14 Days Mount Meru Trekking with Safari & Zanzibar

Mount Meru Trekking, Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar Holiday

Group Departure / Private Departures Are Available

Tour Duration

Tour Type

Price per Person - Based on 2 Pax

Trip Overview

Mount Meru Trekking, Safari & Zanzibar – The Ultimate Tanzania Adventure

Experience the best of Tanzania with this unforgettable journey that combines mountain trekking, thrilling safaris, and a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar.

Your adventure begins with the Mt. Meru trek in Arusha National Park, a challenging ascent to Tanzania’s second-highest peak (4,566 m). The trail winds through lush tropical forests and a breathtaking moorland landscape, leading to a narrow, rugged ridge that offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the vast Arusha National Park.

Next, it’s time for an authentic safari experience! Your journey starts in Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem known for its large elephant herds, incredible birdlife, and classic African scenery. Then, you’ll explore the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders and the best place in East Africa to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.

To complete this diverse adventure, you’ll unwind on the tropical island of Zanzibar. Here, you can soak up the sun, swim in the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or explore vibrant coral reefs through snorkeling and diving.

With unforgettable memories of Tanzania’s mountains, wildlife, and pristine beaches, you’ll return home with a deep connection to Africa’s natural beauty.

Join us for the ultimate adventure that has it all!

Why this itinerary?

“For those that can’t bear sleeping in a tent or during the wettest months, the Marangu route remains a good choice. It is, however, very busy and does not see as much of the mountain as western routes.”

Highlights

“Kilimanjaro: afro-montane forest, Mawenzi, glacial valleys and alpine desert, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa! ”

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha – briefing and welcome dinner

Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you outside and you will be taken by private transfer to your booked hotel in Arusha. Your guide will come and give you an introduction to the whole trip. In the evening you are invited to the welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Ilboru Safari Lodge, (D).

Day 2: Drive Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) – 4 to 6 hours trek

Early morning departure to Arusha National Park Momella Gate (1,500m). After the park entry formalities, we will start our trek, guided by a park ranger who will accompany us for our safety. The route passes through open grassland and offers the opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs and other wildlife. The trail continues as a steady climb through a dense tropical montane forest. We have lunch near a huge Fig Tree Arch. Our hike continues through less dense forests where there are many birds and black and white colobus monkeys. In the late afternoon, weather permitting, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), set in an idyllic grassy clearing, in time to enjoy the last rays of the afternoon sun and a beautiful view over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut, (B|L|D).

Day 3: Hike Miriakamba Hut (2514m) to Saddle Hut (3570m) – 4 to 5 hours hike

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. We slowly ascend through lush montane forests and reach Elephant Ridge halfway through the hike. From here we enjoy an excellent view of the summit ridge and the crater floor. The trail continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to Saddle Hut (3,570m) where lunch is served. Overnight at the Saddle Hut, (B|L|D).

Day 4: Hike Saddle Hut (3570m), summit Socialist Peak (4566m) and back to Miriakamba Hut (2514m) – 10 to 12 hours

We start early at around 2am and climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m). From here the path becomes demanding and requires full concentration and sure-footedness. At sunrise we reach a wavy ridge of ash and rock and we reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The view is breathtaking: the cliffs of the crater rim, the cinder cone jutting out of the crater floor, Mount Kilimanjaro seemingly floating on the morning clouds, and on a clear day you can see west to the Rift Valley. The summit of ‘Socialist Peak’ (4566m) is an hour further on a good but steep trail which can be slippery in places. After some nice summit photos we descend back down to Saddle Hut. The walk to Rhino Point in the morning light along a narrow ridge will have a different charm than the way there. After a hearty breakfast we descend back to Miriakamba Hut. Overnight at Miriakamba Hut, (B|L|D).

Day 5: Hike Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) – hotel in Arusha – approx. 3 hours hike

We take the direct route through open grassland and mixed forest with good chances of spotting wildlife. This trail offers excellent views back to the crater and across the plains of the national park. We should reach the Momella gate late in the morning. At the gate we will say goodbye to our amazing crew singing and dancing and will be driven back to Arusha. Overnight at Hotel Ilboru or similar category, (B).

Day 6: Tarangire National Park – Elephant’s paradise and then drive to Arusha – 135 km and 2.5 hrs drive

After breakfast you will be driven to Tarangire National Park. Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire is a beautiful, tranquil park in northern Tanzania, covering an area of ​​approximately 2,600 km². It is famous for its elephant trekking, bird watching and authentic safari atmosphere. With the exception of the endangered black rhino, Tarangire National Park is home to all of Tanzania’s major animals – from the tiny dik-dik to the towering African elephants and giraffes, which draw visitors from all over the world. In addition to these popular species, the park is home to three endangered animals found nowhere else in the country: the fringe-eared oryx with its graceful horns, the towering greater kudu, and the tiny Ashy starling. Overnight at Eileen’s Inn or similar category, (B|L|D).

Day 7: Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater – home of the “Big Five” – ​​105 km and approx. 2 hours drive

Early in the morning after breakfast you will be picked up by your private safari guide and drive directly to the gate of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the almost 600 m deep crater. The caldera has a diameter of up to 19 km and an area of ​​264 km². Its heavily forested rim rises 610 meters above the caldera floor at an elevation of up to 2,286 meters. The Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding highlands together form one of the most beautiful regions in Africa. The volcanic crater provides a stunning backdrop to some of Africa’s most fertile and richest pastureland. The caldera floor area is mostly open grassland and is the best place in East Africa to see the ‘Big Five’. It is home to a variety of animals including elephant, black rhino, leopard, buffalo, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and the world’s densest population of lion an idyllic picnic spot. After more exciting hours in the park, you will be driven back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Ilboru or similar category, (B|L).

Day 8: Transfer to Airport – Flight to Zanzibar Drive to Matemwe – North East Coast

Early in the morning you will be driven to the airport to fly to Zanzibar. Upon arrival you will be picked up and driven to your accommodation in Matemwe where you will spend the next few nights. Experience chalk white sandy beaches, azure blue sea and a fantastic coral reef. Located in the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar consists of the main islands of Unguja, known as Zanzibar and Pemba, and countless smaller islands. The island of Zanzibar is blessed with natural beauty and rich culture. Warm, sunny climate all year round. Its exciting history with Arab sultans, Portuguese seafarers, slave traders and European explorers have shaped the character of this island with its friendly people in a special way. Not forgetting the delicious Swahili cuisine with a wide variety of seafood. Overnight at Magic Boutique Hotel, (B).

Day 9-13: Relaxation on the beach – other activities on the island

You have time to relax here for the next few days. If you want to be active you can take part in numerous excursions including visits to the historic ‘Stone Town’, Jozani Forest, Prison Island and spice plantations. There is also a variety of adventure activities to partake in including hiking, bird watching, windsurfing, kite surfing, sea kayaking and sailing. The island also has fantastic coral reefs that are perfect for diving and snorkeling – and you might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins, green turtles and whale sharks at certain times of the year. Overnight at Magic Boutique Hotel, (B).

Day 14: Transfer to Abeid Amani Karume Airport (ZNZ) – Flight home

Free time before departure. Depending on your flight time, you will be driven back to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) for your international flight home, (B).

We reserve the right to make changes to the program due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

Legends: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

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