4-Day Mount Meru Climb
A private 4-day climb of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest mountain at 4,566 m, in Arusha National Park, sleeping in huts, with two hotel nights in Arusha, 6 days in total.
The Mountain Above Arusha
Meru rises right above Arusha. The climb starts in the park, where you walk past buffalo, giraffes and warthogs with an armed park ranger, then climbs through forest to Miriakamba and Saddle huts. Summit night follows a narrow ridge along the rim of the old crater to Socialist Peak, with views of Kilimanjaro on clear mornings.
Many climbers use Meru to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro, and it is a fine climb in its own right: quieter than Kilimanjaro, with wildlife on the lower slopes.
Climbing Kilimanjaro afterwards? See the 7-Day Machame Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- 4 days on Mount Meru, sleeping in huts
- Walk through the park with an armed ranger, past buffalo and giraffes
- Optional climb of Little Meru (3,820 m) on day 2
- Summit at Socialist Peak (4,566 m), ideally at sunrise
- Two hotel nights in Arusha
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D4 are the days on the mountain. Little Meru on day 2 is optional.
Read our park guides
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport or your arrival point and takes you to your hotel in Arusha. Your lead guide briefs you on the climb and checks your equipment.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 1,000 m · about 10 km · 4–6 hours
You drive about an hour to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park and register. With an armed park ranger you walk through open grassland and forest, often past buffalo, giraffes and warthogs, to Miriakamba Hut.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,050 m · about 3–5 hours
A steep climb through forest to Saddle Hut. In the afternoon you can walk up Little Meru (3,820 m) and back to help you acclimatise, with views of the summit and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Saddle Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,000 m, ↓ about 2,050 m · about 10–12 hours
You start in the early hours and climb to Rhino Point, then follow a narrow ridge along the crater rim to Socialist Peak, ideally at sunrise. After your photos you walk back to Saddle Hut for a meal and continue down to Miriakamba.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,000 m · about 2–4 hours
A short walk down to the gate, often with wildlife on the way, where you receive your certificate. Your driver takes you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast you are transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or you can continue onto a Kilimanjaro climb or a safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $1,390 |
| 2 People | $1,020 |
| 3 People | $930 |
| 4 People | $880 |
| 5 People | $850 |
| 6 People | $830 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Arusha
- 6 days in total: 4 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb on the dates you choose
- Huts are shared with other climbers
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Arusha National Park conservation, hut and rescue fees
- Armed park ranger and park guide fees
- Licensed mountain guide, cook and porters from our own crew
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Arusha with breakfast
- Transfers between your Arusha hotel and Momella Gate
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 5,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew and ranger
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Lunch and dinner in Arusha
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Climbers Ask
How hard is Mount Meru?
It is a demanding trek. The first two days are steep, and summit night follows a narrow, exposed ridge in the dark and cold. You do not need climbing experience, but you should be fit and comfortable with heights.
Why is there an armed ranger?
The lower slopes are in Arusha National Park, where buffalo, elephants and other animals live. A park ranger walks with every group, as the park requires.
Is Meru good preparation for Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Many climbers climb Meru first to acclimatise, then Kilimanjaro a few days later. Ask us to plan both together.
What are the huts like?
Simple shared huts with bunk beds and mattresses at Miriakamba and Saddle. The sleeping bag is included.
When is the best time to climb?
The drier months, roughly June to October and late December to February, are the best. April and May are the wettest.
