Mt. Meru Trekking – To the second-highest mountain in Tanzania

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – briefing, visit to the art gallery and welcome dinner

  Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. There you will be picked up and driven by private transfer to your booked hotel in Arusha. Your guide will come to give you an introduction to the entire tour. Depending on your arrival time, you will be collected around midday and driven to the unique cultural centre, the Cultural Heritage Gallery, on the outskirts of Arusha. The diversity of sculptures, masks, furniture, drawings and photos from all parts of Africa on display here is extremely impressive and well worth a visit. In the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner by your guide. Overnight at the Hotel Ilboru Safari Lodge (D).

• Day 2: 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, where we can enjoy the last afternoon sun and a beautiful view across the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (B|L|D).

  

• Day 3: 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: 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: 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: Departure: drive to Arusha–Kilimanjaro International Airport or onward extension module Kilimanjaro/Safari/Zanzibar

  Free time until departure. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel according to your flight details and take you to the airport, or you continue with your onward programme (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