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 Momella Route starts at Momella Gate, at about 1,500 metres. The first day climbs through forest and open glades to Miriakamba Hut at around 2,500 metres. On the second day you climb steeply to Saddle Hut at about 3,550 metres, with an optional afternoon walk up Little Meru.
Summit night starts around midnight. The path climbs to Rhino Point, then follows a narrow ridge of ash and rock past Cobra Point to Socialist Peak. With luck you reach the top at sunrise, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon and the ash cone far below. You then descend to the gate or to Miriakamba for a final night.
The three-day climb suits fit walkers who have already been above 4,000 metres. If you have not, or you want a gentler pace and more time to enjoy the forest, choose four days, with a night at Miriakamba Hut on the way down.
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, with a rest day in between.
choose a starting point
9 days · 8 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
10 days · 9 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
8 days · 7 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
9 days · 8 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
6 days · 5 nights
Arusha National Park
Price on request
12 days · 11 nights
Kilimanjaro National Park
Price on request
2 days · 1 night
Lake Natron
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.
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