Mount Meru Climb

Experience the exhilarating hiking adventure in the pristine wild

Hikers often neglect Mt Meru, the fifth highest mountain on the African continent and the second highest peak of Tanzania. Standing at 4566m at Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is a good spectacular trekking experience in itself.  Furthermore this mountain is a good site for conducting warm-up exercises before going for the Kilimanjaro hike.

The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.

Here at Mount Meru relay another stunning adventure with its volcano and wildlife around it, this offers fascinating views. Mount Meru is a dormant mountain (yet active – with the last eruption occurred in 1910). The first eruption of Mount Meru occurred 500,000 years ago. Again on Mount Meru lies one of the deepest craters with over 1,500 meters. You don’t want to miss this!

Reasons to Climb Mount Meru

For following strong reasons our African Wanderlust Adventure Experts suggest to add Mount Meru into your Tanzania adventures list. Located in the instant vicinity, this mountain attracts the most of global hikers, consequently making it a secondary hiking destination or a warm-up exercise.

First – Spectacular sceneries

The Mt Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region changes to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into scrubland. Closer to the summit, vegetation becomes less and less and gives way to alpine terrain.

The views from the summit area of Mt Meru are truly gratifying – valleys, forests and meadows, all buried in lush verdure, and magnetizing view of the Kilimanjaro peak looming on a horizon will astonish even the most experienced travellers.

Second – Wildlife sanctuary

Mount Meru is one of the few mountains of the world still densely inhabited by the wildlife, which freely roams on its slopes. As the vegetation changes so does the wildlife. During the ascent, you might come across large games such as Giraffes, Buffaloes, Baboons, Colobus monkeys and Antelopes, with some luck in your pocket, even elephants.

Third – Less crowded

Mount Meru being less popular among the hikers, gives it advantage of less crowds as you hike. Compared to the popular routes of Kilimanjaro, that is Marangu and Machame there is a chance of “traffic jams”, something that you will never experience on the trails of Meru. Mount Meru is a great solution for the relaxing hike seekers.

Fourth – Affordable price

Comparing to other hiking adventures, Hiking Mount Meru is quite an inexpensive activity. Due to that no tents are required (overnight stays on the mountain are in huts), low number of supportive crew is small, leading to travel costs reduction. Therefore, for those budgeting hikers, Meru can stand as a good and reasonable substitute.

Fifth – Extra safari tour to hiking itinerary

Tanzania being the best destination for enjoying Big five, wildlife of Tanzania is what attracts most of the visitors to this beautiful country.

Closing your safari tour with a Meru climb may be an exceptional idea to get the best of Tanzania.

Things to note during Mount Meru Adventure!

• Consider Acclimatization to the altitude!Do not take it flippantly – Mount Meru altitude is for sure enough to be the cause of altitude sickness. Follow these fundamental rules acclimatization:

• Hike gradually (suggested pace is two times slower than your ordinary one)
• Drink much water (3-4 liters per day)
• Pay attention to your expert guide
• Do not drink alcohol or too much coffee

• The professional crew will handle everything.Under the TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority), a qualified guide be supposed to accompany the hikers. The team of porters and cooks are responsible for carrying your luggage, camp organization, food preparation, etc. To promote life of local people, half of porters crew to climb Mount Meru are being hired from the Meru tribe, living within the foothills of the mountain.

NB: All our guides and porters are exclusive, individually trained professionals. The guides have Wilderness First Responder/Wilderness First Aid certifications. They know how to act in times of urgent situations and how to make your experience with African Wanderlust Adventure a lifetime experience.

• An armed ranger will be accompanying your group up to the summit camp.Just to make your stay in wild secure and protect the animals from poachers, an armed ranger will be hiking with you up to Saddle Hut Camp.