Mount Meru
Mount Meru
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Mount Meru
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
132 within 3 miles
Attractions
59 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
165 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
27
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Quinn L
Tanzania2 contributions
Dec 2020
The hike goes like this: First a climb from Momella Gate up a 1000 metres to Miriakamba Hut. Then on the second day another thousand or so metres to Saddle hut (at 3500M). On that night we started the ascent at 1:15 AM and reached Socialist Peak around 7:15 AM. . Then we walked back down to Saddle Hut and back down to Miriakamba – a total of 13 hours walking that day. The last day was just the drop back to Momella gate.
We had a brilliant team from the African Walking Company – Two guides: William and Wilfred, a cook, two senior porters and four porters. William was a great leader. Our food was excellent. The huts had rooms with 4 bunks but on the second and third nights we managed to score our own room which was great as the rooms were a bit of a squeeze with four people.
What we thought was going to be a reasonably easy walk was actually really hard as the walking is much more technical than Kili with quite a few places where you have to scramble around rock cliffs, up boulders, or up seemingly sheer rock faces. A lot of the walking is also close to the edge of an escarpment. Near the top we had about an hour (but seemed like four) climbing up very loose scree on a steep incline – think walking up a sand dune – climb up – slip down – climb up etc. We found the summit morning extremely tough going. We finally got to a ledge at around 6:15 just in time to see said sunrise (over Kilimanjaro and actually very beautiful) then we had the next "little bit" to the top. This took another hour culminating in a near vertical rock climb when most of us were out of breath and going very slowly.
Overall a fantastic walk, worth it in its own right, and perfect to acclimatize before tackling Kilimanjaro.Ireal thank and recommend Masai warrior adventures for real taking care of our whole trekking with good customer care
We had a brilliant team from the African Walking Company – Two guides: William and Wilfred, a cook, two senior porters and four porters. William was a great leader. Our food was excellent. The huts had rooms with 4 bunks but on the second and third nights we managed to score our own room which was great as the rooms were a bit of a squeeze with four people.
What we thought was going to be a reasonably easy walk was actually really hard as the walking is much more technical than Kili with quite a few places where you have to scramble around rock cliffs, up boulders, or up seemingly sheer rock faces. A lot of the walking is also close to the edge of an escarpment. Near the top we had about an hour (but seemed like four) climbing up very loose scree on a steep incline – think walking up a sand dune – climb up – slip down – climb up etc. We found the summit morning extremely tough going. We finally got to a ledge at around 6:15 just in time to see said sunrise (over Kilimanjaro and actually very beautiful) then we had the next "little bit" to the top. This took another hour culminating in a near vertical rock climb when most of us were out of breath and going very slowly.
Overall a fantastic walk, worth it in its own right, and perfect to acclimatize before tackling Kilimanjaro.Ireal thank and recommend Masai warrior adventures for real taking care of our whole trekking with good customer care
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iveta
Kampala, Uganda4 contributions
Jul 2022
We just return back from Tanzania and part of our holiday we did 4 day Mt. Meru hike. I do not want to comment on the hike itself as there are many reviews here ( and it was a lovely hike and I would recommend it). But I do want to share experience with what has become a common, but not pleasant practise on Mt. Meru. When we booked our hike we were given a quote and quote clearly stated tips were no included. This is normal and we were prepared to pay tips. On day one of the hike we were told specific sums: $10/day/porter; $12/day/head porter and assistant cook ect. When we put all figures together - it came to $960 - which represented 20% of the total costs ( we are group of 5 adults + 4 kids). This was shocking amount to us and certainly not a tip. When we objected and asked why we were not told these amounts when we got the quote as this is really high and we would not take the hike knowing it - we were told it was our job to check what tips were. We started to talking to other hikers who were there from different companies and we all experience the shame shock. There was one couple who paid $1,500 for the hike and we asked to pay $500 in tips. We were all really shocked by these requests and had no cash to cover this. We all also felt that this was not reasonable tip amount and we should have bee advised during quote submision. At the end we all pa
Written 27 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Неизведанный Мир
St. Petersburg, Russia19 contributions
Dec 2019
Mount Meru provides the best active acclimatization before a climb to Mt Kilimanjaro. It's height is 4562 m, feasible to climb and descend in 3-4 days. The view from the top to Mt Kilimanjaro with sunrise above clouds and huge caldera with young volcano under your feet is uncomarable! Also at the foot of Mt Meru you pass through some savanna with wild animals, it's real walking safari, so an armed ranger-escort is a must. Our group climbed successfully Mt Meru and then Mt Kilimanjaro via Unbwe route and Western Breach. Guides, cook and the team of porters worked perfectly. Thanks to Freddy, Yegor and Bob!
Written 11 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WYCLF
Canada1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic 4 day hike with Tanzania Horizon Safaris up Mt. Meru. The entire Horizon team was wonderful. Our guides, Jackson and Peter, were incredibly knowledgeable and absolutely great. We always felt safe in their hands...The hike to the summit was great. Elizabeth back office was wonderful. She always answered our emails in a timely fashion and always had wonderfully detailed answers to all our questions. Honestly, it was smooth sailing with her.
I would definitely recommend this excursion to everyone and recommend to use Tanzania Horizon Safaris while you visit Tanzania, you wont go wrong!
I would definitely recommend this excursion to everyone and recommend to use Tanzania Horizon Safaris while you visit Tanzania, you wont go wrong!
Written 10 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jordan Steven
Portland, OR4 contributions
Feb 2020
We just finished climbing Mount Meru with a crew of 4 through Halisi African Adventures and had the most amazing time.
Prior the the trip all my questions and requests were met in good time and everything was arranged extremely well. During the trek everyone on the team was so friendly and helpful, which made the experience incredible.
I typically travel solo and the guide, John, and the rest of our team made me feel very welcome and supported me endlessly throughout the entire journey to the summit.
The food during the trek was amazing, as well as the hospitality from everyone. Not only was the service provided great, but the people working for this company are absolutely wonderful. I am so happy I chose Halisi African Adventures for my Mount Meru trek. Highly Recommended,
Prior the the trip all my questions and requests were met in good time and everything was arranged extremely well. During the trek everyone on the team was so friendly and helpful, which made the experience incredible.
I typically travel solo and the guide, John, and the rest of our team made me feel very welcome and supported me endlessly throughout the entire journey to the summit.
The food during the trek was amazing, as well as the hospitality from everyone. Not only was the service provided great, but the people working for this company are absolutely wonderful. I am so happy I chose Halisi African Adventures for my Mount Meru trek. Highly Recommended,
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerome_Fabienne
Zurich, Switzerland28 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We went to Mount Meru with the company "Shadows of Africa" as a 4 day hike. We met our guide Amiri the day before and became a very informative and extended introduction concerning hiking details, "necessary items", clothing, etc. The trekking was very well organised and Amiri told us a lot about the national park, the animals we have seen, etc. along the way.
The huts where you stay for overnight are more luxury than expected. There are sleeping rooms with four beds and a dining room for everyone. The team provided a 3 course menu (soup, main dish, fruit plate) for every lunch & dinner and it was more than enough for us.
The last ascend from the saddle huts to the summit is more technical compared to the pathways from the start to the saddle hut. It's definitely necessary to use the hands to hold onto the rock. The most dangerous parts are secured by chains, though.
Overall the trekking is a nice alternative to the Kilimanjaro, as it is less crowded (most likely). And of course "Shadows of Africa" provided an awesome experience overall!
The huts where you stay for overnight are more luxury than expected. There are sleeping rooms with four beds and a dining room for everyone. The team provided a 3 course menu (soup, main dish, fruit plate) for every lunch & dinner and it was more than enough for us.
The last ascend from the saddle huts to the summit is more technical compared to the pathways from the start to the saddle hut. It's definitely necessary to use the hands to hold onto the rock. The most dangerous parts are secured by chains, though.
Overall the trekking is a nice alternative to the Kilimanjaro, as it is less crowded (most likely). And of course "Shadows of Africa" provided an awesome experience overall!
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam Y
London, UK2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Coming to Tanzania,we wanted to climb amazing Mountain volcanoes here so we decided to do mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. We chose to go with Nafika Tours a local agent in Tanzania.
They were amazing. From the cook,porters and guides, everything was great. They gave us the tools and encouragement we needed to have a successful climb. Eli and justice were the guides on this tour and everyone else was envious of the quality they offered.
Elias was amazing with feedback and information prior to the trek. I highly recommend this company to climb mount meru and also mount Kilimanjaro with high success., safety, and best services Thank you Nafika Tours for this amazing experience
We will definitely recommend this tour to everyone.
They were amazing. From the cook,porters and guides, everything was great. They gave us the tools and encouragement we needed to have a successful climb. Eli and justice were the guides on this tour and everyone else was envious of the quality they offered.
Elias was amazing with feedback and information prior to the trek. I highly recommend this company to climb mount meru and also mount Kilimanjaro with high success., safety, and best services Thank you Nafika Tours for this amazing experience
We will definitely recommend this tour to everyone.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa c
Uganda12 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
We travelled with sd-safari with our guide Hassan to the mount meru in 4 days. We climbed the Ol Donyo Lengai 3 days before so we were a bit scared to climb another mountain. However, Hassan came the day before leaving and he was very helpful and reassuring. He helped us arrange some extra equipment (ski jacket, ski pants and water bottles. Because we are living in Tanzania for a while we didn’t bring them) for a good price. We walked in a group with a ranger and our own guide and porters, which was very nice! The first two days are not too difficult and the view are pretty amazing! On the third day during the night we walked up to the summit, we started at 00:45. It was a pretty though climb, especially the last part, which is very steep climbing over rocks! Though the view when arriving at the top was completely worth the climb!! On the way back you can see the sometimes scary parts that you have climbed by night, the chains can be really helpful. Though it is a challenging climb and descent, it is very much worth the experience and views! The way down on the fourth day is very nice with a walking safari in the end. Very tired but very satisfied we reached the end of the trip! It is a trip which shouldn’t be underestimated, but whoever can climb ol donyo Lengai, can definitely climb the mount meru!!
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edith C
United States4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Our group of 6 people did the 3 hiking Mount Meru with Halisi African Adventures and it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Our guides, Jackson and Steven were excellent. They both spoke very good English and were very knowledgeable about the mountain, the area around it, and what we should expect out of each day on the trail. We felt safe with them for the entirety of the trip. They gave us confidence and positive energy throughout the trip. The cook and waiter were also great.
The food was good and it was especially impressive to see them cook in cold and windy mountain conditions. The porters are amazing as well. You will not be disappointed either on this hike or with the guides and team with you.
Highly recommend Halisi African Adventures for proper acclimatization
Our guides, Jackson and Steven were excellent. They both spoke very good English and were very knowledgeable about the mountain, the area around it, and what we should expect out of each day on the trail. We felt safe with them for the entirety of the trip. They gave us confidence and positive energy throughout the trip. The cook and waiter were also great.
The food was good and it was especially impressive to see them cook in cold and windy mountain conditions. The porters are amazing as well. You will not be disappointed either on this hike or with the guides and team with you.
Highly recommend Halisi African Adventures for proper acclimatization
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tusekile J
Rome, Italy1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Couples
We climbed Mount Meru for 3 Days with Tanzania Horizon Safaris last week and had a great time! We were a small group that got along really well and felt greatly taken care of by the crew! The guides made us feel safe at all times. The porters did a tremendous job carrying all the equipment and the cook deserves 5 stars!.. Thank you so much Tanzania Horizon Safaris! See u next time!
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What mountain in Tanzania is climbable without a guide? No gear needed type of climb. Without needing an expensive permit. We are wanting to do a day trip. We are Canadian experienced mountain climbers
Written 2 September 2019
Every Mountain in Tanzania you need a guide to lead you ....
I recommend a day trip to Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route.
Price is average you don't need so much gears ...
Written 9 January 2020
Why would one do Mt Meru alone, rather than Mt. Kenya or Kilimanjaro?
Do you think a trek up Mt. Meru rather than Mt. Kenya would be better preparation for trekking up Kilimanjaro?
Is the ranger armed just for animals, particularly buffalo?
Written 22 April 2019
I suggested you can do Mount Meru as a part of Kilimanjaro preparations.
It will gives you time to acclimatise ready for Kili Climb, Ranger will accompany you and protect you against ferocious animal during your hiking .
All the Best
Foot On Kili Tanzania Team
Written 9 July 2019
Bonjour,
Mon compagnon et moi ne sommes pas des habitués de trekking en altitude mais nous sommes en bonnes conditions physique sans problème particulier (nous faisons du sport). Je souhaite savoir si il faut avoir une réelle habitude de ce genre d'aventure ou si cela était accessible aux personnes n'ayant pas d'expérience particulière. Cette excursion parait inoubliable !
Je vous remercie par avance pour votre aide,
Chloé
Written 7 August 2017
As your doing sports you can do this doesn't need a much of fitness.
Jogging biking will be great for your preparations.
All the best
Foot On Kili Tanzania Adventure
Written 9 July 2019
Does anyone have the contact information of a ranger they recommend which can help with organizing climbs up Mt Meru? Thanks!
Written 3 February 2017
I advise you to organize your trip with tour operators, now days things changed a lot you need booking voucher of the the company that registered with TALA lincess with I believed that a ranger could not be able to it,welcome!
Written 4 April 2017
Hi! We would like to take a one day hike by ourselves, without TO. Just come back to Arusha the same day. How to get from Arusha to Momella gate?
Written 3 September 2016
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
Hi!
now days things change a lot in Arusha National Park in case of climbing, you need to find a Tour Operator that can organize your day hiking,before was much easy but now days you can't do it privately
Written 20 September 2016
hello! can we go to the mountain and comeback to arusha on the very same day, or the only way of going is with the regular climbing tour of 4 days? thanks!
Written 14 July 2016
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
You need at list a full day hiking and overnight at Miriakama Hut 2500m,doing same day climb and back to Arusha that will be rush and you wouldn't enjoy that much and there is a lot to see,i recommend you to over night so that you will enjoy nature then the next day you will be back to Arusha
Written 29 July 2016
Hi, does anyone know the best way to make reservations for the huts on Mt. Meru? We are interested in reserving two nights at Saddle Hut and having difficulty reaching the park by phone or email.
Written 2 November 2015
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
Check with your operator and they will do a reservations for you,or if your in Arusha You can drive up Ngongongare Gate and do your reservation right away but remember they need a vocher paper to do reservations,so that means you need to climb with the company which is full registerd (TALA)
Written 26 March 2016
Hi,
Did you had an organized tour or went by your self? Any other tips?
Thanks
Mauricio
Written 7 September 2015
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
Before was much easy but now days you have to book your trip with registerd company and there the who will arrange your climb
Written 26 March 2016
Hi,
I am considering climbing Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro but am unsure whether I would be capable. I trekked to Annapurna base camp last September and managed that. Can anyone tell me if the level of difficulty is similar? I would be so grateful for any information.
Written 11 May 2015
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
Yup!, you can do it but i recommend you to do Mount Meru 4 days so then 7 days on Mount Kilimanjaro so that you can have plenty of time to acclimatize ,Mount Meru is short but challenge ,so 11 days for both of them its gonna be good enough.
Written 26 March 2016
Hi, is there equipment rental at Momella Gate? I need to rent walking poles. Thank you.
Written 4 March 2015
Foot On Kili Ad... T
Moshi, Tanzania
223 contributions
There is no any rental Shop at Momela Gate if your in Arusha you or Moshi you can be able to rent what you want there is many rental shop around town
Written 26 March 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Airport exclusive: extra 20% off beauty
Sponsored by Armani Beauty, YLS & Lancôme
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing