3 Days Climbing Mount Meru — Itinerary, Tips & Costs
The Overview of 3 Days Mount Meru Trekking Climb
Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, standing at 4,566 meters. It’s a perfect choice for hikers who want a short but exciting mountain adventure. Many climbers use Mount Meru as a warm-up for Kilimanjaro, but it’s also a beautiful trek on its own. In just 3 days, you will pass through different landscapes, see wildlife, and reach an amazing summit with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the 3 Days Climbing Mount Meru trip. We’ll cover the full itinerary, best time to climb, what to pack, costs, tips, and frequently asked questions.
Highlights
- 4564 meters in height. Second tallest mountain in Tanzania!
- Fewer people have been at the top of Mt. Meru than on Mt. Everest.
- You CAN climb Meru by yourself or in a small team (not possible on Kilimanjaro)
- Socialist Peak (Meru's main peak)
- Very rewarding ascend at SUNRISE
- Little Meru (Meru's second highest peak at 3800m)
Tour Summary
Duration
3 Days Trekk
Vehicle Type
4WD Safari (For Transfer)
Tour Type
Private
Languages
Any Language
Tour Itinerary
Detailed 3 Days Mount Meru Customized Itinerary
Day 1:
Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut
Altitude: 1,500m (Gate) to 2,514m (Hut)
Distance: 10 km (6-7 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Start early from Arusha. After a short drive to Arusha National Park, we check-in at Momella Gate. An armed park ranger will join the group for safety, as you may see wild animals like zebras, giraffes, and buffalos on the trail.
The hike begins in open grassland, then passes through montane forest full of birds and monkeys. We stop for lunch on the trail and continue climbing to Miriakamba Hut. Enjoy sunset views before dinner.
Overnight at Miriakamba Hut.
Day 2:
Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut
Altitude: 2,514m to 3,570m
Distance: 8 km (3-5 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
After breakfast, we climb steep paths through a forest zone. You will notice the air getting thinner. We pass the Mgongo wa Tembo viewpoint, where you can see the Meru Crater and ash cone.
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, we reach Saddle Hut, near Little Meru. In the afternoon, we do a short hike (1 hour) to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m). This helps with acclimatization and offers great sunset views.
Overnight at Saddle Hut.
Day 3:
Summit Attempt – Momella Gate – Arusha
Altitude: 3,570m to 4,566m (summit) and back to 1,500m (Gate)
Distance: 18 km (10–12 hours total)
Difficulty: Challenging
We wake up at midnight for the summit attempt. After tea and snacks, we begin climbing by headlamp. The trail goes up steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m) and then to Cobra Point (4,350m). The final stretch to Mount Meru Summit (Socialist Peak) is steep and rocky, but the sunrise at the top is unforgettable.
After enjoying the summit, we descend back to Saddle Hut for brunch, rest a bit, and then continue all the way down to Momella Gate.
Our car will be waiting to drive you back to Arusha
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Costs for 3 Days Mount Meru Trek
Climbing Mount Meru is more affordable than Kilimanjaro. Here’s a simple breakdown of the cost for a private or small group tour:
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Park Fees (incl. rescue & ranger) | $300 |
| Guide & Porters | $150 |
| Meals & Accommodation | $120 |
| Transport (Arusha to gate & back) | $50 |
| Seko Tours Service Fee | $80 |
| Total (Per Person) | $700 – $850 |
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Best Time to Climb Mount Meru
he best time to do the 3 Days Mount Meru trek is during the dry seasons:
January to early March
June to October
These months offer better weather and clear views. Avoid the rainy seasons (April–May and November) as the trail can be slippery and visibility poor.
3 Days Mount Meru Packing List
Here’s a quick list of what to bring:
🧥 Warm clothes (jacket, gloves, hat)
🥾 Hiking boots (well broken-in)
🎒 Daypack (25–30L)
🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen
💧 Water bottles or hydration pack
🧦 Extra socks and underwear
🎇 Headlamp (with extra batteries)
🩺 First aid kit and any personal medicine
📸 Camera or smartphone
Note: At Seko Tours, we provide sleeping bags, mountain huts, meals, park fees, guides, and porters.
Tips for a Successful Meru Climb
🧘 Take it slow—walk at a steady pace to avoid altitude sickness.
🚰 Drink lots of water every day.
🛌 Sleep early to rest well for the summit night.
👟 Break in your hiking boots before the trip.
🌅 Enjoy the journey—it’s not a race.
Why Book with Seko Tours Adventures?
At Seko Tours, we offer:
🧭 Local expert guides
🚐 Comfortable safari vehicles
🛌 Clean and cozy accommodations
💰 Fair prices, no hidden charges
🌍 Sustainable and eco-friendly safaris
We know Tanzania like the back of our hand. Whether it’s a 2-day trip or a full week in the wild, we make your dream safari come true.
How to Book Your 3-Day Mount Meru Tour
At Seko Tours Adventures, we offer affordable and well-organized Mount Meru treks. Our team will take care of everything—from park permits to meals and transport. Whether you’re climbing alone or with friends, we make sure your trek is safe, fun, and unforgettable.
📞 Contact us today to customize your 3 Days Mount Meru climbing experience!
Frequent Asked Question (FAQ) about 3 Days Climbing Mount Meru — Itinerary, Tips & Costs
Mount Meru is located in Arusha National Park, in northern Tanzania, about 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru stands at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), making it the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.
The climb is considered moderately difficult. It requires a good level of fitness, but it's less challenging than Mount Kilimanjaro.
These are typically arranged by Seko Tours, ensuring all permits, park fees, and guide services are handled for a smooth and stress-free climb.
Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a daypack, trekking poles, and a headlamp.
Yes, climbing Mount Meru is an excellent way to acclimatize for Kilimanjaro, as it helps prepare your body for high altitudes.
Yes, with proper preparation, a certified guide, and adherence to safety guidelines, the climb is safe. However, the final ascent is steep and requires caution.
Costs vary depending on the tour operator but typically range from $700 to $1,200 per person, covering permits, park fees, guides, meals, and accommodation.
- While Mount Meru is lower than Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness can still occur. Acclimatization is important, and some climbers choose to use medication like Diamox
Climbers stay in huts along the route, such as Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut, which provide basic facilities.
The main route is the Momella Route, which passes through forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain, culminating at the summit (Socialist Peak).
Arusha National Park is home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and various bird species. Wildlife is often spotted on the lower slopes.
The best time to climb is during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February.
Yes, it's mandatory to climb with a certified guide, as the mountain is located in a national park and involves challenging terrain
The standard trek takes 3–4 days, depending on the chosen itinerary.
Absolutely! Many climbers pair Mount Meru with a safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park. Seko Tours specializes in customized packages.
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