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As Tanzania's leading climbing operator, we specialize in Mount Meru ascents - the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro. Our certified guides, quality equipment, and carefully planned 3-4 day itineraries ensure high success rates and an unforgettable experience.
Contact our climbing specialists today for free consultation!
Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania's second highest mountain and the fifth highest in Africa. Located within Arusha National Park, this active stratovolcano offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro and unique wildlife encounters during the climb.
Climbing Meru is often considered the perfect acclimatization trek for Kilimanjaro, with technical sections including a steep ash cone and dramatic crater rim. The Momella Route is the main path to the summit.
Dry Seasons (Recommended):
June to October & December to March offer clear skies and stable conditions with best views of Kilimanjaro.
Shoulder Seasons:
November & April-May - fewer climbers, but potentially wetter conditions on the forest section.
Year-Round Climbing:
Mount Meru can be climbed year-round, though the dry seasons are optimal.
Our most popular Meru climb. Fast-paced ascent via Momella Route with hut accommodation.
Success Rate: 90%
Difficulty: Medium
Best For: Fit climbers with time constraints
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Better acclimatization with extra day. Higher success rate, more wildlife viewing opportunities.
Success Rate: 98%
Difficulty: Medium
Best For: Kilimanjaro preparation & higher success
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Climb both peaks. Meru provides perfect acclimatization for higher Kilimanjaro success.
Success Rate: 95%+ for Kilimanjaro
Difficulty: Hard
Best For: Ultimate Tanzania climbing experience
Enquire NowMorning pickup from your Arusha hotel. Drive to Arusha National Park gate for registration. Begin trek through montane forest with armed ranger. Spot wildlife like giraffes, buffalo, and colobus monkeys. 4-5 hour hike to Miriakamba Hut. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 10km
Altitude Gain: 1,200m
After breakfast, ascend through open grassland and heather zones to Saddle Hut. After lunch, optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for stunning views of Kilimanjaro and Meru crater. Return to Saddle Hut for early dinner and rest before summit night.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4km
Altitude Gain: 1,056m
Wake at midnight for light breakfast. Begin steep ascent on rock and ash to Rhino Point (3,800m). Continue along crater rim to reach Socialist Peak at sunrise. Celebrate with photos, then descend back to Saddle Hut for brunch. Continue descent to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
Distance: 16km round trip
Altitude Gain: 996m
Final descent through forest zone with more wildlife viewing opportunities. Reach park gate around midday for lunch and summit certificate celebration. Transfer back to Arusha hotel. Optional celebration dinner with your guide team.
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 8km
Altitude Loss: 1,200m
Mount Meru (4,566m) is generally considered less difficult than Kilimanjaro (5,895m) due to its lower altitude, but it has more technical sections. The summit night involves steep scrambling on rock and ash. However, the shorter duration and lower altitude make acclimatization easier. Many climbers use Meru as perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro. For fit individuals with some hiking experience, Meru is very achievable with success rates of 90-98% depending on itinerary.
Our all-inclusive Meru packages include: All park fees and permits for Arusha National Park, certified guide and assistant guides, armed ranger (required for wildlife protection), porters for equipment, mountain hut accommodation, all meals on the mountain, drinking water, airport/hotel transfers in Arusha, emergency oxygen, first aid kit, and summit certificate. Not included: International flights, travel insurance, tips for crew, personal climbing gear rental, Tanzania visa, accommodation before/after climb (can be arranged), personal expenses.
Mount Meru climbing costs are significantly lower than Kilimanjaro. Our 3-day group climbs start at $850 per person, while 4-day climbs start at $1,050. Private climbs start at $1,100 for 3 days and $1,350 for 4 days. The Meru + Kilimanjaro combo packages range from $3,200-$4,500 depending on routes and duration. Prices vary based on group size, season, and service level. We recommend budgeting an additional $150-250 for tips and personal expenses.
Yes, Mount Meru is considered excellent preparation for Kilimanjaro for several reasons: 1) It provides valuable altitude acclimatization (4,566m summit), 2) It tests your gear and fitness before the bigger climb, 3) The technical sections prepare you mentally for challenging terrain, 4) It builds climbing confidence. Statistics show climbers who ascend Meru before Kilimanjaro have 15-20% higher success rates on Kilimanjaro. We recommend a 4-day Meru climb followed by at least one rest day before starting Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is within Arusha National Park, so wildlife sightings are common, especially on the lower slopes. You may see: giraffes, buffalo, warthogs, blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, various antelope species, and numerous bird species. An armed ranger accompanies all groups for safety. The wildlife viewing is a unique aspect that distinguishes Meru from Kilimanjaro climbs. Most sightings occur on the first day as you hike through the forest zone to the first hut.
Mount Meru has mountain huts along the Momella Route, which is a key advantage over Kilimanjaro's camping routes. The huts are basic but comfortable, with bunk beds, mattresses, and communal dining areas. There are no private rooms - climbers sleep in dormitory-style accommodation. The huts provide shelter from weather and are more comfortable than tents. We provide sleeping mats, but you need your own sleeping bag. There are basic toilet facilities at each hut. The huts are: Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) and Saddle Hut (3,570m).
Our Mount Meru specialists are ready to help you plan your successful summit. We'll recommend the best itinerary based on your fitness level, Kilimanjaro plans, and preferences. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and detailed quote.
Why climb Mount Meru with us?
• 95%+ success rate on standard climbs
• Certified guides with Meru-specific experience
• Perfect Kilimanjaro acclimatization preparation
• Wildlife viewing in Arusha National Park
• Hut accommodation (no camping required)
• 24/7 support from booking to summit