4-Day Mt. Meru Trekking Adventure

Climbing Mt Meru 4 days Itinerary

Climbing Mt. Meru, the fifth highest mountain in Africa, follows a 4-day itinerary via the Momella Route, the only route on the mountain. Located in Northern Tanzania, it is part of Arusha National Park. Mt. Meru offers an affordable adventure and can easily be combined with a short Tanzania safari for a complete experience.

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

4 Day Mt Meru climbing via Momella route Detailed Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival Day

Please let us know if you will need your package to include accommodation & transfers in Arusha at (extra cost). On this day our Happy Way Safari manager & your guide will come to your lodge for detailed briefing & gear checking before living you to enjoy the rest of the day at your lodge.

Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate 1500 m – Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

After a leisurely breakfast at your Arusha lodge, drive to Arusha National Park for registration, then to Momella Gate, the hike's starting point. While your guide handles park formalities, porters and the cook will prepare your gear and packed lunch.

Begin your trek on a path resembling a walking safari, with chances to spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes, accompanied by an armed ranger for safety.

You’ll pass Ngarenanyuki River and, if taking the shortcut, a beautiful waterfall at the foot of Mt. Meru. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2500 m) in the late afternoon, where your chef will serve coffee or tea and hot water for washing. Enjoy the stunning sunset while waiting for dinner.

Meals: lunch and dinner

Dinner and overnight: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)

Duration Approx: 5 – 7 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Forest.

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

After breakfast you will start your Mt Meru climbing on a steep path along the forest zone, various wildlife can be seen along the way. This trial offer views of Mt. Meru Crater as well as the Ash Tray. Arrive at Saddle Hut, the alpine desert zone during lunch time.

After Lunch and some rest, if you wish you can climb Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide for spectacular view of the area around Mount Meru and for further acclimatization. You will be served an early dinner so that you can have enough rest before your midnight summit attempt. Sleep around 19:00 hrs.

Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Duration: 3 – 5 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Forest Zone.

Overnight: Saddle Hut at (3, 500 m)

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

Wake up call will be at 00:30 hours tea and biscuit will be served before beginning your summit attempt at around 01:30 hrs. Climbing Mt Meru on this day start by trading on the steep grade trial up to Rhino point (3,800 m) then to Cobra point (4,350 m).

From there you will walk on rocky ridge in between the Crater and the inner cliffs of Mt Meru. In early morning you will get to the summit (4,566 m) and witness the sun rise from the East. Normally at this early Kilimanjaro is clearly seen, the complete cliffs of the Crater drops intensely at nearly 1000 feet or more.

After spending sometimes at the summit return back to Saddle Hut for some leisurely brunch and afterward continue downward to Miriakamba Hut for dinner and overnight.

Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Alpine desert

Overnight: Saddle Hut at (3, 500 m)

Day 4: Miriakamba – Momella gate – Arusha

Your Climbing to Mt Meru is now getting to the end, after some rest and leisurely breakfast, begin you way down to Momella gate, the hiking is through the forest where it is most likely to see some animals. If you took the long router on your first day then your descending will be via tululunsi water falls. At the gate you will meet your driver who is already there waiting for you. After say a farewell & tipping to you crew, you will drive back to Arusha.

Climbing Mt Meru can be combine with our Tanzania wildlife safari or beach holiday in Zanzibar. Please let us know you wishes and desire.

Meal: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Duration: 10-12 hours of hiking.

Vegetation Type: Forest.

Overnight: Saddle Hut at (3, 500 m)

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 4-Day Mt. Meru Trekking Adventure

1. How does the 4-day Mt. Meru trek differ from the 3-day trek?

The 4-day trek offers a slower pace compared to the 3-day trek, allowing for more acclimatization and extra time to enjoy the landscapes. The additional day is often spent hiking at a more leisurely pace between camps, giving climbers a better chance to adjust to the altitude. This extra time can make the climb less physically taxing and more enjoyable, especially for those looking to take in the wildlife and scenery.

2. What is the typical itinerary for an 8-day Lemosho Route trek?

A typical 4-day itinerary for the Mt. Meru trek via the Momella Route looks like this:

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 summit (4,566 meters) and return to Miriakamba Hut
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

The extra day allows for a more relaxed summit day and better time for acclimatization at Saddle Hut.

3. What are the benefits of the 4-day trek versus the 3-day trek?

The 4-day trek provides a more gradual ascent, which helps with better acclimatization and reduces the risks of altitude sickness. The extra day offers climbers a chance to rest at Saddle Hut, which is located at a higher altitude than the other camps, giving your body more time to adjust to the altitude before making the push to the summit. This makes the 4-day option ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed pace and want a safer, more comfortable climb.

4. What wildlife can be seen during the 4-day Mt. Meru trek?

During the 4-day trek, trekkers can encounter a variety of wildlife, especially on the lower slopes near Momella Gate and Miriakamba Hut. Giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various types of monkeys are common in the area. The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, with many species found throughout the trek. While you’ll see fewer animals at higher altitudes, the lower sections of the mountain are rich with wildlife, offering a unique experience.

5. What is the physical difficulty of the 4-day Mt. Meru trek?

The 4-day Mt. Meru trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The trek involves several hours of walking each day, with gradual ascents to higher altitudes. The extra day allows for a slower pace, making it easier to adjust to the altitude compared to the 3-day trek. However, trekkers should still be in good physical condition, as summit day requires an early start and a strenuous push to the top. Endurance and the ability to hike long distances at higher altitudes are essential.

6. What kind of accommodation is available on the 4-day trek?

Accommodation on the 4-day Mt. Meru trek is in basic mountain huts. These include:

Miriakamba Hut (2,500 meters) – the first overnight stop, offering shared sleeping quarters and basic facilities.
Saddle Hut (3,500 meters) – a higher-altitude hut, providing a good rest before the summit attempt. Both huts are equipped with communal dining areas, and pit toilets are available. Climbers should be prepared for cold temperatures at the higher camps, especially near Saddle Hut.

7. How does the 4-day trek impact altitude sickness risks?

The 4-day trek is a great option for reducing the risk of altitude sickness. The extra day allows trekkers to gradually adjust to higher elevations, especially with the time spent at Saddle Hut, which is just below the summit. This gradual approach to altitude is essential for helping the body adapt, which can decrease the likelihood of developing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated, avoid exertion, and listen to your body during the trek.

8. When is the best time to do the 4-day Mt. Meru trek?

The best times to do the 4-day Mt. Meru trek are during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February. These months offer the best weather conditions, with less rainfall, clearer skies, and better visibility. The rainy season, from March to May, is typically less favorable due to muddy trails and slippery conditions, although it can be less crowded during this time.