Hiking Mount Meru – A Perfect Kilimanjaro Warm-Up

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), a friendly staff member from Serengeti Landmark Tours will be there to welcome you. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax after your journey before starting your hiking Mount Meru adventure.

In the evening, you will have a safari briefing, where our team will go over your itinerary, answer any questions, and ensure you are well-prepared for hiking Mount Meru. Get a good night’s rest—your unforgettable hiking Mount Meru experience begins tomorrow.

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

The adventure begins with a drive from the hotel in Arusha to Momela Gate, marking the start of your hiking Mount Meru experience. After a quick registration process, the trek officially kicks off with a fully armed ranger escorting the group.

As you continue hiking Mount Meru, you will pass through diverse terrain with an excellent chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys, antelope, and more. By evening, you'll enjoy dinner and rest for the night at Miriakamba Hut, ready for the next day of your hiking Mount Meru journey.

• Route: Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,500m)
• Duration: 5-7 hours of walkin

The journey continues the next morning from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru, as your hiking Mount Meru adventure reaches higher elevations. Although this day is relatively short, the climb is steep, adding an exciting challenge to your trek.

As you continue hiking Mount Meru, the route slowly ascends along a ridge, providing spectacular views of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone. After enjoying a hot lunch at Saddle Hut, there’s an optional short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for a stunning sunset view.

Later, dinner and an overnight stay await you at Saddle Hut, preparing you for the next stage of your hiking Mount Meru journey.

• Route: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,500m)
• Duration: 3-5 hours of walking

On the final day, an early start—around 1:30 a.m.—prepares you for the most challenging part of the trek. The ascent begins steeply towards Rhino Point (3,800m) and continues onward to Cobra Point (4,350m). The goal is to reach the summit (4,566m) just in time to witness the sunrise, with the remarkable sight of Kilimanjaro Peak rising above the clouds. The final stretch follows a spectacularly narrow ridgeline, sandwiched between sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater. After a short break and brunch back at Saddle Hut, you’ll continue the descent back to Momella Gate, where a transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Arusha for a well-deserved overnight hotel stay.

• Route: Saddle Hut to the Summit to Momella Gate
• Duration: 12-14 hours of walking

Accommodation

✓  Name: Tulia lodge
✓  Type: Hotel
✓  Level: Mid-range

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.