Mount Meru

About Mount Meru

Mount Meru is Tanzania's second-highest peak at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), located in Arusha National Park just 70km west of Kilimanjaro. This active stratovolcano offers one of East Africa's most rewarding treks, combining stunning volcanic scenery with exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Why Climb Mount Meru

Mount Meru is often called the "little brother" of Kilimanjaro, but it's a spectacular mountain in its own right. The trek passes through diverse ecosystems including montane forest (home to colobus monkeys, buffaloes, and giraffes), moorland, and alpine desert. The summit ridge walk along the crater rim is one of Africa's most dramatic — a knife-edge path with sheer drops into the volcanic crater below.

Many climbers use Meru as acclimatization before attempting Kilimanjaro, but it deserves to be climbed for its own merits. The mountain sees far fewer trekkers than Kilimanjaro, offering a more intimate wilderness experience.

The Route

There is one main route up Mount Meru — the Momella Route. The trek typically takes 3-4 days:

• Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) — through forest with wildlife
• Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,566m) — through moorland with views of the crater
• Day 3: Summit night — Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak (4,566m) and descent to Miriakamba
• Day 4: Descent to Momella Gate

Best Time to Climb

The best months are June-October (dry season) and December-February (short dry season). The mountain receives more rainfall than Kilimanjaro due to its location, so waterproof gear is essential year-round.

Wildlife on Mount Meru

Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru treks include an armed ranger due to wildlife in the lower forests. You may encounter buffalo, elephants, giraffes, colobus monkeys, and various antelope species on the first day of trekking.