Mount Meru

Mount Meru


Destination Description

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and third in East Africa. This mountain is in north Tanzania in Arusha national Park in the west of Mt Kilimanjaro. It is a good acclimatization point for those who want to attempt Kilimanjaro. Mount meru is surrounded the green vegetation in its lower part with wildlife experience and has an amazing landscapes and great view of Arusha city. For those who don’t have much time to climb Kilimanjaro should attempt mount Meru climbing. The mountain is estimated to occurs 250,000 years ago after or during volcanic eruption. It is unique mountain which start with ideal of safari and experience wildlife like Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, warthogs, impalas, Gazelles, Baboon, Monkeys, lions and so many other animals. The park is also home of birdlife such as flamingos in some lake in the parks and other approximately 300 hundred species of birds. Standard climbing required for mount Meru is 4days climb, although possibly for 3days as well and is accompanied by armed ranger for wildlife protection.

The first day takes hikers through the misty rain forest where the famous arched fig tree is located. During this stretch, colobus monkeys and the occasional buffalo are often seen. Depending on the weather, visitors might be lucky to see the Momella lakes and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. The night will be spent at the Miriakamba Hut.

Today the hikes will take to heather moorland zone that is home to moss covered trees is entered. Hikers also have the option to summit little Meru at 3,820 m. The night will be spent at the Saddle Hut.

The summit attempt usually starts around midnight, ensuring hikers have plenty of time to reach the summit by sunrise. As is to be expected, this is the most difficult part of the climb as the path after Rhino point is quite narrow and steep. This part includes some climbing stages and hikers are advised to tread carefully.

From Socialist Peak at 4,566 m hikers should be able to enjoy the beautiful views from the peak as well as see the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance as the sun rises. From the peak hikers will descend via Miriakamba Hut down to the gate.