a briefing to ensure you're well-prepared for the climb.
For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are included for your group, but extra charges may apply for individual transfers. To avoid additional costs, it's recommended to coordinate your group's arrival and departure times.
Day 2: Trekking from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water for you.
Please note: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it's important to follow these instructions:
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Drink at least 4 liters of bottled water daily, in small, frequent intervals
- Consider using high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more details along with your itinerary, but we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand regarding any allergies or health concerns.
At night, you may experience discomfort due to acclimatization to the high altitude. Reduced oxygen intake during sleep may lead to symptoms such as headaches. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 10 kmDay 3: From Miriakamba Hut, you'll trek up to Saddle Hut.
After breakfast, you'll begin the ascent along the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. Keep an eye out for various wildlife! The trail offers stunning views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. Upon reaching camp, you can choose to hike Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide for further acclimatization. An early dinner will be served, allowing you to get plenty of rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Trekking time: 3-4 hoursDistance: 5 kmDay 4: Ascend from Saddle Hut to Meru Peak, then descend to Momella Gate.
Summiting begins around midnight, with a steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m) taking about an hour. The path then follows a ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Meru Peak (4,562 m) is another hour away on a steep path offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your pace, you can catch the sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. The scenery is breathtaking: the Crater rim cliffs, the Ash Cone in the crater, Kilimanjaro in the clouds, and the Rift Valley. The return journey to Rhino Point in the morning light, along a narrow ridge between the crater's outer wall and inner cliffs, is an exhilarating experience. After brunch and a rest at Saddle Hut, the descent to Momella Gate begins. The entire group will celebrate your achievement before you're transferred back to Moshi or Arusha town.
Trekking time: 12-14 hoursDistance: 16 kmDay 5: Departure
Relax at the hotel and then later transfer to the airport.
Please note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you can extend your stay at the hotel for an additional fee.
