Mount Meru: Away from the Crowds
Wildlife, volcanic landscapes and one of East Africa's finest summit views.
Tanzania's Other Great Mountain
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is one of Africa's finest trekking experiences.
Standing at 4,566 metres, Tanzania's second-highest mountain offers dramatic crater-rim hiking, abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery and some of the most rewarding summit views anywhere in East Africa.
Unlike Kilimanjaro, your adventure begins amongst giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys as you hike through Arusha National Park before climbing steadily onto alpine ridges overlooking Meru's spectacular volcanic crater.
We've designed our Mount Meru climb a little differently. Rather than rushing straight onto the mountain, you'll spend your first night at Itikoni Camp, allowing your body to begin acclimatising while enjoying exceptional comfort and peaceful surroundings.
Whether you're preparing for Kilimanjaro or looking for a rewarding mountain adventure on its own, Mount Meru is an unforgettable experience.
Day-by-day
Day 1 — Welcome to Itikoni Camp
Your adventure begins with a short drive from Arusha to Itikoni Camp, our exclusive tented camp tucked amongst the forest on the slopes of Mount Meru within Arusha National Park.
This peaceful setting provides the perfect opportunity to relax after your travels while beginning to adjust to the altitude.
Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding forest, enjoying spectacular views towards Kilimanjaro, or simply unwinding with a drink as the sun sets over the crater walls.
In the evening you'll meet your mountain guide for a full expedition briefing before enjoying a freshly prepared dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation: Itikoni Camp.
Day 2 — Into the Forest
After breakfast, your climb begins.
Walking with your guide and an armed park ranger, you'll ascend through lush montane forest alive with birds, monkeys and wildlife.
This lower section of the mountain offers something unique among Africa's great peaks. Giraffe, buffalo, bushbuck and even elephant are occasionally seen as the trail winds steadily uphill towards Miriakamba Hut.
After settling into the hut, there's often time for a gentle evening walk or simply to relax and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut.
Day 3 — Higher into the Alpine Zone
Today's climb follows the crater rim through magnificent giant heather forest before emerging into the open alpine landscape.
The scenery changes dramatically as the vegetation becomes smaller and the views become ever more expansive.
Arriving at Saddle Hut, nestled between Mount Meru and Little Meru, you'll have time to rest before an optional afternoon hike to Little Meru.
This short acclimatisation walk rewards you with wonderful views across to Mount Kilimanjaro and prepares you for tomorrow's summit attempt.
Accommodation: Saddle Hut.
Day 4 — Summit Day
An early start sees you climbing beneath a canopy of stars towards the summit.
As dawn breaks, the route follows the dramatic crater rim, with steep cliffs dropping away on either side and spectacular views unfolding with every step.
Reaching Socialist Peak at 4,566 metres as the sun rises over Kilimanjaro is a moment few ever forget.
After celebrating your achievement and taking in the incredible scenery, descend back to Saddle Hut for a well-earned brunch before continuing down through the forest to Itikoni Camp.
Hot showers, comfortable beds, cold drinks and a delicious dinner await, making for the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Accommodation: Itikoni Camp.
Day 5 — Return to Arusha
Wake to fresh mountain air and views back towards the summit you've just conquered.
After a leisurely breakfast, return to Arusha, arriving around midday with plenty of time to continue your Tanzanian adventure, whether that's climbing Kilimanjaro, heading off on safari or simply relaxing after your achievement.
More Than Preparation for Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru is an exceptional mountain adventure in its own right.
The lower slopes pass through wildlife-rich Arusha National Park before the route climbs into giant heather forest and open alpine landscapes.
Higher on the mountain, the trail follows Meru's dramatic crater rim towards Socialist Peak. Reaching the summit as the sun rises over Kilimanjaro is a moment few climbers forget.
For those continuing to Kilimanjaro, the climb also provides valuable acclimatisation. For everyone else, it is simply one of Tanzania's most rewarding and underappreciated mountain journeys.
Prepare for Mount Meru
Before travelling, read our Kilimanjaro Planning Guide for detailed information on equipment, fitness, altitude, visas, flights, vaccinations and what to expect on the mountain.
