Day trip

Mount Meru Day Hike in Arusha National Park

Arusha, Momella Gate, Mount Meru forest towards Miriakamba Hut, Arusha

Duration: Full day
Departs from: Arusha hotels, early morning
Activity level: Active
Best season: Year-round; June to October is the dry season

your journey

Overview

You do not need four days to walk on Mount Meru. This day hike takes you up the lower slopes of Tanzania's second-highest mountain inside Arusha National Park, through forest and open country where giraffe and buffalo graze, without committing to the summit climb.

From Momella Gate you hike with a mountain guide and an armed park ranger towards the Miriakamba Hut area, with about four hours or more on the trail. Your guide sets a comfortable pace, and the ranger advises you on safe distances from the animals. Lunch is a picnic with views of Meru and, on a clear day, Kilimanjaro in the distance.

This is not a summit climb. If you would like to reach the top of Meru, ask us about our multi-day climbs.

Who it suits

Fit travellers with a free day in Arusha, hikers acclimatising before Kilimanjaro, and anyone who wants to walk among wildlife rather than watch it from a vehicle. You should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven, sometimes steep ground.

Parks visited

Arusha National Park · Mount Meru

what makes it special

Highlights

day by day

The itinerary

in pictures

Gallery

the price

What is included

Included

Not included

Prices

Price on request

before you ask

Common questions

Most of our day trips start with a pick-up from your hotel. The Materuni Waterfalls and coffee farm trip includes a return transfer from Moshi. If you are staying in Arusha or elsewhere, ask your specialist about pick-up times and any extra cost.

The walk is easy to moderate and suits most people in reasonable health. The path to the waterfall goes down steps into a gorge and can be muddy and slippery after rain, so the walk back up takes a little effort. Your guide sets a gentle pace.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a light rain jacket. For Materuni, pack a swimsuit and towel if you would like to swim in the pool below the falls, and a little cash for tips or souvenirs.

Yes. Many climbers visit Materuni the day before they start their Kilimanjaro climb, or on the day after they come down. Your specialist can fit any day trip around your climb or safari dates.

Yes, families are welcome on our day trips. Tell us your children's ages when you enquire, and your specialist will advise whether a trip suits them, for example how long the walking sections are.

Enquire

Ask about this itinerary

Every AAA Express Adventure trip can be changed to suit you: the pace, the lodges, the number of days. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and our team in Arusha will come back to you with a plan and a price.

Your journey

Price on request

Full day