MOUNT MERU

Tanzania’s Second-Highest Peak

Mount Meru stands tall at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), making it Tanzania’s second-highest mountain after Mount Kilimanjaro. Located within Arusha National Park, Meru offers an exhilarating trekking experience through diverse landscapes, wildlife habitats, and breathtaking views. Its scenic beauty, rich flora and fauna, and its proximity to Kilimanjaro make it a popular destination for both adventurers and nature lovers. The Mount Meru trek is usually done over 3 to 4 days, covering about 46 kilometers (28 miles) in total. The trek starts at Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, and each hiker is accompanied by an armed ranger due to the presence of wildlife in the lower parts of the park.

Why Climb Mount Meru?

• Stunning Scenic Variety: The trek up Mount Meru takes you through a variety of ecosystems. Starting from lush grasslands teeming with wildlife, you’ll ascend into dense rainforests, home to giant fig trees, and further up into alpine meadows and rocky ridges. The diverse landscapes offer ever-changing views as you climb higher.
• Breathtaking Views: From the summit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, the surrounding plains, and the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Watching the sunrise from the peak is a particularly magical experience, with Mount Kilimanjaro towering above the clouds on the horizon.
• Perfect Acclimatization for Kilimanjaro: Many climbers use Mount Meru as an acclimatization hike before attempting Kilimanjaro, as its altitude helps prepare the body for higher elevations.

Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters)

The trek starts with a gradual ascent through open grasslands and dense rainforest, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs. The trail winds through the forest, crossing streams and waterfalls, and eventually leads to Miriakamba Hut, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,570 meters)

The second day involves a steeper climb through lush montane forests and up the Elephant Ridge, offering stunning views of the Meru crater and the surrounding landscape. The trail leads to Saddle Hut, where you’ll spend the night. In the afternoon, you can take a short acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 meters), offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Day 3: Summit Day (Socialist Peak) and Descent to Miriakamba Hut

Summit day starts early, typically around midnight. You’ll climb steep rocky paths past Rhino Point (3,800 meters) and up to Cobra Point, followed by a narrow ridge walk to Socialist Peak (4,566 meters). The climb is challenging but incredibly rewarding. Reaching the summit at sunrise offers a breathtaking 360-degree view, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible to the east and the sprawling plains below. After taking in the views, you’ll begin your descent back to Miriakamba Hut for the night.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

The final day is a relatively easy descent back to Momella Gate, passing through the forest and savanna once again. Along the way, you may spot wildlife such as monkeys, antelopes, and various bird species.

Wildlife and Flora

Mount Meru is situated within Arusha National Park, which is rich in wildlife. During the trek, you’re likely to encounter a variety of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, bushbucks, and monkeys. You may also see birds like turacos, starlings, sunbirds, and hornbills. The lower slopes are covered in lush forests, while the higher altitudes feature heathlands and alpine vegetation.

Best Time to Climb

The best time to trek Mount Meru is during the dry seasons: from June to October and December to February. These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and great views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Trekking Difficulty

While Meru is not as tall as Kilimanjaro, it is still a challenging climb, especially on summit day when hikers ascend over 1,000 meters in altitude. The trek requires a moderate level of fitness, and the final ascent involves steep and rocky paths. However, the experience is highly rewarding, both in terms of scenery and achievement.

Mount Meru Highlights:

• Height: 4,566 meters (14,980 feet)
• Location: Arusha National Park, 70 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro
• Trek Duration: 3 to 4 days
• Wildlife: Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, elephants, warthogs, antelopes, and various primates
• Summit Views: Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and the Maasai Steppe
• Perfect for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those looking to acclimatize before Kilimanjaro