Embark on a thrilling 6-day adventure with Unique Tanzania Voyages to summit Mount Meru, one of Tanzania’s most captivating peaks. Standing tall at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru is located within the picturesque Arusha National Park and is a stunning counterpart to the famed Mount Kilimanjaro. This challenging trek offers an opportunity to experience diverse ecosystems, from lush forests rich in wildlife to the high-altitude alpine desert. Unlike the more crowded routes of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru provides a serene and intimate experience, perfect for trekkers seeking both solitude and adventure. The climb not only offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscape but also serves as an ideal acclimatization trek for those preparing to take on Kilimanjaro. With a carefully designed itinerary that balances challenge and comfort, experienced guides ensure safety and enjoyment every step of the way. You’ll traverse through diverse habitats, encounter unique wildlife, and be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over Kilimanjaro from the summit.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & TRANSFER TO ARUSHA

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a representative from Unique Tanzania Voyages. After a brief briefing about your upcoming adventure, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in Arusha. The town, located at the base of Mount Meru, offers a perfect starting point for your journey. The climate is comfortable, and the surrounding landscapes offer a glimpse into the natural beauty you’ll soon experience on your trek. The rest of the day is free to rest and acclimatize to the surroundings. You may also choose to explore Arusha town, visit local markets, or enjoy some leisure time at your hotel.

Accommodation Suggestions:

• Budget: Meru House Inn
• Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Dinner at the accommodation.

Extra Activities: Optional exploration of Arusha town, visit to Maasai Market, or a cultural dinner experience.

DAY 2: ARUSHA TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT (2,514M/8,250FT)

Start your adventure with an early transfer to the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park, where you’ll meet your experienced guide and porters. The trek begins with a steady climb through the lush montane forest, home to diverse wildlife, including buffalo, giraffes, and colobus monkeys. Along the trail, enjoy beautiful views of Mount Meru’s rugged slopes and the surrounding terrain. As you climb, the temperature drops and the environment shifts, offering a taste of the different ecosystems that make Mount Meru a remarkable trek.

• Altitude: From 1,400m to 2,514m
• Hiking Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Montane Forest

Accommodations: Camping at Miriakamba Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch en route, and dinner at Miriakamba Hut.

Extra Activities: Guided nature walk around the hut, sunset viewing over Arusha.

DAY 3: MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT (3,570M/11,710FT)

After breakfast, continue your ascent to Saddle Hut, climbing through forested terrain that gradually transitions to heath and moorland. On the way, pass the famed “Elephant Ridge,” offering outstanding views of the Meru Crater and the summit. As you ascend, the air thins, and the landscape becomes more rugged. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, take the afternoon to rest and acclimatize. For those with extra energy, a short acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m/12,533ft) is available for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Altitude: From 2,514m to 3,570m
• Hiking Distance: 8km / 5 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Heath and Moorland

Accommodations: Camping at Saddle Hut
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch en route, and dinner at Saddle Hut.

Extra Activities: Acclimatization hike to Little Meru, stargazing.

DAY 4: SUMMIT DAY – SADDLE HUT TO SOCIALIST PEAK (4,566M/14,980FT) TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT

This is the pinnacle of your journey—summit day. You’ll begin your final ascent shortly after midnight, navigating steep and rocky terrain toward Socialist Peak. The path is challenging, with narrow ridges and a dramatic drop in temperature. As you push forward, the summit looms in the distance. Reaching the top at sunrise will be an unforgettable moment as the first rays of light illuminate the stunning landscapes below and Mount Kilimanjaro stands proud in the distance. After celebrating your success at the peak, begin your descent back to Saddle Hut for a short rest, then continue your descent to Miriakamba Hut.

• Altitude: From 3,570m to 4,566m (summit), descending to 2,514m
• Hiking Distance: 20km / 12.4 miles (total)
• Hiking Time: 10-12 hours (total)
• Habitat/Environment: Alpine Desert to Heath and Moorland

Accommodations: Camping at Miriakamba Hut
Meal Plan: Midnight snack at Saddle Hut, breakfast after descent, lunch en route, and dinner at Miriakamba Hut.

Extra Activities: Rest and recovery, reflection on the summit experience.

DAY 5: MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO MOMELLA GATE TO ARUSHA

On your final day of trekking, descend back through the montane forest, retracing your steps toward Momella Gate. This final stretch is much faster, allowing you to soak in the scenery one last time. Once you reach the gate, you’ll receive your climbing certificate as a memento of your accomplishment. Afterward, a transfer will take you back to Arusha, where you can relax and reflect on your achievement. The day is free for further exploration or rest.

• Altitude: From 2,514m to 1,400m
• Hiking Distance: 10km / 6.2 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat/Environment: Montane Forest

Accommodation Suggestions:

• Budget: Meru House Inn
• Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
• Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch en route, and dinner at your accommodation.

Extra Activities: Optional exploration of Arusha town.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE FROM ARUSHA

After a final breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a local market before transferring to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel.

Extra Activities: Optional visit to Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre or souvenir shopping.

Inclusions:

• Park fees and camping fees.
• Certified and experienced mountain guides, porters, and cooks.
• Accommodation before and after the climb in Arusha.
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary.
• Drinking water during the trek.
• Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen.

Exclusions:

• International flights.
• Travel insurance.
• Personal hiking gear (can be rented upon request).
• Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
• Alcoholic and soft drinks.
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc.).
• Extra activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

This expertly crafted 6-day Mount Meru climbing itinerary by Unique Tanzania Voyages ensures a safe and successful climb while offering breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time climber, this adventure promises to be an exciting and fulfilling challenge.