2024/2025:
US $1,130 if 2-3 climbers
US $990 if 4+ climbers
per person
US $1,130 if 2-3 climbers
US $990 if 4+ climbers
per person
3 days / 2 nights
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
For strong hikers capable of maintaining good spirits on the long and tiring final day.
Highlights
• Second tallest mountain in Tanzania.
• Stunning views of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s main peak.
• Excellent conditioning hike for Kilimanjaro.
• Overnight accommodations in huts.
Daily Distance, Time, Elevation...
| Day | Activity Location | Hiking Distance | Hiking Time | Elevation Start | Elevation Finish | Elevation Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Transfer to Arusha N.P. Momela Gate to Miriakamba Huts. | 8.4mi 13,5km | 5 hours | 4,970’ 1515m | 8,250’ 2515m | 3,280' 1000m |
| 2 | Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts. Saddle Huts to Little Meru. | 3.3mi 5,4km - 1.2mi 2,0km | 3.5 hours - 1 hour | 8,250’ 2515m - 11,710’ 3570m | 11,710’ 3570m - 12,530’ 3830m | 3,460' 1055m - 820' 260m |
| 3 | Saddle Huts to Meru Summit to Momela Gate. Transfer from Arusha N.P. | 3.4mi 5,5km - 12.6mi 20,3km | 4-5 hours to summit - 7 hours to Momela | 11,710’ 3570m - 14,980’ 4566m | 14,980’ 4566m - 4,970’ 1515m | 3,270' 996m - -10,010' -3051m |
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba Huts
You will be met by your SENE mountain guide at your overnight accommodations, where he will do a brief clothing and gear check prior to the drive to Arusha National Park. At the park’s Momela Gate you will meet your support crew, have lunch, and start the climb to Miriakamba, the first overnight. Following the more circuitous route on a 4WD drive track enables us to enjoy the biological richness of the forested lower slopes, pass through the magnificent arched fig tree, and see Maio Falls along the Jekukumia River. Keep your eyes open for dik dik, baboons, giraffe, and other retiring creatures of the forest. The route brings us to Kitoto View Point for magnificent views of the plains below and Kilimanjaro beyond, and through the Meru Crater Plain, an area frequented by a variety of game.
Overnight: Miriakamba Huts.
Meals: L,D.
You will be met by your SENE mountain guide at your overnight accommodations, where he will do a brief clothing and gear check prior to the drive to Arusha National Park. At the park’s Momela Gate you will meet your support crew, have lunch, and start the climb to Miriakamba, the first overnight. Following the more circuitous route on a 4WD drive track enables us to enjoy the biological richness of the forested lower slopes, pass through the magnificent arched fig tree, and see Maio Falls along the Jekukumia River. Keep your eyes open for dik dik, baboons, giraffe, and other retiring creatures of the forest. The route brings us to Kitoto View Point for magnificent views of the plains below and Kilimanjaro beyond, and through the Meru Crater Plain, an area frequented by a variety of game.
Overnight: Miriakamba Huts.
Meals: L,D.
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (plus Little Meru)
We begin the day ascending through a grassy pastoral landscape before entering a forest in which elephant may be spotted. The guides will remind you to keep your pace pole pole (slow) to help you adjust to the altitude. At the rest stop Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant’s back) we are provided beautiful views over the Crater Plain below and ash cone straight ahead. Eventually, we enter an alpine landscape leading to the Saddle Huts. After a rest at the huts, take the short round-trip acclimatization hike up Little Meru peak.
Overnight: Saddle Huts.
Meals: B,L,D.
Day 3: Saddle Huts to Meru Summit to Momela Gate
Rise in the wee hours to start the climb at night in order to reach the summit at sunrise. After crossing the saddle and ascending to a ridge we reach Rhino Point, followed by a short descent and traverse of a rock face taking us to the lip of the Meru Crater, along which we will follow. As the horizon starts to emit a dim light you can see Meru Summit as well as the outlines of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on Kilimanjaro. This final section is steep, rocky, and can be slippery. Celebrate at the summit and admire the views as far as Kenya. After a well-deserved rest and lunch at the Saddle Huts below, the afternoon hike descends past Miriakamba and down the direct trail to Momela Gate. Approaching the gate we pass Tululusia Falls and cross the Meru Plain, where we will likely encounter (at a safe distance) giraffe and buffalo, among other wildlife. At the gate say good-bye to the crew before transfer to your next destination.
Meals: B,L.
Rise in the wee hours to start the climb at night in order to reach the summit at sunrise. After crossing the saddle and ascending to a ridge we reach Rhino Point, followed by a short descent and traverse of a rock face taking us to the lip of the Meru Crater, along which we will follow. As the horizon starts to emit a dim light you can see Meru Summit as well as the outlines of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks on Kilimanjaro. This final section is steep, rocky, and can be slippery. Celebrate at the summit and admire the views as far as Kenya. After a well-deserved rest and lunch at the Saddle Huts below, the afternoon hike descends past Miriakamba and down the direct trail to Momela Gate. Approaching the gate we pass Tululusia Falls and cross the Meru Plain, where we will likely encounter (at a safe distance) giraffe and buffalo, among other wildlife. At the gate say good-bye to the crew before transfer to your next destination.
Meals: B,L.
Inclusions
- All accommodations in mountain huts for 3 days / 2 nights.
- All meals as indicated (B,L,D).
- Bottled water, coffee, teas, cocoa.
- Services of climbing guide and mountain crew.
- Arusha National Park entrance, hut, and rescue fees, including ranger fee.
- Transfers to/from Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro International Airport, Mbahe, Moshi, or Arusha.
Exclusions
Tips and gratuities to leaders, guides, crew, or other staff; sleeping bag; additional accommodations and meals made necessary by airline schedule changes, inability to complete the climb, finishing a climb before the scheduled completion date, or other factors; pre-trip expenses such as immunizations, travel insurance, passports, and visas; international airfare; airport departure taxes; and any expenses of a personal nature such as souvenirs and laundry.
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on SENE costs, fees, and supplier prices in effect at the time of booking. SENE reserves the right to alter trip prices should inflation, cost of fuel, labor, materials, or exchange rates change. If the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) raises park fees, or any hotel, lodge, camp, airline, or any other service provider raises their rates, SENE reserves the right to require additional payment from the client.
