5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari Price | Tanzania 2026

5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari Itinerary

This five-day Tanzania adventure combines three days of Mount Meru trekking with two days of wildlife safari in Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The program starts from Arusha and can be arranged as a private trip for individuals, couples, families or groups.

Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut

Destination: Mount Meru, Arusha National Park

Starting Altitude: Approximately 1,500 meters

Ending Altitude: Approximately 2,500 meters

Trekking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours

Accommodation: Miriakamba Hut

Your 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari begins in Arusha, where your mountain guide and support team will meet you for the transfer to Arusha National Park. After arriving at Momella Gate, the team completes park registration and prepares for the trek.

Mount Meru is located inside Arusha National Park, making the beginning of the climb different from many other mountain treks in Tanzania. The lower slopes support rich vegetation and wildlife, and trekkers are normally accompanied by an armed park ranger while hiking through the park.

The trail gradually climbs through grassland and montane forest. Depending on the trail conditions and wildlife movements, there may be opportunities to see giraffes, buffalo, monkeys, antelope and different bird species from a safe distance.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes denser before the trail eventually reaches Miriakamba Hut. Your mountain crew prepares dinner while you relax and prepare for the next stage of the climb.

Dinner and overnight are at Miriakamba Hut.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut – Little Meru

Starting Altitude: Approximately 2,500 meters

Ending Altitude: Approximately 3,500+ meters

Trekking Time: Approximately 4–6 hours plus acclimatization hike

Accommodation: Saddle Hut

After breakfast, continue upward from Miriakamba Hut toward Saddle Hut. Today's trek is shorter in distance but gains significant altitude, making a controlled walking pace important.

The landscape gradually changes as the trail rises above the forest and enters more open alpine terrain. From higher sections of the trail, trekkers can begin to appreciate the volcanic structure of Mount Meru and the surrounding landscape of Arusha National Park.

You arrive at Saddle Hut around midday or early afternoon. After lunch and a period of rest, your guide may organize an acclimatization hike toward Little Meru, which rises to approximately 3,820 meters.

The additional hike can help your body adjust to the altitude and provides another viewpoint over the mountain and surrounding region. After returning to Saddle Hut, you will have an early dinner and receive a briefing about the summit climb.

Because the summit attempt begins around midnight or during the early hours of the morning, trekkers are encouraged to organize their equipment and rest early.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak – Momella Gate – Arusha

Highest Point: Socialist Peak – approximately 4,566 meters

Trekking Time: Approximately 10–14 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha

The Mount Meru summit day starts very early. After a light meal and final equipment check, you leave Saddle Hut with your guide and begin climbing toward Socialist Peak.

The trail becomes steeper and more demanding as you move across rocky volcanic terrain. Sections of the route follow the crater rim, and the pace is kept slow and controlled to help manage the effects of altitude.

As daylight approaches, the dramatic volcanic landscape becomes increasingly visible. Under clear weather conditions, climbers may also enjoy distant views toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

Reaching Socialist Peak at approximately 4,566 meters is the main achievement of the Mount Meru trek. After photographs and a short break at the summit, you begin descending back toward Saddle Hut.

At Saddle Hut, there is time for food and a short rest before continuing the long descent through Miriakamba and toward Momella Gate.

After reaching the park gate and completing the mountain section of the trip, an Epic Summit Safaris vehicle transfers you back to Arusha. You will check into your hotel, take a shower, enjoy dinner and rest before beginning the wildlife safari the following morning.

Day 4: Arusha – Tarangire National Park Wildlife Safari

Destination: Tarangire National Park

Activity: Full-Day Game Drive

Accommodation: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp

After breakfast at your hotel, your professional safari driver-guide will meet you for the drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is particularly well known for its large elephant population, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which provides an important water source for wildlife during the dry months.

During the game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas, warthogs and several predator species. Lions are regularly seen in the ecosystem, while leopards and other more elusive animals may occasionally be spotted.

The park is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with hundreds of recorded bird species inhabiting its woodlands, wetlands and river environments.

You will have a picnic lunch at an appropriate area inside the park and continue exploring different sections of Tarangire during the afternoon.

Later, drive toward the Karatu or Ngorongoro area for dinner and overnight at your selected safari lodge or tented camp.

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari – Arusha

Destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Activity: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive

After an early breakfast, travel toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for the final wildlife experience of your five-day adventure.

The crater floor contains several different habitats including grassland, woodland, wetlands and freshwater areas. Its relatively concentrated wildlife population makes the crater one of Tanzania's most popular safari destinations.

Wildlife commonly seen during a Ngorongoro safari includes wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, elephant, hippo, gazelle, hyena and lion. The crater is also one of the areas where travelers may have an opportunity to see the endangered black rhinoceros, although wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Your guide will explore different parts of the crater while explaining the wildlife, geography and ecosystem. Around midday, enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing with the game drive.

Later in the afternoon, ascend from the crater and begin the return journey to Arusha. Arrival in Arusha marks the end of your 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari with Epic Summit Safaris.

5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Safari Price Includes

Mount Meru Trekking Services

• Professional and experienced Mount Meru mountain guide
• Arusha National Park and Mount Meru trekking fees
• Armed park ranger during the Mount Meru trek where required
• Mountain rescue fees
• Porters and mountain support crew
• Cook and meal preparation during the trek
• Miriakamba Hut accommodation
• Saddle Hut accommodation
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner while trekking
• Safe drinking water during the mountain trek
• Transport between Arusha and Momella Gate

Wildlife Safari Services

• Private safari vehicle with viewing roof
• Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide
• Tarangire National Park entrance fees
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area entrance fees
• Ngorongoro Crater service fees
• Game drives as described in the itinerary
• Safari accommodation according to the selected category
• Meals during the safari as indicated in the itinerary
• Drinking water during game drives
• All scheduled road transfers

5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Safari Price Excludes

• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania visa costs
• Travel and medical insurance
• Personal trekking equipment
• Sleeping bag unless specifically included
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Personal expenses and souvenirs
• Tips for mountain guides, porters, cooks and safari guides
• Additional hotel nights before or after the package

Why Choose the 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari?

This package is designed for travelers who want to experience two different sides of Tanzania within one itinerary. Instead of choosing between a mountain adventure and wildlife safari, the five-day program combines both experiences.

Climb Tanzania's Second-Highest Mountain

Mount Meru provides a genuine high-altitude trekking experience with volcanic landscapes, forest trails, mountain huts and an exciting summit climb to Socialist Peak.

Experience Wildlife While Trekking

Because Mount Meru is located inside Arusha National Park, its lower slopes provide opportunities to observe wildlife and birdlife during the early stages of the trek.

Visit Tarangire National Park

Tarangire adds classic northern Tanzania safari scenery to the itinerary and is particularly famous for elephants, baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations.

Explore Ngorongoro Crater

The final day provides a completely different safari environment inside the Ngorongoro Crater, where numerous wildlife species inhabit a relatively compact ecosystem.

Best Time for Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari

The 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari can be organized during most months of the year. Many trekkers prefer the generally drier periods from approximately June to October and from January to February because trail and mountain conditions can be more comfortable.

Travel is also possible during other months, although rainfall can make some mountain trails wetter and more slippery. Safari conditions also change throughout the year, giving each season different landscapes and wildlife experiences.

How Difficult Is the 5 Days Mount Meru Trek?

The three-day Mount Meru itinerary is physically demanding because the summit day combines a substantial altitude gain with a long descent to Momella Gate. Travelers should have good general fitness and prepare with regular walking, hiking and cardiovascular exercise before arriving in Tanzania.

Previous technical climbing experience is normally not required, but trekkers should be comfortable walking for several hours at altitude and following the instructions of their mountain guide.

Mount Meru Trek and Safari Packing List

Recommended Mountain Equipment

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Warm insulated jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Hiking trousers
• Comfortable trekking shirts
• Daypack
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottles or hydration system
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection
• Trekking poles
• Personal toiletries

Who Is This 5-Day Tanzania Package Suitable For?

The trip is suitable for active travelers, couples, friends and small groups looking for a short Tanzania adventure that combines mountain trekking and safari. The Mount Meru section requires a reasonable level of fitness, while the final two safari days provide a more relaxed way to complete the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari cost?

The package can start from approximately US$1,550 per person depending on group size, travel dates, accommodation standard and whether the trip is private or shared. Contact Epic Summit Safaris for an exact quotation for your preferred travel date.

Which safari parks are included?

The recommended five-day itinerary combines Mount Meru with Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

How many days are spent climbing Mount Meru?

Three days are allocated to Mount Meru, followed by two wildlife safari days.

Where does the Mount Meru trek start?

The trek starts at Momella Gate inside Arusha National Park, a convenient drive from Arusha city.

What is the highest point on Mount Meru?

The main trekking summit is Socialist Peak at approximately 4,566 meters above sea level.

Is Mount Meru suitable before climbing Kilimanjaro?

Yes. Mount Meru is frequently used by trekkers as a high-altitude preparation trip before attempting Mount Kilimanjaro because it provides experience walking and sleeping at increasing elevations.

Can Epic Summit Safaris customize the itinerary?

Yes. The itinerary can be customized according to your group size, accommodation preferences, arrival schedule and additional destinations you would like to include in Tanzania.

Book Your 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari

Experience Mount Meru and some of Northern Tanzania's most impressive wildlife destinations in one carefully planned adventure. Epic Summit Safaris can arrange your mountain guides, support crew, park permits, safari vehicle, accommodation, meals and transportation from start to finish.

Contact Epic Summit Safaris for current availability, private departures, group options and the latest 5 Days Mount Meru Trek and Wildlife Safari price.