Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania (4566 m) located 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro within Arusha National Park. Mount Meru is an active volcano although it has been sleeping for a century now. Vegetation and fauna are following shapes of the mountain. On the bottom of the mountain there are animals like giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes and warthogs. Further up on the mountain forests there lives elephants, guereza monkeys, porcupines and baboons.
The route to the summit passes through parkland, mountain forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. Finally, the summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater and Kilimanjaro in the background. Over 400 species of birds and a rich fauna guarantee an unforgettable experience.
You will climb with a professional Park Guide and porters. Accommodation is in dormitory style huts in beds. A sleeping bag is required for the huts. Climbing to the top of Mount Meru is a tough walking trip with some steep terrain. Although the mountain is not as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro it’s known to be more difficult to climb.
Mount Meru deserves its own worth. Compared to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru has many attractive features. During the hike you will see large animals and there are not too many people. Also reaching the top requires stamina, not just ability to tolerate high altitude conditions, such as in the most popular Kilimanjaro route Marangu.
