Region: Arusha
Height: 4566m/14,968ft
Best time to hike: Between the end of June and the middle of October.
In the shadows of Mount Kilimanjaro, rising from the savanna lays a lesser-known beauty. Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa and it is a sight to behold! This ancient dormant volcano has a unique shaped, forged 250,000 years ago by a massive volcanic blast. Forget high rises, Arusha has a mountain dominating their skyline.
Mount Meru is quite literally the centerpiece of Arusha National Park. In an area rich with natural beauty, a hiker trekking to the top of Mount Meru will pass through many unique terrains. From dry bush and dense mountain forest to heather and moorland until you reach alpine deserts. The mountain is also home to diverse wildlife – a hike to the top may quickly turn into the game viewing as you enter the territory of giraffe, monkeys, elephants, buffalos, antelope, baboons and leopards!
This Mountain is often treated as a warm-up trek to the big Kilimanjaro hike. However, hikers be warned, Mount Meru will test your limits. In many ways, the climb is more taxing and requires more skill and endurance to reach the summit. To reach the peak of Mount Meru, hikers will take the Momella route. The hike will take you anywhere from 2 to 6 days, depending on your fitness level.
Your hike will start at Momella Gate, located at 1500 meters. Already you will be treated to beautiful views of grassland and lakes. You’ll cross over the Ngare Nanyuki River and possibly spot a few elephants before you find your camp for the night. Every new chapter of the journey brings new sites, unique vistas and another climb that is sure to test your limits.