Mountain Trekking Mt. Meru

Mt. Meru (4,566 m.) is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and a much underrated by mountaineers owing to its close proximity to Mt Kilimanjaro. It is a horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater with a spectacularly narrow ridge and superb all round views.

The cliffs of the inner wall below the summit are over 1500 m. high, and inside the caldera is a subsidiary peak called the Ash Cone (3,670 m.) that last erupted only 100 years ago. There is an immense variety of tree and plant life, adding considerably to the interest of the trek.

Mt. Meru is part of Arusha National Park, and the lower slopes of the mountain shelter a variety of wildlife. The routes below Miriakamba Hut are more like walking safaris than mountain climbs. Our informed guides are accompanied by armed park rangers (in case we get too close to some of the animals!). En route you are almost certain to see buffaloes, warthogs, monkeys, as well as a variety of birds. Giraffe and elephant are also quite common.

Two well maintained wooden huts that have spectacular views of Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds serve as your accommodation. Mt Meru climb is very much justified on its own merits but is also a great way to get acclimatized before trying Mt Kilimanjaro. The views of Mt Kilimanjaro as well as that of Mt. Meru crater itself, give plenty of inspiration for another mountain climb!