6 Days Mount Meru Climbing
Trekking Features
Trip Overview
Embark on an extraordinary journey with EcoLegacy Africa’s 6-day Mount Meru climbing expedition, our most comprehensive and highly recommended itinerary. This meticulously structured program is designed to provide an excellent acclimatization profile, giving you the best possible chance of reaching the summit safely and comfortably. Beyond the physical climb, this trek offers a truly memorable adventure, uniquely blending a classic mountain ascent with a thrilling walking safari through Arusha National Park.
Whether you’re looking for an incredible standalone challenge or seeking the perfect preparation for Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, this climb is the ideal choice. As a responsible travel company, EcoLegacy Africa partners with trusted, local experts who share our values, ensuring your journey is guided from start to finish with the highest standards of safety, expertise, and ethical practice. Rest assured, your expedition to Tanzania’s second-highest peak, standing at 4,562 meters (14,968 feet), is an expertly guided experience that supports local communities and leaves a positive legacy.
Highlights
- Wildlife Encounters: Enjoy a unique walking safari on the lower slopes, where you’ll trek alongside an armed ranger and have the chance to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of monkeys.
- Crater Rim Scramble: Experience a thrilling and exhilarating scramble along the narrow crater rim to the summit.
- Acclimatization Advantage: The longer itinerary allows for a crucial acclimatization hike up Little Meru, a key to a successful summit of the main peak.
- Breathtaking Views: Witness a spectacular sunrise from the summit, with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding plains, the Meru ash cone, and a distant Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds.
- Hut Accommodation: Sleep comfortably in rustic but well-maintained mountain huts, which offer a different and often more restful experience than camping.
What the price Include
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Meru summit certificate
- Meals
- Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
What the price Exclude Exclude
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Detailed Itinerary
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our dedicated driver will be eagerly anticipating your arrival at the airport holding a sign with your name on it, ready to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome. From there, a seamless and comfortable transfer service will whisk you away to our enchanting Springlands Hotel.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be served a delicious meal. Later on, our experienced mountain coordinators and your Guide will give you a pre-trekking briefing, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonders that await you in your upcoming expedition.
Enjoy the relaxing environment of Springland Hotel with a swimming pool, a beautiful garden with a bar and a restaurant.
Elevation Gain: 920m/3,020ft
In the morning you will be transferred to Arusha National Park to register before setting off with your guide and ranger, required because there is an abundance of wildlife in the forests! Walking through the grasslands towards the acacia forest on the southern route, you may spot giraffe and buffalo. After roughly 2 hours you will reach the Maio Falls, where you can enjoy a break, then continue through ‘fig tree arch’. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach a spectacular viewpoint, before heading on to the huts.
Overnight Miriakamba Hut
Elevation Gain: 1,050m/3,450ft
Continue your trek along a steep track reaching “Mgongo wa Tembo” (elephant back) after approximately 2 hours. Low lying clouds often shroud the rainforest in mist, creating a moody atmosphere. Take in the scenery before heading to Saddle Hut. The vegetation changes from rainforest to heather and moorland. After lunch you may choose to hike Little Meru (3,820m), taking approximately 1½ hours. This is great for acclimatisation and, weather permitting, will reward you with fantastic views over Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. A warm meal and early night await you back at the huts.
Overnight Saddle Hut
Elevation Gain: 1,012m/3,318ft
Elevation Loss: 2,062m/6,768ft
You will be awakened around midnight to start your final ascent. Headlamps light your way as you follow the trail through bush to Rhino Point (3,821m) where the path becomes more challenging. Occasionally some scrambling will be required. Following the crater rim, you will walk on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy breathtaking views of sun rise behind Kilimanjaro and look deep into Mount Meru’s crater. Start your descent via the same route to Saddle Hut where you can recuperate with hot soup and tea. Once rested, continue to Miriakamba Hut.
Please note, the summit stage contains a few easy but unsecured scrambling passages. A good head for heights and sure-footedness are necessary. In adverse weather conditions the park ranger may call off the summit attempt.
Overnight Miriakamba Hut
Elevation Loss: 920m/3,020ft
After breakfast start your final stretch on Meru, via the ‘northern route’ to Momella Gate. On this 2 to 3-hour trek you may once again be lucky enough to see giraffes, buffalo and elephants, as well as black and white Colobus monkeys. Arriving at the gate, say farewell to your hiking crew and travel to your accommodation to rest for the night.
Overnight Kili Villa, Superior Villa – full board
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
Quality Servies
Quality Servies
Quality Servies
