Dream Trails Expeditions

Mount Meru Climb

5 Days Mount Meru Climb – Tanzania's Second-Highest Peak

Dream Trails Expeditions
5 Day Trek
Socialist Peak (4,566 m)

From - $900

Overview

Embark on a stunning high-altitude adventure on Mount Meru (4,566 m) — the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and one of Africa's most underrated trekking experiences. This 5-day climb offers dramatic scenery, rich wildlife encounters, and a rewarding challenge ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers. Starting and ending in Arusha, your journey passes through lush forests, ridge-line hikes, volcanic ash plains, and an awe-inspiring summit ridge overlooking the entire Arusha Region, Kilimanjaro included. With Dream Trails Expeditions, you enjoy professional guidance, reliable logistics, and a safe, scenic route to Socialist Peak.

Route: Momella Gate → Miriakamba → Saddle Hut → Socialist Peak → Descent
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Mountain huts (Miriakamba Hut, Saddle Hut)
Transport: 4x4 transfers to and from Arusha & Arusha National Park
Guide: Certified mountain rangers and professional trekking guides
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania

🦌 Walk through wildlife-rich zones—buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and colobus monkeys
🌲 Hike deep into lush montane forest with waterfalls and bird life
⛰️ Ascend the spectacular Meru ridge with panoramic sunrise views
🏞️ Enjoy unique scenery of Meru's crater, ash cone, and dramatic cliffs
🌄 Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m) with Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon
🏕️ Stay in comfortable mountain huts with excellent ranger support
📸 Capture some of East Africa's most breathtaking crater landscapes

Mount Meru involves significant altitude gain, so the 5-day program includes:

• Gradual ascent using well-timed daily elevation gains
• Acclimatizing hikes around Saddle Hut to stabilize oxygen levels
• Daily health monitoring using pulse oximeters
• Hydration-focused routine to support high-altitude performance
• Early camp arrivals for rest, warm meals, and recovery

Arrival & Transfers

Arrive in Arusha and attend a pre-climb briefing with your Dream Trails Expeditions guide. All transfers to and from Arusha National Park are provided.

What to Pack

• Layered clothing for warm-to-cold conditions
• Insulated jacket and gloves for summit night
• Sturdy hiking boots and gaiters
• Headlamp, trekking poles, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Water bottles or hydration pack

Travel Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Tanzania tourist visa (online or on arrival)
• Park entry formalities (handled by Dream Trails Expeditions)

Health & Safety

Your climb includes:

• Park-mandated armed ranger escort (wildlife areas)
• Emergency oxygen and first-aid support
• Well-trained guides with altitude experience
• Safe, hygienic meals prepared by certified cooks

January – March & June – October: Ideal weather, dry trails, and clear views.
April – May & November: Green season — beautiful scenery but higher rainfall.

✅ All transfers from Arusha to Arusha National Park (return)
✅ Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after climb)
✅ Full board during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✅ Professional guides, armed ranger escort & porters
✅ National park fees, hut fees & rescue fees
✅ Drinking water and hot beverages
✅ Pre-climb briefing and equipment check

❌ International flights
❌ Visa fees
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Personal climbing gear (boots, jacket, poles, sleeping bag)
❌ Tips for guides, rangers, and porters
❌ Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry, souvenirs)

🌄 Add an extra acclimatization day at Saddle Hut
💎 Upgrade Arusha hotel (mid-range or luxury options available)
📸 Hire a personal photographer / videographer
🦁 Combine your climb with a wildlife safari in Ngorongoro or Serengeti
🏞️ Add a day tour to Arusha National Park or Materuni Waterfalls

🇹🇿 Local Mountain Experts: Experienced in guiding Meru & Kilimanjaro treks
🥾 Safety First: Ranger escort, trained guides & daily health monitoring
🌿 Unique Experience: Wildlife trekking unlike any other mountain in Africa
🏕️ Comfort & Support: Hut accommodation, hot meals, and professional service
📸 Incredible Scenery: Crater walls, ash cones, ridge-line hiking, and sunrise views from Socialist Peak

5 Days Mount Meru Trek – The Caldera Climb

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha & Trek to Miriakamba Hut

Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Momella Gate (1,500 m) → Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Distance / Time: ~50 km drive + 5 km | 1 hour drive + 4–5 hours trekking
Habitat: Urban / grassland → montane forest

Experience:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
Transfer to Arusha for a quick briefing and lunch, then drive to Arusha National Park's Momella Gate.
Start your trek with an armed ranger; spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys on a walking safari through acacia woodlands.
Pass the Fig Tree Arch and Ngarenanyuki River waterfall before reaching the hut for dinner.

Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Day 2 — Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Route: Miriakamba (2,514 m) → Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

Distance / Time: 8 km | 3–5 hours trekking
Habitat: Montane forest → heath moorland

Experience:

After breakfast, ascend steadily through lush forest into open moorland with giant heather and lobelias.
Enjoy views of the Meru Crater and distant Mount Kilimanjaro; encounter birds and monkeys along the ridge.
Arrive at Saddle Hut in the alpine zone for lunch, rest, and an optional afternoon hike to Little Meru Summit (3,820 m) for sunset panoramas.

Overnight: Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

Day 3 — Summit Day: Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak & Descent to Miriakamba

Route: Saddle (3,570 m) → Socialist Peak (4,566 m) → Miriakamba (2,514 m)

Distance / Time: 13 km | 9–12 hours total trekking
Habitat: Alpine desert → arctic ridge → forest

Experience:

Wake at 2 AM for tea, then start the steep, rocky ascent to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and Cobra Point (4,350 m) for sunrise over the crater.
Continue along the dramatic ash ridge to Socialist Peak – Tanzania's fifth-highest point – with 360° views of Arusha Plains and Kilimanjaro.
Descend past the summit for brunch at Saddle, then trek down through moorland and forest to Miriakamba Hut for rest and celebration.

Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Day 4 — Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate & Return to Arusha

Route: Miriakamba (2,514 m) → Momella Gate (1,500 m) → Arusha

Distance / Time: 5 km | 2–3 hours trekking + 1 hour drive
Habitat: Forest → open grassland

Experience:

After breakfast, descend gently through mixed forest and plains, spotting more wildlife like warthogs and antelopes.
Bid farewell to your ranger and crew at Momella Gate; receive your summit certificate.
Transfer back to Arusha for a hot shower, farewell dinner, and relaxation.

Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)

Day 5 — Departure from Arusha

Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport

Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive

Experience:

Have a relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
Depending on flight time, you may explore Arusha for souvenirs or a short coffee tour before airport transfer.
Depart with lasting memories of Meru's wild trails and volcanic beauty.

End of Tour ✨