Overview
Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the country of Tanzania. At a height of 4,562.13 meters (14,968 ft), it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa. Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is the topographic centrepiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards. Mt Meru starts its steep rise from a circular base some 20km across at 2000m. At about 2500m some of the walls have broken away, so the top half of the mountain is shaped like a giant horseshoe. The cliffs of the inner wall below the summit are more than 1500m high, making them among the tallest in Africa. Inside the crater, more recent volcanic eruptions have created a subsidiary peak called the Ash Cone that adds to the scenic splendour.
Tip: once in Arusha city (the safari hub of Tanzania) you will have great views of the Mount Meru
Duration of a mount Meru hike
Although Mount Meru has been climbed in 1 day and 2 days is very reasonable, the park has a regulation stating that climbs of the mountain will take a minimum of 3 days with a recommendation for 4.
Reasons to hike mount Meru
Wildlife viewing, on the lower slopes of the mountain hikers, is likely to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, etc.
Stunning views, hiking mount Meru comes with a rewarding view of the Arusha region and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is a great option to try on and acclimatize as you prepare to hike Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru is a relatively cheaper and less challenging option to the Kilimanjaro and can be done in a shorter time frame
Best time to hike mount Meru
You can hike mount Meru all year round but during the dry season from June to early November is the best time, late January to March is also great. April and may be avoided as it is the rainy season
Getting to Mount Meru
You can fly or take a bus to Arusha, from here you can take our guided trips to Mount Meru
