3 Day Mount Meru Climb Momela Route | Tanzania's Second Highest Peak

Tour Overview

Mount Meru (4,566m) is Tanzania's second highest mountain and one of Africa's most rewarding and dramatic volcanic climbs. The 3-day Momela Route traverses a stunning ash cone horseshoe, with Kilimanjaro views on clear mornings and extraordinary wildlife in Arusha National Park on the approach. Often climbed as an acclimatization trek before Kilimanjaro.

Day to Day Itinerary

Arrival Day — Welcome to Arusha

Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel in Arusha town. Your lead guide conducts a pre-climb briefing covering the Momela Route profile, the mandatory armed ranger requirement, wildlife safety procedures and equipment checks. Overnight at hotel in Arusha.

Day 1: Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Elevation: 1,500m - 2,514m | Distance: 10km | Time: 4–5 hours

Drive approximately one hour from Arusha to Momela Gate in Arusha National Park. Your mandatory armed ranger joins the team here — wildlife encounters including giraffe, buffalo, elephant and colobus monkey are common in the lower forest. The trail climbs steadily through open grassland, fig forest and dense montane forest with Kilimanjaro often visible on the horizon behind you. The beautiful Miriakamba Hut sits in a forest clearing with views across the Arusha plain. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut — Optional Summit of Little Meru

Elevation: 2,514m - 3,570m | Distance: 5km | Time: 3–4 hours to Saddle Hut

Today the forest gives way to open moorland and heath as you climb toward the dramatic ash cone. The views of Kilimanjaro across the Sanya Plains are stunning on clear mornings. Saddle Hut sits at 3,570m on the inner ash cone rim, with extraordinary views down into the volcanic crater and across to Kilimanjaro. In the afternoon, your guide leads an optional climb to Little Meru (3,820m) — an excellent acclimatization hike with spectacular crater and plain views. Return to Saddle Hut for an early dinner and bed. Summit wake-up call at midnight. Overnight at Saddle Hut.

Day 3: Summit Push — Socialist Peak — Descent to Momela Gate

Elevation: 3,570m 0 4,566m - 1,500m | Distance: 14km | Time: 10–12 hours

Midnight departure from Saddle Hut along the dramatic ash cone ridge toward the summit. The trail narrows along a knife-edge ridge with the volcanic crater dropping steeply to one side and the vast plains falling away on the other — one of the most dramatic summit ridges in all of East Africa. Dawn arrives as you approach the summit. Socialist Peak at 4,566m rewards you with one of Africa's most extraordinary views: Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit rising above the clouds to the east, and Mount Kenya visible on the northern horizon on clear days. Descend all the way back through Miriakamba to Momela Gate, where your driver awaits for the return to Arusha. Transfer to hotel in Arusha. Overnight at hotel in Arusha.

Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or continue to your next Tanzania adventure. You have climbed one of Africa's most dramatic volcanic mountains. Congratulations!