Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa. At a height of 4,562.13 metres (14,968 ft), it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest mountain peak in Africa, while being the second highest in Tanzania. Located in Arusha National Park, some people say that Meru is actually more challenging, while being much quieter than Kilimanjaro. So you do have the added benefit of experiencing more wildlife, accompanied by a stronger sense of remoteness and solitude than on the neighboring peak.
It is known as the “warm up trek” for those who want to move onto scaling Mount Kilimanjaro and prepares trekkers for Kilimanjaro with similar experiences of group treks with porters, cook and guides, experiencing different vegetation zones and terrains over several days. Summits are also attempted around midnight in order to reach the peak in time for sunrise, while descending an incredible 2000m on the same day.
Mount Meru is a fantastic hike all on its own as well, and shouldn’t only be viewed as a “warm up trek”. The Mt. Meru crater rim walk is one of the most spectacular walks you can do in Africa. Walking treks are also offered, with camping facilities and comfortable lodges available depending on guest preference.
The ascent is quite steep in places and the route to the summit passes over a number of streams, moving through grasslands, tropical rainforest, alpine meadows, moorlands and desert uplands to snow and ice. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several hundred feet below in the crater.
The most popular route used to climb Mount Meru is through the Momella Gate. It takes 4 days to go up and down the mountain. However, if you wish to go slowly and steadily, you can take 6 days.
Are you ready for your adventure? Choose to hike either one, or both of Tanzania’s mountains in comfort and safety. Let us organize it to perfectly suit you. Contact us today here!
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