Mt Meru Climb

Climb Mount Meru (4,562 m), the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), by the Momella Route.

Duration
6 days
Group size
No limit
Country
Tanzania

Mt Meru Climb Overview

Climb Mount Meru (4,562 m), the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), by the Momella Route.

Climb Mount Meru (4,562 m), the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), by the Momella Route.

Mt Meru lies in the heart of Arusha National Park in Tanzania, 43 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro, and is considered the best mountain for acclimatisation before climbing Kilimanjaro. This volcano offers fine views of Kilimanjaro and some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro has seven official trekking routes, but Meru has only one standard route to the summit, the Momella Route. The climb does not require advanced mountaineering skills, but it is still demanding, as the summit is high enough to cause altitude sickness.

The whole journey passes through the scenery of Arusha National Park. On the lower slopes you can see a wide range of wildlife. As you ascend the Momella Route, you cross the north rim of the volcano's crater along a steep ridgeline.

From the summit, you see the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and the landscape and wildlife below.

Key highlights of the Mt Meru Climb

Itinerary

  1. Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi (time and flight details to be confirmed). Pre-climb briefing on the trek. Overnight in Moshi. [D]

    Altitude
    890 m (2,920 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Moshi
    Meals
    Dinner

  2. Drive from Mountain Inn to Meru Gate. Begin the climb to Miriakamba, which takes about 4 hours on a gradual ascent through the rainforest. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2470m).

    Altitude
    2,470 m (8,100 ft)+1,580 m
    On foot
    4 hrs
    Night in
    Hut, Miriakamba Hut
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. We continue through the forest on a steeper climb than the previous day, and the path winds up through the rainforest. If it has been raining, some of the steeper sections may be muddy, so care is needed. A clearing in the trees on Elephant Ridge offers good views of the summit and down into the crater. We continue up through grassy clearings to Saddle Hut (3570m), on a wide col between the slopes of Meru and Little Meru. The short walk to the summit of Little Meru is worthwhile for the views across to Meru's summit. Overnight at Saddle Hut (3570m).

    Altitude
    3,570 m (11,710 ft)+1,100 m
    On foot
    3–4 hrs
    Night in
    Hut, Saddle Hut
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. After a quick breakfast at about 2 am, we start the walk to the summit by the light of our head torches, aiming to watch the sunrise over Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, and the African plains from the top. After about an hour we reach Rhino Point, which has good views across to Kilimanjaro and down to the base of the ash cone. From Rhino Point there is a short scramble over rocks onto the crater rim. We reach the summit at about 7 am. After signing the summit register under the Tanzanian flag, we spend some time on the summit and then begin the long descent to Miriakamba Hut. It is a long day, but good preparation for the bigger climb ahead. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut (2470m).

    Altitude
    4,566 m (14,980 ft) at Socialist Peak+996 m
    On foot
    10–12 hrs
    Night in
    Hut, Miriakamba Hut
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. After breakfast, we descend to Meru Gate, where we collect our certificates, and then drive through Arusha National Park on a game drive. We arrive in Moshi in the evening.

    Altitude
    890 m (2,920 ft)−3,676 m
    On foot
    2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Moshi
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Breakfast. We take you to the airport for your departure. Our services end today.

    Altitude
    890 m (2,920 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • 3 nights' accommodation on a full-board basis
  • Mt Meru conservation fees (entry fees)
  • Trained and certified English-speaking guide(s)
  • Trained and certified porters (1 porter per person for personal mountain luggage, maximum 15 kg)
  • Trained and certified cook, with utensils, cutlery, crockery, etc.
  • All meals on the mountain on a full-board basis
  • Camping chairs, tables and dining tent
  • Lightweight dome tent, shared between two people
  • Three- or four-season lightweight single dome tent for the tour leader
  • 1 transfer per group from Moshi to the park gate
  • 1 transfer per group from the park gate to Moshi
  • Safe and luggage storage at Mountain Inn while you are on the trek
  • Boiled drinking water on the trek
  • Basic first aid kit per group
  • 1 transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Moshi

Not included

  • Tips
  • International flights in and out
  • Additional transfers from the park gate to Moshi
  • Extra nights' accommodation
  • Drinks such as soft drinks and alcohol
  • Metal water bottles, water bladders, etc. (please note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)
  • Personal items

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Once in a life time journey with Earthbound

July 2025, Tripadvisor

An Unforgettable Experience with Earthbound Experience I’m so happy and satisfied to have taken this once-in-a-lifetime journey with Earthbound Experience. Despite unexpected challenges, the team made it incredibly special — even surprising me with a birthday cake along the way! Rajan ji and his team took wonderful care of our group, always ensuring we were well-fed with delicious meals (I ended up bringing some of my own snacks back home untouched 😄). More importantly, they stood by us with patience, positivity, and unwavering support when we needed it most. During the Kora, Arjun ji held my hand and helped me complete the trek — a gesture I’ll never forget. Without their care and encouragement, I truly don’t think I could have completed the journey. If you’re planning a spiritual or adventure trip, I wholeheartedly recommend Earthbound Experience. They go above and beyond to create not just a trip, but a meaningful and memorable experience.

Navigator19849628647Read on Tripadvisor

KMY Trip including Mukthinath 8/1/25. - 8/16/25

August 2025, Tripadvisor

KMY trip with Earthbound Expeditions was amazing and a wonderful experience. All the Staff and guides are excellent; efficient and experienced. They very cooperative and helpful. Hotel & Food arrangements are excellent. Homely treatment during the trip. I would like give ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ratings for their services and management.

sri sRead on Tripadvisor

Earthbound Expeditions Mt.Kailash trip

July 2025, Tripadvisor

We were part of the MOUNT Kailash July 20th group. The team lead by Bharat ji, was dedicated to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience, their willingness to go the extra mile to meet ensure our comfort was exceptional. They met every single last minute request with a smile and made sure we were comfortable every step of the way. This is our first trip with EE, and looking forward to many more in the future.

Guru SRead on Tripadvisor

Outstanding experience both spiritually and in comfort thanks to the fabulous customer/yatri focused Earthbound team.

July 2025, Tripadvisor

We recently completed our Kailash Mansarovar yatra with the support, guidance, outstanding service and inspiration provided by our tour company Earthbound Expeditions. The whole team is dedicated to serving their customers not just in a professional way but with utmost personal care and attention. That is a reflection of how comfortable Badri ji, Rajan ji, and Bharat ji (who led our group) want their yatris to feel and experience. The hot and delicious foud cooked up the catering team keeps our spirits and energy up. I highly recommend going with Earthbound on this yatra on any other ones they organize. 🙏🙏🙏

Sekar GRead on Tripadvisor

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