3-Days Mount Meru Trek (3-Day Itinerary)

Best Season: Best from late June to October for clear skies and magical sunrises.

Max Group Size: 8 People
Elevation Gain: 3,066 m (10,059 ft)
Start From: $980.00 P/P
Book This Itinerary

What to Expect on This 3-Day Mount Meru Trek

Mount Meru offers one of Tanzania’s most rewarding high-altitude treks — a dramatic climb that’s shorter and quieter than Kilimanjaro, yet equally breathtaking. With Africano Paraiso, you’ll venture deep into Arusha National Park, beginning your ascent through misty rainforests where giraffes, buffalo, and colobus monkeys roam freely.

Over three days, the trail takes you past waterfalls, crater ridges, and alpine moorlands, with overnight stays in scenic mountain huts. At midnight on Day 3, the real thrill begins: a starlit summit push to Socialist Peak (4,566 m). From the top, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Momella, and the vast savannah below.

This trek is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenging climb in a shorter timeframe — with fewer crowds, rich wildlife, and unforgettable scenery.

Best season to visit: Best from late June to October for clear skies and magical sunrises.

Best Seasons to Trek
Jan–Mar

Peak trekking season: clear skies and stable weather.

Apr–Jun

Shoulder season: fewer crowds, occasional showers.

Jul–Sep

Dry season: best views but can be dusty.

Pricing

Group Size Price
1 pax $1,950.00
2 pax $1,350.00
3 pax $1,190.00
4 pax $1,150.00
5 pax $1,120.00
6 pax $1,040.00
7 pax $1,015.00
8+ pax $980.00
What’s Included
  • Guided trekking with an experienced guide
  • Meals as per itinerary
  • All park fees & permits
  • Camping equipment & porters
What’s Not Included
  • International & domestic flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses & tips
Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut Day 1

Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut

10 km — 6hrs

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. After registration, you’ll start your trek accompanied by an armed ranger. The trail winds through misty montane forest rich with wildlife—zebras, buffalo, bushbucks, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. As you ascend gently through lush vegetation, occasional clearings reveal Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. By afternoon, you’ll reach Miriakamba Hut, perched on an open ridge with beautiful sunset views over the plains.

Accommodation
Miriakamba Hut

Miriakamba Hut

Tucked within the lush embrace of Arusha National Park, Miriakamba Huts Camp sits at an altitude of 2,514 meters and offers trekkers a tranquil refuge after their first day on … Camp — 1★ Arusha
Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut – Little Meru Day 2

Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut – Little Meru

6 km — 5hrs

After breakfast, begin a steeper ascent through heath and moorland. Enjoy panoramic views as the trail zigzags up Elephant Ridge. You’ll arrive at Saddle Hut by early afternoon, tucked between Meru’s dramatic crater walls. For acclimatization, take a short optional hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) — a perfect sunset viewpoint with sweeping views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater below. Early dinner and rest await, as summit day begins shortly after midnight.

Accommodation
Saddle Hut

Saddle Hut

Saddle Hut, perched at 3,566 meters, is the final overnight stop before summiting Mount Meru. Set in a scenic alpine saddle between Little Meru and Socialist Peak, the camp offers … Camp — 1★ Arusha
Summit – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba – Momella Gate – Arusha Day 3

Summit – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba – Momella Gate – Arusha

12km — 12hrs

Around midnight, your final ascent begins. Equipped with headlamps and warm layers, follow your guide up a narrow trail along the crater rim toward Socialist Peak (4,566 m) — Meru’s summit. Watch the stars give way to a stunning sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro. After a brief stay at the top, descend back to Saddle Hut for a hot breakfast, then continue down to Miriakamba and eventually Momella Gate. At the base, your Paraiso driver welcomes you for a scenic transfer back to your hotel in Arusha — where a shower and celebratory dinner await.

Accommodation
Request Accommodation

Request Accommodation

Reach out to our team to pick the ideal mid-range hotel accommodation for your stay. Lodge — 3★ Kilimanjaro/Arusha

Essential Gear for This Trek

🧳 Rent or Buy Your Gear?

If you’ve already climbed peaks above 5,000 meters, you likely have most of the gear needed for Kilimanjaro. But for many of our guests, this is their first big trek — and that’s perfectly okay!

At Africano Paraiso, we recommend renting gear locally if you're not planning future climbs. A full kit can cost over $1,000, while rentals for essentials like sleeping bags, down jackets, and trekking poles are typically just $250–$300.

Planning more hikes? Then investing in your own equipment makes sense. Just remember: a full kit can weigh 15–17 kg. This matters when booking flights to Zanzibar or safari extensions, where luggage limits often cap at 15 kg.

Even experienced hikers often rent heavier gear for convenience. Whether you rent or bring your own, Africano Paraiso ensures you're fully prepared for a smooth and unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.

No gear list available at the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mount Meru is a moderate to challenging trek. It involves daily ascents and high-altitude hiking, especially on summit day, but is manageable for hikers in good physical shape with proper pacing and guidance.

The full 3-day route covers approximately 33–35 km round trip, with a total elevation gain of over 2,800 meters, reaching the summit at 4,566 meters (14,980 ft).

While not as high as Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness can still occur. The 3-day itinerary is fast-paced, so it's important to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and follow your guide’s advice closely.

Yes. The Tanzanian park authorities require that all trekkers be accompanied by an armed ranger (due to wildlife) and a certified mountain guide. Africano Paraiso arranges all permits and staff for your safety.

Mount Meru is within Arusha National Park, so you may encounter buffalo, giraffes, baboons, antelopes, and even colobus monkeys along the lower trails — a unique blend of safari and mountain trekking.

The best seasons are:

January to early March

June to October
These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and safer trail conditions. Rainy months (April–May and November) can make the paths muddy and views limited.

You’ll stay in basic mountain huts at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) and Saddle Hut (3,570 m). They provide beds and shared facilities, offering shelter and comfort compared to camping.

Absolutely! Meru is ideal for pre-Kilimanjaro acclimatization, helping your body adjust to high altitudes while enjoying a stunning climb with fewer crowds.

Price

Group Size & Pricing
  • 1 pax $1,950.00
  • 2 pax $1,350.00
  • 3 pax $1,190.00
  • 4 pax $1,150.00
  • 5 pax $1,120.00
  • 6 pax $1,040.00
  • 7 pax $1,015.00
  • 8+ pax $980.00
Climbing Cost Includes
  • All airport & trailhead transfers (Toyota Alphard, Hiace/Coaster)
  • 3★ hotel in Moshi (bed & breakfast; half- & full-board upgrades available)
  • Premium camping equipment: 4-season tents, 3″ mats, tables, chairs, mess tents, hand-washing station
  • All meals on the mountain (custom diet plans at no extra cost)
  • Experienced WFR-certified guides & porter support team
  • Preventive oxygen bottles
  • Real-time GPS tracking link
  • Daily medical check-ups, fully-stocked medical kits & in-company doctor
  • 24/7 satellite-phone emergency support
  • All park fees & Tanzanian taxes (VAT, crew, rescue, conservation fees)
  • Dedicated back-office support team
  • Innovative online Personal Trip Board
  • Free safe-room & luggage storage
  • “Leave No Trace” waste-management team
  • Social-impact contributions to local communities
Climbing Cost Excludes
  • International flights to/from Tanzania
  • Tips for guides & porters (recommended US $250–350 pp)
  • Tanzania visa fee (approx. US $50; US citizens pay US $100)
  • Personal gear rentals (boots, sleeping bags, poles, etc.)
  • Single-occupancy supplement (hotel & tent)
  • Travel insurance (6 000 m altitude & helicopter evacuation required)
  • Portable toilet rental on mountain
  • Lunch & dinner at hotel before/after climb

Trekking Overview

Your 3-day adventure at a glance

3-Day Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1
    Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut
    10 km  — 6hrs
  • Day 2
    Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut – Little Meru
    6 km  — 5hrs
  • Day 3
    Summit – Socialist Peak – Miriakamba – Momella Gate – Arusha
    12km  — 12hrs
← Back to All Treks