Tanzania’s impressive landscapes offer countless trekking opportunities, but some trails remain little known, overshadowed by the more famous peaks. For adventurers seeking a unique experience away from the crowds, the Meru Crater and Kilimanjaro day hikes provide unforgettable journeys through stunning scenery and diverse wildlife.
Whether you’re exploring the dramatic landscapes of Mount Meru or hiking the foothills of Kilimanjaro, these treks promise a closer connection with nature and the thrill of discovering places few have ventured.
Kilimanjaro Day Hikes
Shira Plateau Day Trek
This trek is for those who wish to experience Kilimanjaro without having to reach the summit. The Shira Plateau affords one of the best views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciered summit.
It’s about a 2-hour drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate to complete entry formalities, then continue for another hour up to Morum Barrier Gate. Commence trekking or mountain biking through heather and moorland for an exploration of the Shira Plateau and visit the ancient collapsed Shira cone, the oldest of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanoes.
The amount of time for trekking depends on your energy levels and on what time you reach the starting point, so we recommend a very early start for up to 5 hours of hiking, or staying closer to West Kilimanjaro for a more leisurely 2-to-3-hour hike.
Marangu – Mandara Hut Day Trek
On this hike, we explore the lower reaches of Kilimanjaro that early explorers first discovered.
After formalities at the gate, you walk through dense and humid forests for up to 4 hours, and if you are lucky, you may spot the black and white Colobus monkeys in the trees. Continue until you reach the Mandara Huts at 2,743m. After your picnic lunch – and if time permits – walk to the Maundi Crater for a long view over the plains and Lake Jipe, and in the distance, the Pare and Usambara mountains. Descend to the gate to meet your driver and the drive back to your hotel.
What is included: transport from/to Arusha, WFR Nature Discovery guide, packed lunch, drinking water, all National Park fees.
Meru Crater Day Hike
Though often ignored in favour of its big sister, Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is a worthy trekker’s paradise. This massive volcano towers 10,000 feet above Arusha town, which lies at its base on the south side. The mountain endured a violent explosion in the distant past, and in its wake, the explosion left towering cliffs in a gaping U-shaped ridge facing east towards Kilimanjaro. The crater stands today in a protected amphitheatre of sorts, thousands of feet below the summit rocks. This is the backdrop of this hike, where we explore the seldom-visited Meru Crater and hike through deep forest with hidden waterfalls.
This trek into the Meru Crater is truly special because it’s one of the best opportunities in Northern Tanzania to see animals while on foot. An armed ranger comes along on this trek for safety.
You will see Cape Buffalo, Giraffe, Elephant, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Dik Dik, Warthog, Olive Baboon, Abyssinian (black & white) Colobus monkey, Sykes Monkey, and may find traces of leopard, civet cat, red duiker, and mountain duiker. The bird life is amazing here! Total trekking time is from 3 to 5 hours.
What is included: transport from/to Arusha, park ranger, WFR Nature Discovery assistant-guide, packed lunch, water, all park fees.
On all treks you should bring a day bag to carry water, lunch, and other necessities. Sun and rain protection is a must, as well as good walking shoes and trekking poles if necessary.
Book your trek
All of our trips are custom designed and we take your interests and budget into account while planning your trip.
To find out more or book a trek with Nature Discovery contact us now.
