Mount Meru is an active (but dormant) volcano located north of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. Therefore, it is the second-highest mountain, only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. At 4562 meters, Tanzania’ssTangania’ss highest mountain is the fourth-highest mountain in Africa. However, the ascent of Mt Meru passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region gives way to a dense mountain rainforest.
Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation consists of heath and moorland and is finally replaced by the stunning Baron alpine deserts. As the flora changes, the wildlife does so, too, which is diverse and equally impressive. You regularly encounter large game, such as elephants and buffalos, during the ascent. Due to this, it is obligatory to be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour with us.
It is a popular” warm-up” or “rek before” climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as it offers a taste of what one can expect on the mountain, but it is much more than that!
Mount Meru Key facts
- Dormitory-style hut accommodation
- Climb through different vegetation zones over several days.
- Start your summit attempt around midnight and reach the peak around sunrise.
- You then descend an incredible 2000 meters on the same day, similar to your Kilimanjaro summit day.
- Most importantly, at 4562 meters (14967 feet), Mt. Meru requires your body to make changes to adapt to the altitude.
- Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
- Excellent acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro
- Ascent and descent via the Momela route over three daysTanzania’sTanzania’sllestt mountain at 4,566m
Visitors to Mount Meru are more likely to spot wildlife along the trail, particularly in the early days of the hike. Often, a ranger will accompany trekking groups on the first day of the journey to ensure they make it safely to the first campsite.
From there, the route wanders up the north side of Meru’ssvolMeru’scraterr before approaching the actual summit. At the top, the views are outstanding, particularly with Kilimanjaro gleaming tantalizingly in the distance.
Typically, Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be completed in three days, as acclimatization is the key to success even on this lower peak. All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.
Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the top, with basic but comfortable accommodations at two different campsites, before reaching the summit, which is located at Socialist Peak.
Mount Meru Climbing offers two advantages to travelers. First, it allows trekkers to experience what it is like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, providing a grand adventure for those who don’t have it in their schedule or don’t want to climb the higher altitude.
Perhaps more importantly, it is a beautiful way to prepare for their more significant challenges, eliminating some of the mystery and acclimatization processes before ever stepping on the mountain.
We offer Mount Meru 3-day or 4-day Climbs. However, clients from different parties and operators often combine to walk with the armed ranger on the lower slopes.
