Around Kilimanjaro
Mount Meru
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, 4,566 m, inside Arusha National Park. A steep, beautiful 3–4 day climb with wildlife on the lower slopes, and the best warm-up for Kilimanjaro.
- Best: Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep, Dec
- Tailor-made
- Park fees in every price
About Mount Meru
Why go to Mount Meru
Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, 4,566 m, inside Arusha National Park. A steep, beautiful 3–4 day climb with wildlife on the lower slopes, and the best warm-up for Kilimanjaro.
Meru is a dormant volcano in Arusha National Park, about 70 km west of Kilimanjaro. Its last eruption was in 1910, and its collapsed crater, about 3.5 km wide, gives the summit ridge its dramatic horseshoe shape.
The climb starts among buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkeys in the forest of the national park, so an armed ranger walks with you. It climbs through heath and moorland to a bare, rocky summit with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Because it is high but shorter than Kilimanjaro, many climbers use Meru to acclimatise before the bigger mountain. Climbing permits come from Tanzania National Parks and we arrange them.
What you’ll see
Buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkeys on the lower slopes
Nearly 400 bird species in Arusha National Park
The crater rim and ash cone
Sunrise over Kilimanjaro from the summit
Forest, heath and moorland
- Height4,566 m at Socialist Peak
- Time needed3 to 4 days
- From ArushaAbout 1 hour to Momella Gate
- Best timeJun–Oct and Dec–Feb
- Our safaris hereTailor-made on request
- RegionAround Kilimanjaro
More about Mount Meru
Good to know
- Mount Meru belongs to the volcanic mountains of the eastern Rift and supplies water to the farms and towns around Arusha.
- The Momella area at its foot appears in the 1962 film Hatari!.
- The usual route is the Momella Route, with nights at Miriakamba and Saddle huts.
- Be ready for cold, wind and loose ground near the summit.
Climbs and hikes
Seasons
When to go
Driest Jun–Oct and Dec–Feb · long rains Apr–May. Best time to visit Tanzania, month by month
Where it is
Location
Distances, as the crow flies
- Arushaabout 20 km
- Kilimanjaroabout 70 km
- Tarangireabout 110 km
Road distances are longer; driving times are in the facts above.
In pictures
Photo gallery
Good to know
FAQs
How hard is Mount Meru?
It is steep, especially the summit ridge, and the final night starts early. Fit hikers manage it well; there is no technical climbing.
Why climb Meru before Kilimanjaro?
It helps your body adjust to altitude, which can improve your chances on Kilimanjaro a few days later.
Where do we sleep?
In mountain huts: Miriakamba and Saddle huts. See our pages on both.
Guest reviews
Travellers on travelling with Makini
5.0Excellent · 105+ reviews
The communication with the company was very good, and we were in good hands from the minute we arrived… we got a lot of value for the money.
Saudat N. TripAdvisor The communication with Lucas via WhatsApp was always very friendly, direct and immediate… our tour guide Aboh was very familiar with all animals and plants.
Godfrey M. TripAdvisor Great value local Tanzanian operator that provided an unforgettable safari experience.
Damas F. TripAdvisor
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