3 Days Mt Meru Trekking

3 Days Mt Meru climbing via Momella route

Experience one of Tanzania's best hikes with our 3-day trek on Mt. Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. This trek offers incredible wildlife spotting along Arusha National Park, making it a unique adventure.

Duration: 3 Days, 2 Nights
Best Time to Climb: Year-round

Climbing Mt. Meru can also be combined with Zanzibar beach holidays or short Tanzania safaris for a complete travel experience. Join us for an unforgettable journey.

Packing List for the Mt Meru climbing via Momella route

Here's a list of essential items you'll need for the Machame Route:
Warm sleeping bag
Warm jacket
Waterproof hiking boots
Warm hat and gloves
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water purification tablets or filter
Trekking poles
Headlamp with extra batteries
Backpack

3 Day Mt Meru climbing via Momella route Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut 2500m

The tour begins after breakfast at your lodge (1400 m) with a 30-minute drive to Ngongongare Gate. Your guide will handle the paperwork before proceeding through Arusha National Park for wildlife spotting at Momella Gate.

The trek starts at a relaxed pace, resembling a walking safari. Spot animals like reticulated giraffes, zebras, waterbucks, and buffaloes, while an armed TANAPA ranger ensures your safety.

You'll pass Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall before reaching Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) before sunset. Porters and your chef will have everything ready, serving coffee or tea and hot water for washing. Enjoy the stunning sunset and surrounding area.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut 2,500 m – Saddle Hut 3,500 m

After breakfast start your 3 days Mt Meru trekking along the steep path on the forest zone, see various birds and animal along the way. On the way you will view Mount Meru Crater & the Ash Tray. Reach Saddle Hut situated at the alpine desert zone for hot lunch (but this will depend on your pace).

After Lunch and some rest, you have an option of acclimatization hike at Little Meru (3,820 m), this is a good hike with some great view of great Meru & the area around & it makes you ready for a night attempt on summit the main Meru Mountain. Early dinner will be served on this day so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Go to sleep as early as possible possibly around 19:00 hrs.

Duration: 4 – 5 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.

Day 3: Saddle Hut 3500 m – Meru Summit Socialist Peak 4,566 m – Miriakamba 2,500 m

Wake up at 00:30 for tea and biscuits before your summit push at 01:30. Trek up the steep path to Rhino Point (3800 m), then on to Cobra Point (4350 m).

From there, navigate the rocky ridge between the Crater and inner cliffs, reaching the summit (4566 m) at sunrise. On clear days, enjoy stunning views of Kilimanjaro.

After taking photos, descend to Saddle Hut for a rest, then continue down to Miriakamba Hut and Momella Gate for checkout. A van will be waiting to take you back to Arusha or the airport for your KLM flight around 21:45.

If you reach the summit, you'll receive a certificate for your achievement, along with one for those who completed the acclimatization hike at Little Meru.

Duration Approx. 9-12 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Alpine desert.

What includes and excludes

The Price includes

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with tables 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)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)

The price does not include

Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

8 Questions About a 3 Days Mt Meru climbing via Momella route

1. How does the 3-day Mt. Meru climb via the Momella Route compare to other trekking routes?

The Momella Route is the most popular route on Mount Meru and offers a relatively quick but rewarding climb. It is less technical than some of the other routes on Kilimanjaro, making it a good option for climbers who want a less strenuous ascent with a great opportunity to enjoy the mountain's diverse landscapes. The route passes through dense forests, open plains, and offers fantastic views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area.

2. What is the typical itinerary for a 3-day Mt. Meru climb via the Momella Route?

A typical 3-day itinerary on the Momella Route is as follows:

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 meters)
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,500 meters)
Day 3: Saddle Hut to the summit (4,566 meters) and descent to Momella Gate

On Day 3, climbers typically reach the summit early in the morning for sunrise, then descend back to the starting point, completing the climb.

3. How physically demanding is the 3-day climb of Mt. Meru?

The 3-day Mt. Meru climb is considered moderate in difficulty. The ascent involves some steep sections and can be tiring, especially on the summit day when you need to reach the top early in the morning. However, it is less challenging than Mount Kilimanjaro, with lower altitudes and less technical terrain. Still, climbers should be prepared for long trekking hours and some elevation gain each day.

4. What is the success rate for summiting Mt. Meru via the Momella Route?

The success rate for summiting Mt. Meru is relatively high, with most climbers on the 3-day itinerary making it to the top. The success rate is typically 80-90%, as the route is not as technically demanding as others, and climbers can adjust their pace accordingly. However, fitness and proper acclimatization are important for reaching the summit, particularly on the final day.

5. What kind of accommodation is available on the Momella Route?

Accommodation on the Momella Route includes basic huts along the way. The first night is spent at Miriakamba Hut, and the second night is at Saddle Hut. These huts provide basic facilities, including shared sleeping quarters, communal dining areas, and pit toilets. It’s important to be prepared for cold nights at the higher altitudes, particularly at Saddle Hut.

6. Is the Momella Route safe for climbing Mt. Meru?

Yes, the Momella Route is generally considered safe for climbers. The route is well-maintained, and you’ll be accompanied by experienced guides and porters throughout the trek. The route is also protected by park rangers, and wildlife, such as buffaloes and giraffes, can be seen at lower elevations. However, it’s essential to follow all safety instructions provided by your guide to avoid any wildlife-related risks and altitude issues.

7. What wildlife can be seen on the Momella Route?

The Momella Route passes through the Arusha National Park, where you can see a variety of wildlife. On the lower sections of the trail, trekkers may encounter giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various species of monkeys. Birdwatching is also popular, with the park home to a wide range of species. While trekking at higher altitudes, wildlife is less common, but the flora and fauna of the lower slopes make the climb enjoyable.

8. What should I do to prepare for a 3-day climb of Mt. Meru?

To prepare for the 3-day climb of Mt. Meru, you should focus on building your endurance and strength, especially for uphill hiking. Regular cardiovascular training, such as walking, running, or hiking, combined with strength training for your legs and core, will help prepare your body for the ascent. While the climb is not as demanding as Kilimanjaro, being in good physical shape will make the experience more enjoyable. It's also important to be aware of altitude sickness symptoms, even though the climb is at a lower altitude than Kilimanjaro. Staying hydrated and taking it slow will help minimize risks.