Overview
Mount Meru is Africa's fifth-highest peak and one of the best ways to acclimatize before a Kilimanjaro climb — trekkers who summit Meru first consistently report an easier time adjusting to altitude on Kilimanjaro afterward.
At 4,566m, Meru sits within Arusha National Park, so the approach itself is a genuine wildlife opportunity — giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys are common on the lower slopes, something few other Kilimanjaro-prep climbs offer.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). See our Meru and Kilimanjaro combo guide, or contact us to book this itinerary as acclimatization ahead of your main climb.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (5 days)
ARRIVE IN TANZANIA.
Arrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Abakombe Tours will arrange a private transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha at Green Mountain Hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. We stay at Arusha at Green Mountain Hotel, which is beautifully located on the slope of Mt. Meru and is a perfect place to prepare for your adventure.
We will gather in the hotel for a pre-climb briefing and an equipment check.
We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
MERIAKAMBA HUT (FULL BOARD)
We drive from Arusha to Momela Gate. After a short registration at the Gate, our walk will begin with full armed ranger escorting us, simply we can see along the way the wild animals including elephants, zebras, and giraffe, monkeys, antelope, and often elephants along the route.
Dinner and overnight night at Miriakamba Hut.
Elevation(m): (1,387 m to (1,500 m)
Elevation(ft): 4,921 ft) to 3,000 ft )
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
SADDLE HUT (FULL BOARD)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb.
The walk will take us slowly along the ridge for a spectacular view of the Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone.
After hot lunch at Saddle Hut, we can make a short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m
Elevation(ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Forest and Moorland.
SUMMIT DAY (FULL BOARD)
We start early at around 1:30 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m.) and onto Cobra Point (4350m). We reach the summit (4,566 m) on time for sunrise there is a possibility to see Kilimanjaro Peak above the clouds. The final part of the climb is along a spectacular narrow ridgeline between the sheer inner cliffs and the sloping outer wall of the crater.
We take a short rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to the Momella gate. The returning transfer will be waiting at Momella Gate to pick you at Arusha at the safari lodge.
Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m
Elevation(ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft
Distance: 5 km up 13 km down
Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest.
Dinner and overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel: Bed, dinner, and Breakfast-included.
DEPART ARUSHA (NONE)
Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport, a private departure transfer is included.
Rates Per Person
See "Accommodation & Meals" on the Overview tab for the general comfort levels available — send us your dates and group size for an exact quote.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Arusha National Park.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
Airport pickup and all transfers between destinations are included and arranged by our team.
Accommodation Before/After
Need a night in Mwanza or Arusha before or after this trip? We can arrange that on request.