At a height of 4,562 m, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest on the African Continent. Its distinct appearance was formed around 250 000 years ago by a tremendous volcanic eruption that destroyed the entire eastern flank, leaving a horseshoe-shaped crater. Not only does Mt Meru boast impressive views and diverse vegetation, it also gives you the chance to see some wildlife in the form of a walking safari. On your trek you might come across large game such as giraffes, buffaloes, baboons, elephants, antelopes and colobus monkeys. As the vegetation changes from dense mountain rainforest into heather and moorland and finally alpine desert, the frequency of animals you will see becomes scarcer, shifting your focus from animals to landscape. You will be accompanied by an armed park ranger on your tour. The mountain became well known mainly because it is only 70 km from Mount Kilimanjaro. Mt. Meru has become a popular “warm up” trek for Kilimanjaro climbers. It offers you a taste of what you can expect on Kili:
- You trek in a group with porters, cook and guides,
- You climb through different vegetation zones over several days,
- You start your summit attempt around midnight and reach the peak around sunrise,
- You then descend an awesome 2000 meters on the same day, very similar to your Kilimanjaro summit day.
Most importantly, at a height of 4562 metres (14967 feet) Mt. Meru requires your body to make changes to adapt to the altitude.
4 Day Mount Meru itinerary
There is only one official route to the summit of Meru – the ‘Momella route’. Although there is a 3 day (8.7 mile) option, the more popular 4 day (11.8 mile) climb is highly recommended. June and February are good months to climb with December to February being the best months for clear views of Kilimanjaro.
Elevation – 1500m to 2500m. Time: 3 – 4 hours. Habitat – Montane Forest.
You shall be transferred to Arusha National Park. Once at headquarters your papers, visa and permits will all be checked and made ready for departure. From head office you will be taken by van to the Momella Park Gate from where your trek will begin. The trail starts by winding its way through montane forest where you will see waterfalls, wildlife and some pretty oddly formed trees! An armed national park ranger will accompany you on your route. The first day of trekking will end when you reach Miriakamba hut. Unlike Kilimanjaro, accommodation on Meru consists of huts dotted up the mountain.
Elevation – 2500m to 3550m. Time: 3 – 4 hours. Habitat – Moorland
On the second day you will ascend over a 1000m to Saddle Hut at 3,550m. The air will get cooler and you may feel slightly more out of breath as the air gets thinner. Saddle Hut will be reached by early afternoon which will give you time to visit ‘Little Meru’ at 3,820m. Not only will you get great views of Kilimanjaro, but it’s a good way for your body to acclimatize to the altitude.
Elevation – 3550m to 4256m to 2500m, Time: 8 – 10 hours. Habitat – Semi Desert, Alpine Desert, Montane Forest.
Your summit ascent begins in the middle of the night at 2am. Following a quick midnight snack you trek to 3,820m where you find Rhino Point. After a quick break you then climb a further 4-5 hours where, towards the top, you will traverse the exhilarating and very narrow crater rim path! This is all rewarded as you hit the summit just before sunrise. The 360 degree views are spectacular, especially the sun rising over Kilimanjaro! Before your descent you can explore Meru’s ash cone within the crater.
Embark on a thrilling adventure with a climb of Mount Meru in Tanzania. This awe-inspiring Mount Meru Tanzania hike offers travelers an unforgettable experience amidst lush landscapes and challenging terrain. With Travel Hype Adventure, conquer Mount Meru’s summit for breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey through Tanzania’s stunning natural beauty.
