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Mt Meru, Tanzania - Mount Meru Ascent, Tanzania
Mt Meru, Tanzania
Local saleswoman in Arusha - Mount Meru Ascent, Tanzania
Local saleswoman in Arusha  | Gesine Cheung
Mount Meru is Africa's 5th highest mountain - Mount Meru Ascent, Tanzania
Mount Meru is Africa's 5th highest mountain  | Ken Harris

Mount Meru Ascent

A thrilling high-altitude trek with stunning crater rim views and diverse wildlife, perfect for fit trekkers

Tanzania
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 4 reviews

4 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: MMA
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 4 Days
Activities
  • 4 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights mountain hut
Meals
  • 3 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

101kg of CO2-e PP per day

(304kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Summit Socialist Peak (4,566m/14,980ft) achieving a high altitude goal in just four days
  • Trek a dramatic crater rim ridge, with panoramic views of the Ash Cone, Kilimanjaro and Rift Valley
  • Sleep in scenic mountain huts, set inside Arusha National Park, with a chance to spot buffalo, warthogs, giraffe and Colobus monkeys
  • Add more adventure, this trek perfectly combines with a safari or an ascent of Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya

Overview

Mount Meru (4,566m/ 14,980ft) may sit in Kilimanjaro’s shadow, but this steep volcanic trek is a spectacular summit in its own right. You'll ascend a dramatic crater rim ridge, sleep in scenic mountain huts, and stand atop Tanzania’s second highest peak with views stretching from the Rift Valley to Kilimanjaro.

Uniquely, the entire trek takes place within Arusha National Park, making this one of the few places in East Africa where you can trek through genuine wildlife territory on foot. Expect sightings of buffalo, warthogs, giraffe and Colobus monkeys on the lower slopes.

Based out of Arusha, gateway to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, this short, high reward ascent is ideal on its own, or combined with a classic safari. It also pairs easily with Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya for an unforgettable multi-peak adventure.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

We pick you up from Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha) at 10.00am and transfer to our start at Momella Gate (1500m) in late morning. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, and then continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We have lunch at, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and monkeys. The black and white colobus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch. By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2514m), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (5-6 hours walking)

Meals: L,D

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short but a steep and sustained climb all the way. We walk through attractive, open, and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. During a break, you might spot elephants or other animals from our vantage point. The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3570m), where lunch is waiting for us. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3820m) for superb views just before sunset. (3 to 6 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

We begin with an early start at around 2.00am to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m), and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m) arriving at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is another hour on a superb but often steep path. On a clear day, the views are absolutely rewarding. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light situated on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We rest, and have brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2514m). NB* The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Point. (10 - 12 hours walking)

Meals: B,L,D

We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning. Transfer back to Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha), where trip concludes. (2-3 hours walking)

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

292 scheduled departures between 11 Oct 2026 and 29 Dec 2027.

  • Departs 11 Oct 2026 – ends 14 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 12 Oct 2026 – ends 15 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 13 Oct 2026 – ends 16 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 14 Oct 2026 – ends 17 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 15 Oct 2026 – ends 18 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 16 Oct 2026 – ends 19 Oct 2026 (4 days)
  • … and 286 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
  • 3 nights fully supported in mountain huts on a multi-share basis
  • Group camping and catering equipment (sleeping bag not included - can be hired locally)
  • Experienced local mountain guides, cook and camp crew
  • Porters to carry personal and group equipment
  • National Park ranger escort for forest sections on days 1, 2 & 4
  • National Park and hut fees valued at US$343

Not included

  • International airfares
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)
  • Visa
  • Sleeping bags
  • Transfers to or from Arusha
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Arusha
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips

Reviews (4)

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Meru is a spectacular climb - the view of the ash cone is breathtaking! As a whole its prettier than Kili. Its also technically harder with sections scrambling over rocks. Also huts are clean & comfortable. World Expeditions runs a well organised safe trip which I strongly recommend. Great guide & team & we were very well looked after.

K. Taylor|Fairlight, NSW
23 Nov 2017
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The Mount Meru trek was a challenging, rewarding and overall excellent experience. The views of Kilimanjaro from the summit were unforgettable, and it was incredible to have the opportunity to hike out of the park among giraffes, zebras, baboons and water buffalo.

This is a wonderful trek in its own right and a great way to acclimatise for Kilimanjaro.

Ingrid Emery|Rozelle, NSW Australia
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I was delighted with the Mt Meru trek....the challenge of the climb and descent, the spectacular landscapes and the quality, knowledge and experience of the guides and porters made this an unforgettable journey.

P. Gay|Milton, NSW
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Anthony Hobbs|Braidwood, NSW Australia
28 Feb 2024

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?Why Book With UsWildlife Safari Safety

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • We've been guiding people along the paths less travelled since 1975.
  • Be supported by highly trained local guides, certified in wilderness first aid and experienced in high altitude trekking.
  • National Park ranger escort on forest sections on days 1, 2 & 4.
  • Cook and full camp crew for fresh meals and daily support.
  • All National Park and hut fees included (valued at US$343).
Early morning game viewing walk in Hlane National Park in Swaziland

Your safety is our main priority

Africa's wildlife is wild and unfenced. On many wildlife safaris you may meet them on foot, or from a vehicle. Walking in big-game country carries some risk, and the safeguards are not the same in every country.

Rules on firearms, guide qualifications, group size and how close you may approach an animal are set country by country, park by park. Many incorrectly assume that every wildlife safari in Africa travels with an armed ranger. Several countries prohibit firearms outright. Where an armed escort is required, it is supplied by the park authority.

What is consistent is how these trips operate. You walk in a small group with a professional local guide who knows the country and the animals in it. We do not include captive or hands-on wildlife encounters in any itinerary.

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