Trekker on Socialist Peak on Mt Meru with clouds behind

Climb Meru

Name: Climb Meru
Brand: Follow Alice
SKU: 1652335744
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

from $1,595

Mt Meru is a challenging multiday trek that takes you up this dormant volcano to reach Socialist Peak (4,562 m), the highest point on the crater rim. On Meru, you hike through the same vegetation zones as neighbouring Mt Kilimanjaro, just not the ice-and-snow summit. Excitingly, you see much more wildlife on a Meru climb, like buffaloes, giraffes, flamingoes and zebras. And the views of Kilimanjaro throughout the climb are just sublime!

Our itineraries

From $1,595

4-day hike

Tackle this challenging four-day climb to see wildlife and enjoy incredible views of Mt Meru's deep crater and neighbouring Mt Kilimanjaro!

6 days

(5.0)

Country info and facts

Languages

Swahili and English

Currency

Tanzanian shilling (TZS or TSh)

Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Seasons

Visa and Immigration

A standard Tanzanian tourist visa is valid for up to 90 days and costs $50. US citizens must purchase a multiple-entry visa for $100 that is valid for a year. Note, however, that a visa isn't required for nationals from around 50 countries worldwide.

Health and Safety

It's safe to climb Meru when you travel with a reputable tour operator who has your health and safety as their number one priority. That said, you can climb without a guide. But everyone must be accompanied by an armed park ranger, as there are large animals like buffaloes on Meru.

Another safety issue on Meru is the high altitude. The summit of Meru is 4,562 m, which means you could develop altitude sickness. Your guide will monitor your vitals to ensure you don't climb any higher if your body isn't coping.

Please also note that you must have travel insurance that covers you for "hiking up to 6,000 m above sea level" to be allowed to climb Meru with Follow Alice.

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Meet our local leaders

Chris Sichalwe

Chris started working on Kilimanjaro in 1999 and has since made it to the summit over 300 times. He's the founding father of Follow Alice Tanzania and loves taking people to the roof of Africa! He's the steady and competent hand you need, but also a great storyteller who adds so much to every trip!

Robert Sichalwe

Robert is a highly experienced Kilimanjaro lead trek guide. He's been leading treks with Follow Alice for years, and we know our climbers are in great hands with Robert as the expedition leader. He's also a great guy who will soon become your friend and an integral part of your Kilimanjaro memories!

Follow Alice mountain crew and climbers, with many porters

Recommended reads

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Mt Meru in distance with Arusha in foreground

When is the best time to climb Mt Meru?

The best months for climbing Mt Meru are December to early March and June to October, as these are the dry months. The other months are rainy, but you can still climb the mountain then if you want.

Your complete Mt Meru packing list

What you pack for your Mt Meru climb is very important to your health, safety and comfort. So here's a complete list of what exactly to pack, and why, from big stuff like a backpack to your clothes and shoes all the way to little things like toiletries.

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Your 2023 Tanzania travel questions answered

Do you know what airport to fly into for your Tanzania vacation? What the currency is? How to obtain a visa? Or what adapter to bring for your tech gadgets? We have the answers to these questions and more to help you prepare for a Tanzania adventure!

Where is Mt Meru?

Mt Meru is a dormant volcano in northern Tanzania. It sits within the western end of Arusha National Park. It's also just 70 km west of the famous Mt Kilimanjaro.

How do I get to Mt Meru?

Visitors to Meru fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is just outside of the city of Arusha, and only a 1.5 hour drive away.

What is the accommodation on a Mt Meru climb?

When you climb Mt Meru, you stay in communal huts. There is no camping like on Mt Kilimanjaro.

There are two huts on Mt Meru:

Mariakamba Hut (2,624 m)

Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

Saddle Hut is your base camp for a summit attempt.