06:30
Pick-up
Early start from Moshi or Arusha, driving to the Momella gate of Arusha National Park.
Wilderness hike
Mount Meru Day Hike
Trek the lower slopes of Tanzania’s second-highest mountain in Arusha National Park, with wildlife and crater views.
Overview
About this experience
Mount Meru rises to 4,566 m just east of Arusha, and its lower slopes sit inside Arusha National Park — one of the few places in Tanzania where you can hike on foot among big game. This full-day hike follows forest and moorland trails with an armed national park ranger for safety.
As you climb you’ll pass through fig forest alive with colobus monkeys and birds, cross open grassland where zebra, giraffe and buffalo graze, and reach viewpoints over the dramatic Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella lakes. You won’t summit Meru in a day, but you’ll get a serious, rewarding taste of the mountain.
Arusha National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where walking safaris are permitted, so this is a rare chance to experience big game on foot rather than from a vehicle. A licensed guide, an armed ranger, park fees, transport and a picnic lunch are all included.
Highlights
Why you'll love it
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Wildlife on foot
Walk among giraffe, zebra, buffalo and warthog — a rare chance to hike in a national park with big game.
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Mount Meru slopes
Climb through montane forest and open moorland on the flanks of Tanzania’s second-highest peak.
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Colobus monkeys & birds
Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, turacos and hornbills in the forest canopy.
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Crater & lake views
Enjoy sweeping views over Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella lakes from high on the trail.
The plan
Your day, hour by hour
A private, guided day built around Mount Meru Day Hike.
Full day (8–9 hours) door to door: your guide collects you from Moshi or Arusha, with 6 planned stops along the way and no other group to keep pace with.
The timings below are indicative. They flex with your start time, the season, and how long you want to linger at any stop.
- Stops
- 6 stops
- Departs
- Moshi or Arusha
- Duration
- Full day (8–9 hours)
- Group size
- 2 – 8 guests
08:00
Gate & briefing
Meet your armed ranger and guide, register, and begin the hike into the park.
10:00
Forest to moorland
Climb through fig forest and into the open, watching for wildlife and birds along the way.
12:00
Viewpoint lunch
Stop at a scenic viewpoint for a packed lunch overlooking the crater and lakes.
14:00
Descend
Begin the descent back toward the gate, spotting more game in the late-afternoon light.
16:30
Return
Drive back to Moshi or Arusha, arriving in the early evening.
Times are indicative. Your guide adjusts pick-up, stop lengths and pacing to your group, the season and road or trail conditions.
The day is private. Re-order the stops, add time wherever you like, or trade a visit for something else entirely.
Pricing
Price by group size
Every experience is private, so the price per person falls as your group grows.
| Group size | 1 PAX Solo rate | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7+ PAX Ask us |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | US$400 | US$350 | US$320 | US$300 | US$280 | US$260 | Ask us |
| Total for the group | US$400 | US$700 | US$960 | US$1,200 | US$1,400 | US$1,560 | Ask us |
Rates are in US dollars and cover the whole private experience — your guide, the vehicle and transfers, and every park, entry or activity fee listed above. Your written quote follows your dates and final plan; groups of seven or more are always priced individually.
Good to know
What's included & not included
Included
- Round-trip transport from Moshi or Arusha
- Licensed guide and armed park ranger
- National park entry and ranger fees
- Packed picnic lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Tips for guide and ranger
- Extra drinks and snacks
- Hiking gear rental
- Travel insurance
Come prepared
What to bring
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Layered clothing and rain jacket
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Daypack with 2 litres of water
- Walking poles if you use them
Gallery
Mount Meru Day Hike in pictures
Getting there
Where it happens
The hike starts from the Momella gate in Arusha National Park, about an hour and a half from Moshi and 45 minutes from Arusha town. Early starts are essential to make the most of the day.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do we reach the summit of Mount Meru?
No — summiting Meru requires a 3–4 day trek. This day hike explores the lower forest and moorland zones with wildlife.
Is it safe to hike with wild animals?
Yes. You are accompanied by an armed national park ranger throughout, and guides are trained in wildlife safety. Groups stay together and follow ranger instructions.
How fit do I need to be?
The day involves 5–7 hours of walking at altitude (up to around 2,500 m). A good level of fitness is recommended.
Keep exploring
Pairs well with
Ready to add this to your trip?
Tell us your dates and travel style. Our local team in Moshi will slot the Mount Meru Day Hike into your itinerary — free, with no obligation.
