Climb Mount Meru in Tanzania – MODERATE / BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
Journey to the Heart of Tanzania’s Hidden Volcano
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second highest peak and the ideal acclimatization climb for those preparing for Kilimanjaro. Surrounded by the captivating Arusha National Park, this journey offers breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti plains. Live in dormitory-style accommodations and enjoy the rich culture and traditions and a world where wildlife roams free along the way. This dormant volcano is ideal for those who seek a lighter climbing experience, where every step reveal a new layer of the mountains vibrant ecosystem.
Climbing Mount Meru solo? Don’t worry, all travelers have the option to choose between a private climb or to be placed in a group with other climbers. Solo adventurers looking to join a group will be well taken care of, ensuring they can share the experience with other trekkers.
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Conquer Mount Meru – The Ultimate Warm-Up for Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru is more than just a climb – it’s a test of endurance, a wildlife-filled trek, and the perfect prep for Kilimanjaro where comfort meets the wild. Standing as a magnificent dormant volcano within Arusha National Park, this adventure throws you into breathtaking landscapes, close-up encounters with giraffes and buffalos, and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers pushing for the summit together.
With its epic summit views of Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, Meru delivers big on challenge and reward. Along the way, get in touch with local culture, hike with an armed ranger, and rest in cozy mountain huts as you take on this incredible ascent.
Craft Your Dream African Saga with a Wild Safari or at Zanzibar’s White Beaches
While you’re at it, take advantage of the ability to tailor your adventure completely with a perfect ending by the crystal-clear waters at Zanzibar’s idyllic shores, or an exciting Safari experience of choice – the possibilities are endless! We’re here to make your dream vacation come true, dedicated to make it flawlessly unforgettable!
To climb Mount Meru is an achievement that you’ll never forget, but there are tougher challenges. For some real Mount Kilimanjaro conquers, check out the Lemosho route, the Coca-cola Route, or the Machame Route!
Challenge Level
Moderate / Beginner-Friendly
Best Time to Go
Mar–May: Wet & muddy
Jun–Sep: Dry & popular
Oct–Nov: Short rains, fewer crowds
Route Features
Scenic rainforest start • Wildlife encounters inside Arusha National Park • Crater and Ash Cone views • Ideal acclimatization for Kilimanjaro • Less crowded than Kili
Weather
Highlights
A gentle trekking option among breathtaking landscapes
Hike through forests and view diverse animals in the wild
Stunning views of Meru Crater and Ash Cone
Sunrise summit with views of Kilimanjaro above the clouds
Gear and equipment rentals are available through our service
Why Climb with World Adventure Tours?
World Adventure Tours isn’t just about safaris. We also arrange high-altitude mountain climbs with trained teams who have strong experience on the mountain. Whether you’re a first-time climber or have been hiking for many years, our team will guide you throughout the climb, keeping your safety and success in focus.
Gear, Packing & Pro Tips
Sustainable & Ethical Trekking
Safety & Acclimatization First
Expert Guides
Personalized Comfort
Diverse Routes
5 Days – Day-to-Day Program
Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transfer to Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight.
🍽 Meals: None
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
⭐ Upgrades: Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel
Forest Trails of Arusha National Park
Altitude: 1,500 m – 2,541 m
Hiking time: 4–6 Hours
Distance: 10 Km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to Momella Gate. After a short registration at the Momella Gate, our walk begins with a fully armed ranger escorting us on the hike. Along the way, you will see wild animals including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelopes, and often elephants. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut or Similar
Steep Trails to Saddle Hut
Altitude: 2,541 m – 3,570 m
Hiking time: 3–5 Hours
Distance: 8 Km
Habitat: Forest and Moorland
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take you slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, you can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Saddle Hut or Similar
Summit of Meru – Sunrise Above Africa
Altitude: 3,570 m – 3,600 m – 4,350 m – 4,566 m – 1,500 m
Hiking time: 12–14 Hours
Distance: 5 Km ascent and 13 Km descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland and Montane Forest
We start early at around 1:30 am for a steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and then on to Cobra Point (4,350 m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) in time for sunrise. There is a possibility of seeing Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella Gate. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook, and game ranger. After that our driver will be ready and waiting to transfer you back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi for refreshments, dinner, and overnight.
Note: In icy conditions or strong winds it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit. Your guide will decide whether or not the conditions are good enough to continue.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
⭐ Upgrades: Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel
Departure from Moshi
After having breakfast, enjoy your morning leisure time at the hotel, and depending on your flight schedule, get transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight back home.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
🏨 Accommodation: None (end of adventure)
6 Days – Day-to-Day Program
Arrival in Moshi
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up and transfer to Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight.
🍽 Meals: None
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
⭐ Upgrades: Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel
Forest Trails of Arusha National Park
Altitude: 1,500 m – 2,541 m
Hiking time: 4–6 Hours
Distance: 10 Km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to Momella Gate. After a short registration at the gate, our walk begins with a fully armed ranger escorting us on the hike. You will see wild animals including buffalo, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route. Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut or Similar
Steep Trails to Saddle Hut
Altitude: 2,541 m – 3,570 m
Hiking time: 3–5 Hours
Distance: 8 Km
Habitat: Forest and Moorland
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. The walk will take you slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, you can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Saddle Hut or Similar
Summit of Meru – Sunrise Above Africa
Altitude: 3,570 m – 3,850 m – 4,566 m – 2,541 m
Hiking time: 10–12 Hours
You will start climbing between 1 am to 2 am at night. The route is very steep towards Rhino Point (3,850 m) and from there towards the summit along a very narrow ridge. You will reach Mount Meru summit, Socialist Peak (4,566 m) right at sunrise.
The sceneries there are stunning; you can see Mount Kilimanjaro at a distance if the weather is clear. After taking photos on the summit you will descend back to Saddle Hut and then descend to Miriakamba Hut.
Note: In icy conditions or strong winds it is not necessarily possible to pass the ridge between Rhino Point and the summit. Your guide will decide whether or not the conditions are good enough to continue.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut or Similar
Descent to the Plains & Return to Moshi
Altitude: 2,541 m – 1,500 m
Hiking time: 2–5 Hours
You will leave at about 8.00 a.m. in the morning and descend to Momella Gate. You can choose the longer or shorter route down. On the longer route, you have a very good chance to see wildlife and the ash cone. Once at the gate, it’s time to tip your porters, guide, cook, and game ranger.
After that our driver will be ready and waiting to transfer you back to Springlands Hotel in Moshi for refreshments, dinner, and overnight.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🏨 Accommodation: Springlands Hotel or Similar
⭐ Upgrades: Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel
Day 6
Departure from Moshi
After having breakfast, enjoy your morning leisure time at the hotel and depending on your flight schedule, get transferred to the airport to catch your departure flight back home.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
🏨 Accommodation: None (end of adventure)
What makes Meru Special?
Top acclimatization climb – Perfect for getting altitude-ready before Kilimanjaro
Unreal summit views – Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti in one epic panorama
Less crowded, more adventure – A quieter, off-the-grid trek for a raw experience
Wildlife encounters – Trek alongside giraffes, buffalo, and unique birdlife
Dorm-style huts – A comfortable stay while tackling this high-altitude challenge
Check out our Climbing Gear Tutorial before you go! 👆
Included in the Price
- Transportation from Moshi to the starting point, the mountain and return to Moshi
- National park gate fees, hut fees, rescue fees,
- All meals on the mountain
- Armed ranger fee
- Two nights accommodation at Springlands Hotel or similar. First night for bed and breakfast. Last night dinner, bed and breakfast
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- Travel Guarantee with the Swedish Kammarkollegiet »
Price Does Not Cover *
- Internal or International flights
- Airport transfers
- Entry visa to Tanzania
- Travel and health insurance
- Meals, drinks and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Mountain gear e.g. sleeping bags, clothes, and shoes but some climbing gear will be available for hire at Springlands Hotel
- Guides, porters, and cook tips – Find guidelines in our Help Center
* Rest assured, we’re here to assist with anything not covered in the price. Your convenience is our priority.
Don’t Miss Our Group Deals
Accommodation
See all accommodation and upgrades available.
Springlands Hotel
Huts
Accommodation Upgrades
Please note that accommodation upgrades are exclusively available with our PRIVATE option. Should you choose the group adventure, the standard – yet comfortable – accommodation will be provided.
Chanya Lodge
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
Add-ons
Discover Africa with Our Exhilarating Activities. Pick and choose from our handpicked collection of activities and day trips to enrich your African travel plan with that special touch.
Huts
The majority of the comfortable huts are equipped with bathrooms with running water, although there are exceptions.
Evening meals are served by dedicated cooks, keeping you well-fed and energized to support your journey ahead.
Enjoy basic and functional – and relatively luxurious – amenities set against the backdrop of Tanzania’s stunning landscapes.
All gear and equipment are available to rent through us!
Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel in Moshi, 29 km from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), offers accommodation with amenities like an outdoor pool, complimentary parking, a bar, 24-hour reception, and free WiFi. Continental or à la carte breakfast is served at the hotel.
Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a seating area, satellite TV, a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom with all essentials, including a kettle. Enjoy a hiking around Moshi, with a mini-supermarket just 3 km away.
Upgrade to Chanya Lodge or Gran Melia Hotel.
Campsites
The campsites offer practical tents that is set up by the porters. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes to handle the cold nights and walking poles for the terrain.
The porters will boil drinking and washing water, and cook and serve dinner at the camps.
Enjoy basic and functional amenities in unforgettable scenic locations.
All gear and equipment are available to rent through us!
Chanya Lodge
Chanya Lodge is located at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, just outside Moshi in Tanzania. A convenient drive from the airport, it’s perfect for trekkers, tourists, families, and business visitors.
The residence offers 32 en-suite rooms, a large pool, a diverse cuisine restaurant, and beautiful grassy gardens.
Gran Melia Hotel, Arusha
This magnificent hotel Is located between the majestic Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, unveiling the natural beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness.
Enjoy an oasis of five-star luxury and comfort with unbeatable facilities, exclusive suites, international cuisine, spa, an infinity pool and a gym – it’s the ideal retreat for an exciting safari adventure or a luxurious business meeting.
Request a Free Quote
- Best price guarantee
- Without any obligation to book
- Your request will be sent directly to the operator
- Travel guarantee with Swedish Kammarkollegiet