11-Day Mount Meru + Wildebeest Migration Combo Itinerary
This highly flexible itinerary combines a 4-day Mount Meru climb with a carefully timed safari focused on the Great Migration. After summiting Meru (4,566 m), you move into the Northern Circuit, with Days 6–8 dynamically adjusted according to the month of travel so you are positioned exactly where the wildebeest and zebra herds are concentrated. Whether the migration is in the southern short-grass plains, the western corridor, or the northern reaches near the Mara River, the itinerary places you in the heart of the action for two full days of tracking. The journey then continues to Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara for a complete Northern Tanzania experience.
4-Day Mount Meru trek + 7 Days Migration Itinerary
Day 1: Meru Trek Day 1 – Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
Enter Arusha National Park and begin the ascent with an armed ranger. Hike through grassland and forest on a trail that doubles as a walking safari, with good chances of seeing giraffe, buffalo, baboons and other wildlife. Reach Miriakamba Hut after 4–6 hours.
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Day 1 Trek Overview
Elevation: 7,742 ft to 9,498 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 6 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 2: Meru Trek Day 2 – Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
Climb through forest and into the heather zone, pausing at Elephant Ridge for crater views. Continue to Saddle Hut (3–5 hours). Optional afternoon ascent of Little Meru for additional acclimatization.
Overnight: Saddle Hut
Day 2 Trek Overview
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 3: Meru Trek Day 3 – Summit Socialist Peak (4,566 m)
Midnight departure for the summit. Ascend via Rhino Point and the crater rim to Socialist Peak for sunrise views of Kilimanjaro, then descend to Miriakamba Hut (10–14 hours total).
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut
Day 3 Trek Overview
Elevation: 11,500 ft to 12,500 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles)
Habitat: Heath
Day 4: Meru Descent to Arusha or Karatu
Hike down to Momella Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer to a comfortable lodge in Arusha or Karatu. Enjoy a full night of rest and recovery after the climb.
Overnight: Arusha or Karatu (luxury lodge)
Day 4 Trek Overview
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Elevation: 13,800 ft to 15,190 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 15,190 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Distance: 7 km (4 miles) to Lava Tower, 3 km (2 miles) to Barranco
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Tarangire National Park
Drive to Tarangire for a full day of game viewing. Focus on the park’s large elephant herds, baobab-studded landscapes, possible leopard sightings, and excellent birdlife along the Tarangire River.
Overnight: Tarangire area
Day 5 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Tarangire to the Serengeti Migration Zone
Transfer by road or optional domestic bush flight directly to the current location of the Great Migration herds (exact area depends on the month). Afternoon game drive to begin immersing yourself among the moving wildebeest and zebra.
Overnight: Migration zone camp/lodge (location varies by season)
Day 6 Trek Overview
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km (2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 7: Full Day Great Migration Tracking
Spend the entire day embedded with the herds. Follow thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they graze and move across the plains, watching the constant interplay of predators and prey.
Overnight: Migration zone
Day 7 Trek Overview
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Crater Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 18,865 ft
Hiking Time: 0.5-1 hour
Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent, 1 km (0.6 miles) descent
Habitat: Arctic
Day 8: Second Day Migration Tracking
Continue focused tracking of the migration, with special attention to predator activity—lions, hyenas and, where relevant, crocodiles along river crossings. Maximize time in the heart of the action.
Overnight: Migration zone or begin southward movement
Day 8 Trek Overview
Elevation: 18,865 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
Habitat: Arctic to Rain Forest
Day 9: Migration Zone to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Game drive while exiting the Serengeti plains, then continue to a lodge on the Ngorongoro Crater rim. Enjoy evening views over the caldera.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Day 9 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5 W,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater Exploration
Descend into the crater for a half-day (or full-morning) game drive on the floor. Experience the dense concentration of predators and herbivores, including excellent chances of seeing black rhino, lion, elephant and large herds in one enclosed ecosystem.
Overnight: Karatu or Ngorongoro area
Day 9 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5 W,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest
Day 11: Lake Manyara to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Morning game drive in Lake Manyara National Park—known for tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, hippos and groundwater forest—followed by a direct transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.This dynamic 11-day combination delivers a genuine Meru summit followed by two full days optimally positioned for the Great Migration, plus classic visits to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara—creating one of the most rewarding mountain-and-migration experiences in Tanzania.
Day 9 Trek Overview
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5 W,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Habitat: Rain Forest