
Mountain Meru
At 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) in height, Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano situated in Tanzania’s Arusha National Park, 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro. A hike to the summit of Mount Meru can be completed in three days instead of the usual four required for the climb. Depending on how you define it, it is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa and can be seen on a clear day from Mount Kilimanjaro. As you climb through wild creatures, Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, offers fantastic wildlife experiences and little to no traffic.
With a height of roughly 4,566 meters, Peak Meru is Tanzania’s second tallest mountain. It is typically thought of as the Kilimanjaro warm-up challenge. Kilimanjaro is around 1000m shorter than Meru. Every peak, including Meru, has unique characteristics, and each mountain is beautiful in its own way. No other peak in Tanzania compares to its unmatched views of wildlife and game. Kilimanjaro is around 70 kilometers to the southwest. It is a volcanic mountain that last erupted in 1910. Because there hasn’t been much activity since then, it is referred to as a dormant volcano, although eruptions are predicted to start up again shortly. It should also be noted that this mountain is the fourth-tallest in Africa.
The foothills of Mountain Meru, which is part of Arusha National Park, are abundant in wildlife, and there are many monkeys, buffaloes, birds, elephants, and giraffes there. Throughout this hike, there must always be an armed ranger present. When it comes to climbing in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, receives the most attention, but other peaks are worthwhile taking into account as well. The most notable of these is Mount Meru, which lies near Kilimanjaro to the west and makes for a fantastic pre-hike for those who have the time and are looking for a more challenging trip. Climbing Mount Meru is incredibly rewarding.
Mount Meru is a terrific stand-alone hike in and of itself and is a more manageable climb than Kilimanjaro at 4565 meters (14,980 feet) in height. Many hikers opt to climb Mount Meru as an acclimatization hike before beginning their ascent of Africa’s tallest peak. By doing this, they can shorten the time it takes to reach Uhuru Peak and boost their chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro.
Wildlife is more prevalent along the trail at Mount Meru, especially in the beginning stages of the trek. To make sure trekking groups get to the first campsite safely, a ranger frequently travels with them on the first day of the trip. The trail meanders along the north edge of the volcanic crater before reaching the actual peak of Meru. The views from the top are spectacular, especially with Kilimanjaro sparkling enticingly in the distance. Although a journey to the top of Mount Meru usually takes four days, it can be completed in three days because acclimatization is essential for success even on this lower peak. All trekking teams ascend the mountain via the same path, which starts at Momella Gate.
Before reaching the summit, at a place called Socialist Peak, hikers will stay in a succession of huts, with simple but welcoming accommodations situated at two different campsites. Travelers can benefit from two things from climbing Mount Meru. The first benefit is that it gives hikers a chance to experience Kilimanjaro climbing on a smaller scale, offering a magnificent adventure for people who don’t have much free time or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro. But more importantly, it is a great way to get ready for the more difficult tasks they’ll encounter on Kilimanjaro, eliminating part of the mystery and acclimation process before they even set foot on the mountain. Kilimanjaro offers 3- or 4-day climbs of Mount Meru. On the lower slopes, however, clients from various parties and operators are frequently mixed to hike with the armed ranger.
Driving to Momella Gate in Arusha National Park early in the morning from your lodging in Arusha or Moshi From Moshi, it takes 3 hours to drive, while from Arusha, it takes 1 hour. You will obtain your trekking permits at the gate, meet your porters, guide, cook, and game warden, and then begin climbing. You will pass through an area of wide grassland where you will have a good chance to view buffalo, warthogs, and other grazers.
After crossing the Ngare Nanyuki River, the ascent will continue through a forest of mountains. There, you will get the opportunity to witness numerous bird species as well as black and white colobus monkeys. After some time, you will arrive at Miriakamba Hut, where you will spend the night.
The second day’s climbing is quite short yet difficult. To get to the halfway point of Elephant Ridge, you must start early in the morning and climb steeply through a verdant mountain forest teeming with birds. The crater is visible there. You will reach Saddle Hut, where you will have lunch, after ascending for 3 to 5 hours. You will go on another hike to Little Meru (3794 m) in the late afternoon for breathtaking views before sunset. After that, you’ll head back to Saddle Hut for the night. To ensure that you have enough sleep for the next day’s hike, it is wise to get to bed early.
What to do before climbing Mount Meru
Start hiking as part of your physical training at least two months beforehand. Reduce your efforts in the final two weeks and take it easy in the days leading up to the climb so that your body can recuperate properly. We advise taking long, uneven-surfaced walks; swimming; and doing yoga. Start inhaling deeply and deliberately. Try pranayama breathing or any other technique that works for your lungs. Make sure you are outfitted appropriately according to our packing equipment list. Bring some “comfort” food, like chocolate and energy bars or powdered energy drinks. This could give you a boost on summit night.
As you climb Mt. Meru, make sure you:
Be upbeat and ready for any weather or surface, including rain, fog, snow, dust, muck, and loose surfaces.
Rise gradually Avoid going beyond your limits.
Take a few slow, deep breaths.
Follow your guide’s directions at all times and be open with him in your communication. He is always there to help you and is the most knowledgeable person on the mountain.
Appetite loss is frequent at high elevations.
Even if you don’t feel like it, you should eat and drink appropriately.
It is difficult to reach the summit of Mount Meru during the day or at night. Your best efforts will be required due to several steep ascents and sheer drops, as well as the cold, wind, and loose gravel surface. Get ready for this struggle and start conserving your mental and physical energy right now. Africa Adventure Vacations is the best safari company that you should choose as you explore Mountain Meru in Tanzania.