Few people, great adventure. Mount Meru (Arusha National Park) is an ideal standalone trek for nature lovers and a perfect acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro — wild, scenic, and dramatic, with summit views that look straight at Kilimanjaro’s cone. 

Quick facts

• Summit: 4,566 m (14,980 ft). 

• Typical length: 4 days (common format: 4 days on mountain + 1 day pre & 1 day post). 

• Route: Momella Route (the standard and only route to the summit). 

• Overnight: Shared mountain huts (Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut). 

• Best time to go: Dry season June–October; also good in Jan–Feb. Trekking can be difficult or unsafe in the long rains (Mar–May) or heavy short rains.

Why climb Mount Meru with Brothers Adventure and Safaris

We bring local knowledge, small-group attention, ethical mountain teams and easy, tailored logistics. Expect experienced mountain guides, a park ranger on the forest approach for safety, porters who carry the heavy gear, and cooks preparing hot, nutritious meals — we look after the team so you can focus on the trek and the views.

Suggested 4-day itinerary (BAS signature version)

Day 0 — Arrival & briefing (Arusha)
Arrive in Arusha. We’ll meet, check gear, run a safety briefing, and confirm transfer & timing.

Day 1 — Momella Gate → Miriakamba Hut
Drive to Momella Gate (Arusha NP). Trek through forest with high wildlife chances — giraffes, buffalo, baboons, colobus monkeys — and climb ~1,000 m to Miriakamba Hut. Trek time: ~4–5 hours.

Day 2 — Miriakamba Hut → Saddle Hut (optional Little Meru)
A shorter day through heath and moorland into alpine desert. Climb ~1,050 m to Saddle Hut (3–4 hours). If you have energy, a short side-walk to Little Meru (3,820 m) is an optional acclimatization hike.

Day 3 — Midnight start, Saddle Hut → Socialist Peak (summit) → Miriakamba Hut
We start around midnight for the summit push. Expect a steep hour to Rhino Point, then ridge walking to Cobra Point and the final climb to Socialist Peak (4,566 m). Ascent takes roughly 4–5 hours from Saddle; you’ll watch sunrise over the crater and often see Kilimanjaro on the horizon. Return to Saddle Hut for a short rest, then descend to Miriakamba Hut. This is the longest, most demanding day — total mountain time (including descent) can be 10–14 hours.

Day 4 — Miriakamba Hut → Momella Gate → Arusha
Final descent through forest to Momella Gate (2–3 hours). Transfer back to Arusha for a shower, rest, or onward travel.

Accommodations & food

You’ll sleep in shared wooden mountain huts (dormitory style) with mattresses and cold running water; no heating and no showers. There are electric lights but no regular power to recharge devices — bring power banks. Our cooks prepare three hot meals daily and boil drinking water for safety. Sleeping bag hire (-12 °C rating recommended) and walking-pole hire are available.

Fitness, safety & rescue

Mount Meru is less high than Kilimanjaro but technically more demanding on the summit ridge. Expect daily trekking of 3–5 hours (plus the long summit day). You must be fit, healthy and prepared for long summit-day hours; a calm, slow “pole-pole” pace is the best strategy. Mountain rescue infrastructure in Tanzania is limited, and helicopters are rarely used — comprehensive travel insurance (including rescue/repatriation) is essential. Our guides monitor group members closely and will turn back the climb if safety or health require it.

Inclusions (typical BAS package)

• All Arusha National Park and climbing permits & hut fees.

• Professional mountain guide(s), park ranger on the forest approach.

• Porters and cook, all meals on the mountain, boiled drinking water.

• Dormitory accommodation in mountain huts and mountain team wages.
  (Exact inclusions will be spelled out in your quote/itinerary.)

Exclusions

• International flights

•  visas

• personal travel insurance (mandatory)

• personal trekking kit 

• tipping for the mountain crew (customary)

• any pre/post accommodation in Arusha unless requested.

Price guide & group options

As a starting reference, similar 4-day group climbs are advertised from roughly USD 1,450 per person (pp) sharing — please contact us for a tailored quote (season, group size, private guide, and add-ons change prices).

Packing essentials (short list)

• Warm sleeping bag (-12 °C recommended; hire available)

• Sturdy trekking boots, gaiters, trekking poles (hireable)

• Thermal layers, windproof shell, down jacket, gloves, hat

• Headlamp, power bank(s), sunscreen, water bottles/hydration bladder

• Small daypack, personal first-aid & altitude comfort meds as advised

(We’ll send a full BAS packing list and pre-departure brief after booking.)

FAQs (short)

Is Mount Meru good for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro?
Yes — many climbers use it to acclimatize because it’s quieter and helps condition you for higher altitudes.

Are children allowed?
Children under 10 can trek to Miriakamba Hut; 10–16 years may go as high as Saddle Hut; over-16s may attempt the summit (parental supervision required).

Should I tip the mountain crew?
Tipping is customary and appreciated — we’ll provide guidance on appropriate amounts and distribution.

Book with Brothers Adventure and Safaris

We’ll tailor the climb to your fitness, travel dates and whether you want the trek alone or combined with safari + Zanzibar. To book or request a personalized quote:

Brothers Adventure and Safaris
P.O. BOX 1911, Arusha, Tanzania
📧 brothersdventuresafaris@gmail.com
☎ +255 681 865 717
🌍 www.brothersadventureandsafaris.com

We handle permits, experienced guides/rangers, ethical porter treatment, and smooth transfers — tell us your preferred dates and we’ll send a complete itinerary and firm quote.