Mt. Meru Trekking with Safari & Zanzibar

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – briefing and welcome dinner

  Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. You will be met outside by your driver and taken by private transfer to your booked hotel in Arusha. Your guide will come to give you an introduction to the entire trip. In the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner. Overnight at the Hotel Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (D).

• Day 2: Drive from Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – 4 to 6 hours of hiking

  Early-morning departure to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 m). After the park entry formalities we begin our hike, accompanied by a park ranger for our safety. The route leads through open grassland and offers the chance to see buffalo, warthogs and other wildlife. The trail continues as a steady ascent through dense tropical montane forest. We have lunch near a huge fig tree arch (Fig Tree Arch). Our walk then continues through less dense forests, home to many birds and black-and-white colobus monkeys. In the late afternoon, weather permitting, we can see towering cliffs and the ash cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) in good time, set in an idyllic grassy clearing. Enjoy the last afternoon sun and a beautiful view across the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

• Day 3: Hike from Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m) – 4 to 5 hours of hiking

  The path from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day, but a steep ascent. We climb slowly through lush mountain forests and, halfway through the hike, reach the “Elephant Ridge”. From here we enjoy an excellent view of the summit ridge and the crater floor. The trail continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch will be served. Overnight at Saddle Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 4: Hike from Saddle Hut (3,570 m), summit ascent of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) and back to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – 10 to 12 hours

  We start early at around 2 a.m. and climb steeply up to Rhino Point (3,800 m). From here the trail becomes demanding and requires full concentration and sure-footedness. At sunrise we reach an undulating ridge of ash and rock and arrive at Cobra Point (4,350 m). The view is breathtaking: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro seeming to float on the morning clouds and, in clear weather, views westwards as far as the Rift Valley. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 m) lies an hour further on a good but steep trail that can be slippery in places. After a few nice summit photos we head back to Saddle Hut. The descent to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge has a different charm to the way up. After a hearty breakfast we continue down to Miriakamba Hut. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Hike from Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – hotel in Arusha – approx. 3 hours of hiking

  We take the direct route through open grassland and mixed forest with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail offers an excellent view back to the crater and across the plains of the national park. We should reach the Momella Gate in the late morning. At the gate we say goodbye to our wonderful crew with singing and dancing, and are driven back to Arusha. Overnight at Hotel Ilboru or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 6: Drive to Tarangire National Park – into the paradise of the elephants – 160 km and 2.5 hours of driving

  After breakfast you will be driven to Tarangire National Park. Tarangire lies a little off the main safari route and is a beautiful, quiet park in the north of Tanzania covering an area of about 2,600 km². It is famous for its elephant migrations, birdwatching and pristine safari atmosphere. With the exception of the critically endangered black rhino, Tarangire National Park is home to all the major animals of Tanzania – from the tiny dik-dik to the towering African elephants and giraffes that draw visitors from all over the world. Alongside these popular species, the park is also home to three endangered animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the country: the fringe-eared oryx with its graceful horns, the towering greater kudu and the tiny ashy starling. Overnight at Eileen’s Inn (B|L|D).

  

• Day 7: Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater – in the home of the "Big Five" – 190 km and back to Arusha, approx. 4 hours of driving

  After breakfast you will be picked up by your safari guide and driven straight to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the almost 600 m deep crater. The caldera has a diameter of up to 19 km and an area of 264 km². Its heavily wooded rim rises 610 metres above the floor of the caldera to an altitude of up to 2,286 metres. The Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding highlands together form one of the most beautiful regions of Africa. The volcanic crater provides a breathtaking backdrop for some of the most fertile and richest grazing lands in Africa. The floor of the caldera consists predominantly of open grassland and is the best place in East Africa to see the “Big Five”. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, black rhinos, leopards, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, wildebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles and the densest lion population on earth. After extensive wildlife viewing, you will be served your lunch (lunch box) at an idyllic picnic spot. After a few more exciting hours in the park, you will be driven back to Arusha. Overnight at the Mtoni River Lodge or an accommodation of equal category (B|L).

• Day 8: Transfer to the airport – flight to Zanzibar, drive to Matemwe – north-east coast

  Early in the morning you will be driven to the airport to fly to Zanzibar. On your arrival you will be picked up and driven to your accommodation in Matemwe, where you will spend the next few nights. Experience chalk-white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea and a fantastic coral reef. Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean and consists of the main islands of Unguja, known as Zanzibar, and Pemba, as well as countless smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is blessed with natural beauty and a rich culture. Warm, sunny climate all year round. Its exciting history with Arab sultans, Portuguese seafarers, slave traders and European explorers has shaped the character of this island and its friendly people in a very special way. Not to forget the delicious Swahili cuisine with a great variety of seafood. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 9: Free time on Zanzibar

  Time at your leisure. Relax on the beach or take part in optional excursions (e.g. Stone Town, spice plantations). Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

  

• Day 10: Relaxing by the sea

  Enjoy the beach, the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of Zanzibar. Optional water sports or island excursions can be booked. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 11: Relaxing by the sea

  Enjoy the beach, the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of Zanzibar. Optional water sports or island excursions can be booked. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 12: Relaxing by the sea

  Enjoy the beach, the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of Zanzibar. Optional water sports or island excursions can be booked. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 13: Relaxing by the sea

  Last day at your leisure – ideal for relaxing, swimming or for final optional excursions. Overnight at the Magic Boutique Hotel or an accommodation of equal category (B|D).

• Day 14: Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) – return flight home

  Free time until departure. Depending on your flight time, you will be driven back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your international flight home (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner