Mount Meru (4,566 m) is an active stratovolcano and forms the centrepiece of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. The mountain is often referred to as Mt Kilimanjaro’s ‘little brother’. Although the mountain is not as high as Kilimanjaro, it is just as challenging. Known for its huge cliffs, beautiful green surroundings and abundant wildlife, Mount Meru is the sixth highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania!
Climbing Mount Meru requires more technical climbing skills than the routes on Kilimanjaro. What Mount Meru ‘lacks’ in height, it makes up for in difficulty. Therefore, it is important to have some climbing experience.
Still, Mount Meru is sometimes used as warm-up for climbing Kilimanjaro, especially to acclimate the body to greater heights. If you have the time and budget to climb Meru, it is definitely worth it. The mountain isn’t climbed as often and it provides a truly unique experience.
Since Meru lies in Arusha National Park, there’s a great chance to see various animals while trekking. You’re likely to encounter giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and baboons.
Mount Meru is located about 70km (43mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. On a clear day, you can see Kilimanjaro from Mt Meru. Meru is a freestanding mountain and its location is right in the Middle of Arusha National Park. One of the main national parks of northern Tanzania.
Arusha National Park is just north of the town that wears its name: Arusha. This is the ‘safari capital’ of Tanzania and most likely even of the world. Meru is visable from Arusha on clear days and offers a nice view from the city. On hikes at the lower ends, you can overview Arusha city as a whole.
Climbing Mount Meru
In opposition to Kilimanjaro, there’s only 1 route to climb Mount Meru. So no need to figure out which route suits your style best. The one route is the way to go! Even though it’s not as high as the Kili, its a difficult climb and surely not to be taken lightly.
If you are not intending to climb Mount Meru entirely, or simply don’t have the time, then there are several dayhikes reaching lower heights on Mount Meru. These hikes are very rewarding as you’ll hike through green vegetation, surrounded by wildlife. Here you can get some real peace and quiet as its not as overrun as Kilimanjaro (dayhikes) and most likely won’t encounter many others.
When you do decide to climb Mt. Meru, you can choose to do it in 3 days or 4 days, meaning 2 or 3 nights. In opposition to the Kilimanjaro Routes, this isn’t a matter of acclimatisation as the ascend will be the same on both routes. On the 4 day climb, the descend on the last day will be a lot slower and will give you time to enjoy the surrounding areas. If you choose for the latter, you will hike down all the way from the peak to Momella Gate (starting point). This can be very challenging as it’s a very long and exhausting hike.