10-Day Classic Meru Trek & Safari Itinerary
This signature 10-day classic Meru trek and safari itinerary pairs a full 4-day Mount Meru climb with an extended Northern Circuit safari that includes the legendary Serengeti plains. After summiting Meru (4,566 m), you travel through the Ngorongoro Highlands into the heart of Serengeti National Park, then continue to the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire—creating a balanced celebration of high-altitude achievement and world-class wildlife viewing. The route is designed for travellers who want both a genuine mountain summit and the classic big-game experience of East Africa’s most famous parks.
4 days Mount Meru + 6 Day Serengeti-Ngorongoro Itinerary
Day 1: Meru Trek Day 1 – Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Enter Arusha National Park and begin the ascent with an armed ranger. Enjoy a walking safari atmosphere as you hike through grassland and forest, spotting giraffe, buffalo, baboons and other wildlife. Pass waterfalls and the arched fig tree before reaching Miriakamba Hut (4–6 hours).
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Meru Trek Day 2 – Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Climb through montane forest and into the heather zone, with a stop at Elephant Ridge for dramatic crater views. Continue to Saddle Hut (3–5 hours). Optional afternoon hike to Little Meru for extra acclimatization and panoramas of Kilimanjaro.
Overnight: Saddle Hut
Day 2 Trek Overview
Rongai Cave to Second Cave
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles) per segment
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Meru Trek Day 3 – Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m)
Midnight start for the summit push via Rhino Point and the crater rim. Reach Socialist Peak for sunrise over Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains, then descend to Miriakamba Hut (10–14 hours total).
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Meru Descent to Karatu
Hike down to Momella Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer through the highlands to Karatu town. Enjoy a comfortable night’s rest at a lodge, recovering from the climb and preparing for the safari portion.
Overnight: Karatu
Day 4 Trek Overview
Mawenzi Tarn to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 14,400 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Mawenzi Ridge to Mawenzi Tarn
Elevation: 14,400 ft to 14,160 ft
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Distance: 2 km (1 mile) each way
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karatu to Central Serengeti
Drive across the Ngorongoro Highlands and enter Serengeti National Park. Afternoon and evening game drive in the central Seronera area, famous for its year-round concentrations of wildlife.
Overnight: Central Serengeti (Seronera area)
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Full Day Central Serengeti (Seronera)
Spend the entire day tracking the big cats—lions, leopards and cheetahs—that thrive in the Seronera Valley. Explore riverine forests, kopjes and open plains for excellent predator and prey viewing.
Overnight: Central Serengeti
Day 6 Trek Overview
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles) ascent, 16 km (10 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic (ascent), Heath (descent)
Day 7: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Morning game drive in the Serengeti, then drive back toward Ngorongoro. Arrive at a crater-rim lodge in time for dinner with sweeping views over the caldera.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Day 7 Trek Overview
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 8: Ngorongoro Crater to Tarangire
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full morning game drive on the crater floor—one of the best places in Africa to see black rhino, lion, elephant and dense herds of herbivores. In the afternoon, drive to Tarangire National Park.
Overnight: Tarangire area
Day 7 Trek Overview
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 9: Full Day Tarangire National Park
Explore Tarangire’s iconic landscape of giant baobabs and the Tarangire River, a magnet for large elephant herds, zebra, wildebeest, predators and rich birdlife, especially during the drier months.
Overnight: Tarangire area
Day 7 Trek Overview
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 10: Tarangire to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Enjoy a final short morning game drive or relaxed breakfast, then transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight.
Day 7 Trek Overview
Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 20 km (12 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meru + Safari Highlights and Tips
This classic 10-day journey delivers a rewarding Meru summit followed by the full Northern Circuit highlights—Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire—creating a memorable combination of mountain adventure and premier wildlife safari.