The 3 days Mount Meru climb takes you to the peak of Mount Meru using the mountain’s, only route, the Momella Route. The second-highest peak in Tanzania, Mount Meru, is situated about 20 kilometers east of Arusha town. Within the boundaries of Arusha National Park, the peak is located at a height of 4566 meters above sea level.

There is just one path up Meru, which can be taken in three days, but we strongly advise tackling it in four days to allow for acclimatization. Before climbing Kilimanjaro, the majority of alpine climbers utilize Meru to acclimatize. Less snow has accumulated on the peak since the volcano’s outburst.
When climbing Mount Meru, unlike Kilimanjaro, you must be supervised by an armed ranger or rangers as you move through the Arusha National Park.

You will appreciate the walking safari at this time as you pass herds of African buffalo, zebras, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, to name a few animals.

As you hike up the mountain, you may witness a variety of birds at the Momela and Ngurdoto Lakes, including pelicans and flamingos.

You will be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport and driven to your hotel or lodge in Arusha City, where you will spend the night. Your head guide will meet you there to give you a briefing, check your equipment, and make arrangements for you to rent any necessary gear.

4-day Mount Meru - Momella Route Day By Day Walkthrough Video

Book this 4 Day Trek - Mount Meru

1 Step 1
keyboard_arrow_leftPrevious
Nextkeyboard_arrow_right

Trip Dossier

How much does this 3-day Mount Meru trek cost?

The 3-day Mount Meru climb prices by Tranquil Kilimanjaro will range from $520 for a group of 10 people, per person to $965 for a single person. 

1PAX2PAX3PAX4PAX5PAX6PAX7PAX8PAX9PAX10PAX
$1235$1095$1035$910$885$790$750$700$700$690

Where will, you stay along this route?

We offer only two accommodation points along the Momella Route on this  3-day Mount Meru trek and they are

  • Miriakamba Huts
  • Saddle Huts

On your first day, you will stay at Miriakamba Huts after leaving the Momella gate then you will stay at Saddle Huts before summiting via the same.

Mount Meru Route Map
Day1

Miriakamba Hut (Full board)

We drive to Mt Meru’s Momela Gate from Arusha for brief registration procedures. You will begin your walk with a fully armed ranger escorting us for walking safari around Mount Meru and wildlife viewing. Some of the wild animals you will see are Arusha national park resident wildlife that includes zebras, giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the way.

Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.

Elevation (m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m)
Elevation (ft.): 4,921 ft.) to 3,000 ft. )
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.

Day 2

Saddle Hut (Full board)

There is a short but steep walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle hut located just below Little Meru.

Proceeding along the ridge, the walk will reward us with a beautiful view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. It is at Saddle Hut where we will have hot lunch before we continue along with a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m or 12,533 ft.) for spectacular views just before sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut
Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
Elevation (ft.): 8,250 ft. to 11,712 ft.
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.

Day 3

Summit Day ( Half Board)


On the third day of our Mount Meru climb, we start early with a steep climb at around 1:30 a.m. to Rhino Point (3,800m or 12,467 ft.) and on to Cobra Point (4350m or 14,257 ft.). We reach the summit (4,566m or 14,980 ft. ) in time for Mt Meru sunrise whereby there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak towering above the clouds.

The last part of the 3 Days Mount Meru climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. We rest abit with short brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Momella gate. We then drive back to your hotel/lodge in Arusha/Moshi.

Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft
Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.

Climbing Mount Meru

  • Mount Meru should not be overlooked despite Mount Kilimanjaro’s growing popularity, even if it is a less strenuous ascent than Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • You may anticipate seeing a number of stunning waterfalls and seeing a variety of species along the route.
  • The three-day trip is difficult, and Meru’s height makes it possible for altitude sickness to occur. The erratic weather in Arusha may make climbing difficult when it is raining heavily.
  • Since the mountain is located inside the confines of Arusha National Park, you will also have an armed ranger with you in addition to a guide and porters.
  • Despite this, hiking Mount Meru is still a very fulfilling adventure. The views from the top of Mount Meru are simply breathtaking on a clear day.

4 days Mount Meru trekThe crew at Tranquil Kilimanjaro will make sure that we fulfill your dreams of trekking Mount Meru

See our top 6 reason why you should climb Mount Meru

Here is what is included in the price

Airport Pickup & Drop-off Trransfers in Private Car/van

Accommodation before and after your hike

Armed Ranger

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Arusha hotel

Professional, experienced, mountain guides

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees

Rescue fees (part of park fees)

VAT (18% charged by the Government)

Surcharge for online payment of deposit (5%)

Cost excludes.

Tanzania Visa

Gratuity

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Meals not listed above

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)

Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents

Sleeping Mattress

All meals while on the Mountain

Quality Mess tents with table and chairs

Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food

Clean, purified drinking water

Conservation fees (part of park fees)

Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)

Prices for 3 days trek – Mount Meru

The cost of climbing Mount Meru for 3 days is as follows.

1 Person: $1235

A group of 2 people: $1095 per person

A group of 3 people: $1035 per person

A group of 4 people: $910 per person

A group of 5 people: $890 per person

A group of 6 People: $885 per person

A group of 7+ people: Request

Trip Information

Difficulty
This trek is an excellent way to prepare for your Kilimanjaro adventure, helping you acclimatize to higher altitudes. Most people start feeling the effects of altitude around 3,500 meters, so climbing to 4,562 meters over 2-3 days will help your body adapt. We recommend taking at least two days of rest before beginning your Kilimanjaro climb.

Food & Drink
Staying well-fed and hydrated is essential during your climb, especially as altitude can reduce your appetite. To address this, our head chef has created special menus that are both delicious and energy-packed to help you reach the summit. Daily meals include fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables.

Breakfast
Breakfast is hearty and includes porridge, sausage, eggs, toast with marmalade or jam, and a choice of hot drinks like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. If you’re still hungry, let your guide know—our cooks always prepare extra to ensure everyone is satisfied.

Lunch
Lunch is either packed for you to carry in your rucksack or served as a hot meal, depending on your itinerary. A typical packed lunch includes a boiled egg, sandwiches, chicken, crisps, a snack bar, fresh fruit, and a drink.

Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is served at camp after a day of trekking. Along with tea and other hot drinks, you’ll enjoy snacks like peanuts, popcorn, and biscuits to help replenish your energy.

Dinner
Dinners are filling and start with a hearty soup, followed by a main course such as chicken curry, spaghetti bolognese, or fresh vegetables with rice, pasta, or potatoes. Desserts like pancakes or banana fritters with maple syrup or Nutella complete the meal.

We treat all drinking water with water purification tablets and provide at least 3 liters daily in reusable bottles or hydration bladders. As part of Travellers Against Plastic, we discourage the use of disposable plastic bottles.

Accommodation
Mount Meru uses mountain huts instead of tents. Rooms accommodate four people in bunk beds and include mattresses, sheets, and pillows, but you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bag. Solar-powered lighting is available, but there are no electrical sockets. Meals are served in an indoor dining area.

Your Guide
Your guide will wake you each morning with a hot drink and warm water for washing. After breakfast, they’ll brief you on the day’s plan and conduct a health check. At camp, hot drinks and snacks will be waiting, and you’ll have time for a short acclimatization trek before dinner. After dinner, there’s a second health check and a debriefing with your guide.

An armed ranger is mandatory on Mount Meru. Groups from different operators share a ranger, so the pace is determined by the overall group.

Transport
We use high-quality vehicles and professional drivers for transfers. While rear seatbelts are not legally required in Tanzania, we aim to provide vehicles equipped with them. If you have any concerns about the vehicle or driving, inform the driver or our local office immediately. Police checks are common and are not a reflection of your driver’s performance.

Luggage
We enforce a strict 15kg limit per porter for your main bag, which includes your sleeping bag. Your bag will be weighed before the climb, and any overweight items must be left at the hotel.

Getting There
For climbers from the UK or US, flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the best option. KLM offers flights from major UK and US airports, with a layover in Amsterdam. Moshi, the starting point for our tours, is 25 miles from JRO, and we arrange transfers to your hotel.

Moshi is an ideal base for pre-climb accommodation but fills up quickly during peak season. Plan a rest day after your flight to recover and prepare.

Some UK climbers fly into Nairobi, but we don’t recommend this due to potential delays and baggage handling issues. Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar also fly to JRO, with US travelers often reporting better experiences with these airlines.

For extended travel, consider booking flights to East Africa through Vayama or planning a post-climb beach holiday in Zanzibar. Ensure at least 3 hours between connecting flights to account for delays and baggage rechecking.

Travelling Responsibly
Starting in 2025, we will offset carbon emissions for all trips from arrival to departure. Use our eC02 Flights Calculator to offset your flight emissions.

Fitness and Training
While Mount Meru is less challenging than Kilimanjaro, the same training principles apply. Refer to our Kilimanjaro Training Guide for tips on preparing physically for the climb.

Budget & Currency
The Tanzanian Shilling is a closed currency, so it’s best to bring US Dollars for convenience. Ensure bills are new, crisp, and untorn. ATMs and currency exchanges are available, but notify your bank of international card use.

Tips
We follow the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) guidelines for tipping. Recommended amounts are:

  • $6–10/day per porter
  • $20/day for guides
  • $12–15/day for assistant guides and rangers
  • $12–15/day for cooks

Tips are given per group, not per climber. They are presented at your hotel after the climb, with envelopes provided for distribution. Use new, untorn US bills or Tanzanian Shillings.

Formalities & Health

Passport
All travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in Tanzania. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit.

Each traveler is responsible for ensuring their passport and visa requirements are met. We cannot provide extensive assistance in this matter. If you don’t yet have a passport, apply early, as processing can take time. If you already have one, double-check its expiration date.

Visa
Tanzania requires a tourist visa for citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United States, Canada, and most EU countries. Travelers from other nations should consult their nearest Tanzanian embassy or high commission for visa requirements. Visas typically cost around USD 50 (approximately GBP 40), though some US visas may cost USD 100. Note that Tanzanian visas expire three months after issuance, so avoid applying too early.

Visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), but recent procedural changes have led to long queues and wait times of two hours or more. The Tanzanian High Commission reserves the right to deny visas on arrival, though this is rare. To avoid delays, we strongly recommend securing your visa in advance.

You can also apply for a Tanzanian visa online. Be sure to review the Visa Application Guidelines carefully to ensure you apply for the correct visa type and enter through approved entry points.

Where to Obtain a Tanzanian Visa

  • Tanzanian Embassies or High Commissions
  • Tanzania Immigration Services website
  • Approved entry points, including international airports
  • In Dar Es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
  • In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer

Travel requirements can change quickly, so we advise double-checking visa and passport details with an embassy, consulate, or a reputable visa agency like www.thevisacompany.com.

Vaccinations
Below is general guidance for travel to Tanzania, but we strongly recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic for the most accurate and up-to-date medical advice tailored to your needs.

Strongly Advised Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food and water.
  • Tetanus: Present in soil and can infect open wounds. A booster is recommended every 10 years.
  • Typhoid: Also spread through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene.
  • Diphtheria: A potentially fatal disease spread through saliva or skin contact.
  • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk. Direct arrivals in Tanzania do not need it unless leaving the airport in an affected country.

Sometimes Advised Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis B: Spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids. Approximately 8% of Tanzania’s population carries the virus.
  • Rabies: Fatal if untreated, spread through infected animal saliva. Treatment can be challenging in Tanzania.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): Contracted through airborne sputum.
  • Cholera: Spread via contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene.
  • Measles: Spread through inhaling sputum.

Insurance
Climbing Kilimanjaro involves risks, so comprehensive insurance is mandatory. Your policy must cover:

  • Helicopter evacuation.
  • Missed flights due to injury, illness, or delays.
  • Climbing up to 6,000 meters.
  • Standard travel risks like baggage loss or delays.

We recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. Ensure your policy includes “hiking up to 6,000m” and carefully review its terms.

Health
Malaria and Mosquitoes
Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are present in the Kilimanjaro region below 3,000 meters. Protect yourself with anti-malarial medication, long sleeves, trousers, and DEET-based repellent.

Avoiding Diarrhea
Maintain good hygiene to prevent stomach upsets. On the climb, we ensure food and water safety, but before your trek:

  • Avoid untreated water.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before eating.
  • Avoid raw vegetables, salads, cold drinks, and ice.
  • Stick to sealed bottled water, fizzy drinks, wine, beer, or hot tea and coffee.

If diarrhea occurs, stay hydrated with rehydration solutions like Dioralyte. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium are for mild cases, while a single dose of Ciprofloxacin (500mg) may help in emergencies—consult your doctor beforehand.

Preventing Dehydration
High altitude increases water loss through breathing and sweating. Drink at least 3 liters of fluids daily, even if you’re not thirsty. On summit night, drink at least half a liter before starting and carry 2 liters of water, ensuring it doesn’t freeze.

Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry lips, headache, and fatigue. Check urine color (clear or light straw is ideal) and skin elasticity (slow rebound indicates dehydration).

Sunburn and UV Protection
High altitudes intensify UV radiation. Protect yourself with:

  • SPF 30+ sunscreen and high-SPF lip balm.
  • A wide-brimmed hat.
  • UV-protective sunglasses (category 2-4).

Eating Well
Loss of appetite at high altitudes is common, but you must eat to replace the 2,000+ calories burned daily. Focus on carbohydrate-rich meals for sustained energy. On summit night, opt for light snacks like chocolate, nuts, seeds, or biscuits—avoid sticky or syrupy foods that may freeze.

Body Temperature
Kilimanjaro’s varied climate zones require layered, high-quality clothing. Expect storms, high winds, and freezing temperatures, so invest in warm, waterproof, and breathable gear.

Altitude Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is caused by low air pressure and oxygen levels at high altitudes. Symptoms can be severe and debilitating, especially above 2,400 meters.

Avoiding AMS

  1. Walk high, sleep low: Gradually ascend during the day and descend to sleep.
  2. Go slow: Maintain a pace that allows normal conversation. Overexertion increases AMS risk.
  3. Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3 liters of water daily.
  4. Consider Diamox: This medication can help prevent AMS. Consult your doctor before use.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks and maximize your chances of a successful and enjoyable climb.

Equipment & Clothing

Equipment Supplied by Tranquil Kilimanjaro

If you’ve opted to rent gear, below is a list of available equipment. Let our team know what you’d like to hire during your Pre-Climb Briefing.

All payments are made locally in US Dollars (cash only).

  • Four Season Mountain Hardwear Lamina -30 Sleeping Bags: $50 per climb
  • Trekking Poles: $20 per climb

These items must be packed inside your main equipment bag and not attached to the outside. We are not responsible for any items that fall off during transport. Each sleeping bag weighs approximately 2.6kg.

Clothing to Bring

Headgear

  • Warm beanie (knitted or fleece)
  • Neck gaiter or scarf (useful for dust protection and warmth)
  • Wide-brimmed sun hat for UV protection
  • Sunglasses with high UV protection
  • Headlamp (plus extra batteries)

Upper Body

  • Thermal or fleece base layer (x1)
  • Long-sleeve shirt/t-shirt (light or medium weight, moisture-wicking) (x1)
  • Short-sleeve shirt/t-shirt (lightweight, moisture-wicking) (x1)
  • Fleece or soft-shell jacket (x1)
  • Insulated jacket (down or Primaloft)
  • Lightweight waterproof/windproof hard-shell outer jacket
  • Poncho (if trekking during the rainy season)
  • Lightweight gloves (fleece or quick-drying fabric)
  • Heavyweight insulated gloves or mittens (preferably water-resistant)

Legs

  • Thermal or fleece base layer leggings (x1)
  • Light or medium-weight trekking trousers (x1) (convertible trousers work well)
  • Waterproof hard-shell trousers (ski pants are suitable)
  • Gaiters (optional but helpful for mud and dust)

Feet

  • Mid-weight trekking boots with good ankle support
  • Training shoes or similar for camp use
  • Mid-weight trekking socks (x2 pairs)
  • Breathable, high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)
  • Thermal trekking socks for summit night (x1 pair)

Equipment to Bring

  • Small rucksack or daypack (30-40 litres) for water and personal items
  • Waterproof duffle bag (approx. 80-100 litres) – maximum weight when full is 15kg (includes your sleeping bag, whether rented or brought)
  • Sleeping bag (4-season or rated to -20°C) and compression sack
  • Insulated sleeping mat (optional – we provide foam mattresses, but many prefer the added comfort of a Thermarest)
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (must hold 3.0L of water; wide-mouthed bottle of at least 1.0L is required for summit night)

Other Accessories

  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm
  • Toiletries, including wet wipes and hand sanitiser (carry all rubbish off the mountain)
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Personal medication and first aid kit
  • Personal snacks and energy bars (dried fruit and nuts are great energy sources)
  • Isotonic or energy drink powder (to improve water flavour and replace electrolytes)
  • Microfibre towel for daily use
  • Ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
  • Dry bag (only needed if your main duffle bag isn’t waterproof)

Where will you stay on Mount Meru for four days?

Unlike most of Kilimanjaro’s routes apart from the Marangu Route, on Mount Meru, you will sleep in huts that are dormitory styled similar to the huts on Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route. There are only two accommodation points along the Momella route on Mount Meru and they are Miriakamba huts which is your first accommodation point before heading to Saddle Huts where you will make your approach to the summit of Mount Meru, the Socialist Peak.

Mount Meru has only one route, the Momella Route which leads to the summit of this beautiful Mountain in Arusha, Northern Tanzania and it would take you about 3-4 days for reach the summit and back along the Momella Route. We highly recommend the 4-day itinerary as opposed to the 3-day Meru trekking itinerary as it will give you ample time to acclimatize properly.

Additional information

DifficultyChallenging

How long does the ascent of Mount Meru take?

Three to four days are needed to ascend Mount Meru from the base to the peak and back. Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you can use it as a stand-alone trip as an acclimatization hike.

Where is Mount Meru located?

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is the nearest airport to the mountain, and Arusha, which also happens to be the closest town to Mount Meru, in order to reach Mount Meru. Mount Meru is only 60 kilometers (35 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, and it can be reached from Arusha in under 1.5 hours. Where is Mount Meru located?

What is the cost of trekking Mount Meru?

The price to climb Mount Meru varies depending on how many days you plan to stay there and how many people will be in your party. Get a free quotation from us for your Mount Meru climbing adventure.

The volcano Mount Meru is it still active?

No, Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano with over 110 years since its last volcanic eruption. It stands 4,562.13 meters (14,968 ft) tall and is situated in Tanzania, roughly 70 kilometers (43 miles) to the west of Mount Kilimanjaro.

How difficult is it to trek Mount Meru?

Since Meru is steeper than Mount Kilimanjaro, it is a difficult and arduous hike! Although it is not as high as Mount Kilimanjaro, it is more difficult. The fifth-highest peak in Africa is called Mount Meru.

How tall is Mount Meru?

The second-highest peak in Tanzania and fifth-highest in all of Africa, Mount Meru, is 4,565 meters high.

climbing Mount meru

You May Also Like

Rwenzori East Africa Mountains

3 Peaks, 30 Days Grand East Africa Trek - Rwenzori (Uganda), Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

Welcome to the 3 Peaks, 30 Days
Mount kenya trek

5 Days Mount Kenya Sirimon - Naro moru Trek