kilimanjaro's neighbour
A steep, wild and beautiful climb through Arusha National Park to a summit facing Kilimanjaro.
Summit
Socialist Peak, 4,562 m
Location
Arusha National Park
Route
Momella Route, from Momella Gate
Duration
3 or 4 days, sleeping in huts
tanzania's second summit
Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest mountain, a dormant volcano that rises straight up behind Arusha town. Its summit, Socialist Peak, stands at 4,562 metres on the rim of a great horseshoe crater, with a younger ash cone inside.
Because the climb starts inside Arusha National Park, you may walk past giraffe, buffalo and warthog on the first morning, with an armed park ranger alongside. It is quieter than Kilimanjaro and makes an excellent climb on its own or as preparation for the bigger mountain.
The climb starts with a drive from Arusha to Momella Gate. After registering, you walk through forest and open glades, with a picnic lunch, to Miriakamba Hut, about three and a half hours away. The second day is steeper, a climb of around two and a half hours to Saddle Hut, with an optional afternoon walk up Little Meru.
Summit night starts around midnight with a cup of tea, then a rocky path to the top. With luck you reach the summit near sunrise, with views over the Rift Valley and, on clear days, Kilimanjaro on the horizon. You come back down to Saddle Hut for breakfast.
On the three-day climb you descend all the way to Momella Gate after the summit and drive back to Arusha. The four-day climb gives your body more time to adjust: you rest at Saddle Hut after the summit and walk down on the last morning.
The best months are June to October, when the weather is dry and clear, and January to February, which are warm and mostly dry. November and December bring short rains, and March to May are the wettest months, with muddy, slippery trails and cloud hiding the views.
Whatever the month, summit night is cold, so bring warm layers, gloves and a hat.
Many climbers use Meru to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro. Sleeping at altitude and reaching 4,562 metres helps your body adjust, so you start the bigger climb stronger. We can plan both climbs together.
choose a starting point
9 days · 8 nights
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price on request
10 days · 9 nights
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price on request
8 days · 7 nights
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price on request
9 days · 8 nights
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price on request
6 days · 5 nights
Arusha National Park
Price on request
12 days · 11 nights
Mount Kilimanjaro
Price on request
2 days · 1 night
Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai
Price on request
before you ask
Meru is lower, but its summit day is steep and the ridge is narrow and exposed in places. Many climbers find it more demanding per day than Kilimanjaro, but it is shorter overall and needs no technical skills.
The trail runs through a national park with buffalo, elephant and other wildlife. Park rules require an armed ranger to accompany every climbing group for safety.
In the park's mountain huts at Miriakamba and Saddle, in shared bunk rooms. Our crew cooks your meals, and you bring a warm sleeping bag.
Yes. Arusha National Park is close to Arusha town, so Meru fits easily before or after a northern safari or a Kilimanjaro climb.
start your own journey
Tell us your dates, interests and budget. Our team in Arusha will plan an itinerary around you and send you a quote.
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Asante sana
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