When is the best time to climb Mt Meru?

Like Kilimanjaro, June to October is the best. Meru is equatorial which means minimal variation between the seasons. However, there are two rainy seasons in Tanzania, the first is from March to May (short rains) and November to December (longer rains) which can make the forest track very muddy and of course, snow and/or rain higher up.

Climbing Mt Meru

Mount Meru is an active volcano of 4566 metres about 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located in the Arusha National Park about 80km/50 miles west of Kilimanjaro.

Mt Meru one of Africa's highest and most beautiful volcanoes, with a route which passes through a wide range of vegetation up into a moorland. The summit of Mt Meru at 4,565m, is reached by walking along a very narrow, barren ridge, affording one views of Ash Cone thousands of feet below in the crater and Kilimanjaro across the vast plains in Moshi. This trek is great as either a stand alone trek, or as a warm up for Kilimanjaro due to its altitude acclimatization and hiking distances. This trek is also geared towards hikers that prefer less crowds and a challenging ascent. The ascent is quite steep in places with the summit prone 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.

Because of its location in a national park, Mount Meru Tanzania is home to over 400 species of birds as well as large herds of elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, baboon, warthog, monkey and monkey. Because Mount Meru is located in the National Park, hikers must climb with an armed ranger due to the wide range of wildlife living on the mountain.

Accommodation is in mountain huts. The climb is fully portered and one walks with a guide and armed mountain game guide Note that on the mountain you have the option of a 3 or 4 trek, plus one day pre and post accommodation.

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MT MERU

Q: Is Mt Meru easier than Kilimanjaro?

The only thin that makes it "easier" is the altitude gain as it is not as high as Kilimanjaro but it is still a very step climb to summit.

Overnight in huts on the mountain

From 3 trekking days but best done in 4 days

Starts and ends at Momella Gate in Arusha National Park

Summit via Rhino Point

Mount Meru at a Glance

MOUNT MERU TREK

Day-1: Kilimanjaro International Airport arrival and transfer to hotel..

Day-2: Drive to Arusha National Park - Miriakamba

Elevation: 1,500 m to 2,500 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We arrive after about a 2 hr drive, at the Momella Gate (1,500 m) where we meet up with our porters and game ranger, and head off through the lush forest, crossing the Ngare Nanyuki river. to reach Miriakamba Hut at 8337ft / 2541m for overnight taking 4 to 5 hours. En route up, we will get views of buffalo grazing in the lush fields below us, and in the far distance, Kilimanjaro. Over night Miriakamba Hut

Day-3: Miriakamba - Saddle Hut

Elevation: 2,500m to 3,570m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath Zone
Today we ascend steeply for about 2 to 3 hours, through the lush forests full of bird song, toward Saddle Hut at 3570m. We may be fortunate to see a couple of buffalo grazing nearby as we start out. We take in an afternoon trek to Little Meru, at 3794 and return to Saddle Hut for overnight.

Day-4: Saddle Hut to Summit to Momella Gate

Elevation: 3,570m to 4,565m to 1,500m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Forest
We start out around 02h00 to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point up very steep and slippery sections. The last hour of the trek is something of a scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru to the summit of Meru, also known as Socialist Peak at 4565m, just in time to watch the to see the sun rise behind Mount Kilimanjaro. We then descend all the way back to the park Gate to be met and transferred back to our Hotel and overnight.

Day-5: Depart

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight home.

For the 4 day trek option, day 4 is as follows

Day-4: Saddle Hut to Summit to Miriakambu

Elevation: 3,570m to 4,565m to 2,541m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert to Heath Zone
We start out around 02h00 to Rhino Point and then Cobra Point up very steep and slippery sections. The last hour of the trek is something of a scramble on a rocky ridge between the crater and inner cliffs of Meru to the summit of Meru, also known as Socialist Peak at 4565m, just in time to watch the to see the sun rise behind Mount Kilimanjaro. We then descend all the way back to Miriakamba Hut at 8337ft / 2541m for overnight

Day-5: Miriakambu - Momella Gate

Elevation: 2,541m to 1,500m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Heath Zone to Forest

After breakfast, you retrace your steps down the trail past the waterfall and back down to the park gate. You are then transferred back to Moshi.

Day-6: Depart

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bELOW ARE SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WE ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED about mount meru

Is Mt Meru a technical climb?

Mt Meru is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas en route to summit.

What is the altitude of Mt Meru?

It is 4565m or 14977 ft above sea level.

Is Mt Meru easier than Kilimanjaro?

The only thing that makes it "easier" is the altitude gain as it is not as high as Kilimanjaro but it is still a very step climb to summit.

Will we have access to fresh running water at camps?

There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there.

When is the best time or months to climb Mt Meru?

The warmest months with the clearest trekking days, are from mid to late December, January, February, September and October. The rains often come in April and the start of May with the possibility of some snow. June through to August are superb trekking months, though evening temperatures tend to be colder. The wettest months are November and early December, where snowfalls are likely. Note however, that as this is a mountain it is not impossible to get sporadic snow or rainfall at odd times throughout the year, although the snow normally only falls above 4800m.

Will we see much game and wildlife on Mt Meru?

Mt Meru is in a national wildlife park and so the chance of seeing animals like Giraffe and Buffalo as well as monkeys is high. You also have to hike with an armed ranger for your safety in light of the mountain's wildlife

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How will the altitude affect me?

This is a really difficult one to answer directly - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole.

Is Mt Meru a good acclimatisation trek?

Many trekkers choose to use Mount Meru as an acclimation hike prior to starting their trek up Africa’s highest peak. Doing so increases their chances of a successful summit on Kilimanjaro and can reduce the number of days needed to climb to the summit at Uhuru Peak.

Where can I get climbing Insurance for Mount Meru?

If you are going hiking or climbing or trekking then you need extra cover for your activities. Hiking and Climbing have become popular for many adventure seekers looking to add a climb up Kilimanjaro or a trek to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna or even Island Peak to their list of amazing adventures. But any climb to high altitude carries with it a number of risks and having the correct and good trekking insurance is an absolute must. We recommend two different groups depending on which country you reside in. For further details, click on the icon

How long does it take to climb Mount Meru?

Typically Mount Meru Climb takes four days, but it can be done in 3 days to complete a trek to the top as even on this lower peak, acclimatization is the key to success. All trekking groups take the same route up the mountain, which begins at Momella Gate.

Do we stay in tents or huts on Meru?

Accommodation overnight is in dormitory style shared huts.