3 days Mount Meru climb itinerary

The 3 days mount meru climb is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro. Hikers will hike past wildlife, the landscape is spectacular, and sunrise on the summit has Kilimanjaro as the backdrop. The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep sustained climb all the way, starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, continuing beyond the halfway point of Elephant Back Ridge, and carrying on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch. In the afternoon, the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft) for superb views.  All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate. Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the top, with basic but comfortable accommodations located at two different campsites before going to the summit, which is located at a place called Socialist Peak. The price for a 3-day Meru climb is USD 1,211 per person.  The best time to climb Mount Meru is January to early March and June to October.

You can extend your trip with a 2-day Tanzania Safari Extension, taking in the major parks of the area, Ngorongoro and Tarangire, to see more of Tanzania’s wildlife.

3 Days Mount Meru Climb

5 Days (3 days trek) Mount Meru Trekking

DAY 1:  ARRIVE IN KILIMANJARO AND DRIVE TO ARUSHA

From Kilimanjaro airport, you are driven on a short journey, about 25 minutes, to Mount Meru Game Lodge. Relax on the terrace overlooking the gardens and enjoy a swim in the pool. You also meet the head guide for a briefing about the climb to help you prepare for the days ahead.

DAY 2: TREK TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT

You are collected for the drive to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. Your guide sorts the paperwork and then you set off on foot with both the guide and an armed ranger, who keeps a lookout for wildlife. The first part of the trek is through the forest with occasional clearings where you may catch sight of buffalo. There is time to pause and admire the views en route, and you reach Miriakamba hut in time for dinner.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAYS 3: TREK TO SADDLE HUT

After the break, fast you set out from Miriakamba hut. At this stage, you are still in the forest zone, but by lunchtime, you are in the alpine desert at Saddle Hut. This afternoon you can either opt to take it easy and conserve your energy for tomorrow, or go for an acclimatising walk to the summit of Little Meru, not forgetting your camera to capture the fine views, and then return to Saddle hut for dinner and an early night. Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4: SUMMIT AND DESCEND, DRIVE TO ARUSHA

You are woken just after midnight, essential as you have a long, but rewarding, climb ahead. After tea and biscuits, you set off up the steep trail to Rhino and Cobra Points, and then along a ridge between the crater and cliffs. Heed your guide’s instructions, take your time and you should reach the summit around sunrise. Enjoy the spectacular views across to Kilimanjaro and relish the sense of achievement before beginning the descent to Saddle Hut where you have brunch. You continue down to Momella gate where you say goodbye to the guides and crew and have lunch. You are then driven back to the lodge where you can have a hot shower and dinner. Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 5: DEPART ARUSHA

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and you are transferred to the airport in Kilimanjaro at the appropriate time for your onward flight. Breakfast

Below is the list of the gear that you should bring with you for Mount Meru trekking.

FOR FEET: Mt. Boots, Socks – at least 4/5 pairs (These must be thin and thick ones) 1 pair of gaiters, Sandal/open shoes,(optional)

FOR BOTTOM: 1 thermal (warm) trousers, 1 thermal (warm) long underwear, 1 wind/waterproof trousers.

FOR TOP:  2 or 1 long-sleeved thermal shirt, 1 thermal t-shirt, 1 thermal jacket or sweater, and 1 down jacket, preferably wool attached one.

FOR HANDS:  1 pc of roll foam or air mattress, 1 warm sleeping bag.

OTHER GEARS: 1 head lump and spare batteries, 1 pair or 1 pc of walking sticks, 1 pair of sunglasses or ice goggles, Sunblock cream or Lotion, Lipstick cream, First Aid Kit, Camera + films with its spare batteries, passport book, a day pack, a rucksack or safari bag.

FOR DRINKING:  Drinking water bottle (NALGENE) or any other brand like SIGG or optional, camel pack.

3 days of Mount Meru climb cost

Pax No.Price
1 PAX1,211
2 -3 PAX920
4 – 6 PAX800

Departure dates

Departs daily from December to February and June to October

Forget April and May.

You can do this trek any time other than April and May as it’s such a hard slog in these months of the long rains. The dry seasons of June to October and again December to February are the best times to climb this mountain.

Guide:

You do need a ranger for the trek as it is required for protection from wildlife like buffalo and leopards. A guide is also the norm on this trek due to hiking the summit route in the dark. There are no signs on the trail and the guides are invaluable. Porters and a chef are also part of most tour packages.

What’s 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, cooks, 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

What’s not included

  • Sleeping bags
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transfers to or from Arusha
  • Pre or post-tour accommodation in Arusha
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc.
  • Tips
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory)