Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in southeast Arusha Region, Tanzania. 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 of the highest mountain peaks of Africa, dependent on definition.

Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is also the highest mountain/point in Arusha Region. The Momella route – which starts at Momella gate, on the eastern side of the mountain – is used to climb Mount Meru.

Much of its bulk was lost about 7,800 years ago due to a summit collapse. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru's caldera is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) wide.

Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards.

The movie Hatari! was filmed at the foot of Mountain Meru.

Facts about climbing Mount Meru

• Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566m

• Dormitory style hut accommodation

• Abundant wildlife sightings on the first day of the trek

• Great acclimatization option before climbing Kilimanjaro

• Ascent and descent via the Momela route

Trekking Mount Meru

Tanzania’s second-highest peak, Mt Meru, stands at 4566 meters. It’s a magnificent volcanic cone with one of East Africa’s most picturesque and rewarding climbs, featuring a thrilling walk along the knife-edge of the crater rim, despite being eclipsed by Kilimanjaro in hikers’ eyes. At 2000 meters, Mt Meru begins its ascent from a 20-kilometer-wide circular base. The upper part of the mountain is formed like a big horseshoe because a section of the wall has broken away at 2500m. The inner wall below the top has cliffs that are more than 1500 meters high, making it one of Africa’s highest. Recent volcanic eruptions inside the crater have formed a secondary peak known as the Ash Cone, which adds to the crater’s size.

Where is Mount Meru and how to get there?

Mount Meru, located in Arusha is only 40 minutes away from the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is around 60 kilometers (35 miles) away. The Mountain itself is a stone’s throw away from Arusha town and can be easily seen any time of the day from Arusha, weather permitting.

Why Climb Mount Meru

Climbing Mount Meru has many advantages than people think. There are many reasons to climb this beautiful mountain that stands out of the crowd and towers into the clouds of  Arusha town and is about 70 km from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.

One of the reasons why you should choose to climb Mount Meru is the tranquility that comes with the route that leads to the summit. Unlike the more popular Mount Kilimanjaro which is constantly flocked by tourists, Mount Meru has fewer climbers plying its route. You will be sure to avoid traffic and have a peaceful trek if you prefer a private climb. The sole reason Mount Meru is located within the Arusha National Park, you are sure to get a mini-game watching safari on your way to climbing the Mountain and on the lower slopes and environs of the mountain which have abundant wildlife like giraffes, elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, buffaloes and a variety of different bird species. Mount Meru offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the mountain and landscape of Arusha. Weather permitting, you can catch amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro from a distance coupled with a great crater rim walk that will reward you with unrivaled vistas.

How much does it cost to climb Mount Meru?

Costs for Mt Meru hikes are organized by trekking organizations in both Arusha and Moshi. For four days, most charge between US$450 and US$800. However, for approximately US$400 for a four-day, three-night journey, you can do it all on your own. You’ll also need to budget for food (which you should buy in Arusha because there’s no place to stock up near the park), as well as transportation to and from the park.

How long is Mount Meru’s Momella Route?

Mount Meru has only one designated route that leads to the peak of the Mountain. If you want to reach the summit of Mount Meru, you have the sole option of using the Momella Route, which is the official route on this mountain located in Arusha, Tanzania.  Depending on whether you are using the 3 days option or the 4-day option as the route measures 8.7 miles(14km) long for the 3 days route variation and 11.8 miles(19km) long for the 4 days variation from the base to the summit.

Tipping

The Mount Meru park rangers are paid a fixed monthly wage and get no additional compensation from the park for guiding, therefore tips are greatly appreciated. park rangers and porters here do not have high expectations when it comes to tipping here, unlike the Mount Kilimanjaro guides and porters.

If this happens while you’re already on the path, sort out a plan to keep going and report them to the nearest headquarters after you’ve reached the bottom.

A gratuity of around US$50 per group is appropriate for a good guide who has finished the entire journey with you. Tips for the cook and porter should be approximately $30 and $20, respectively. When dealing with high-end businesses, tip extra.

Porters and Guides for Mount Meru

It is necessary to hire a ranger-guide, to climb Mount Meru which may be arranged at Momella gate or a few days, weeks or months before entering Tanzania to avoid the last-minute rush and help you plan earlier. Unlike on Kilimanjaro, guides on Meru are ordinary park rangers whose job is to help (and protect) you if you come across any of the park’s buffaloes or elephants, rather than to show you the way (though they do know the route). If there aren’t enough rangers, which happens frequently, you could wind up in a bigger group than you expected. At Momella gate, porters are also offered as an option. The fee is US$10 per day per porter, payable directly to them at the end of the hike.

Mount Meru Accommodation

Accommodation For a four-day trek, there are two sets of four-bed bunkhouses (‘huts’). They’re regularly sold out, especially during the peak seasons of July–August, and December–January, so plan early. It’s also a good idea to bring a tent (though you’ll still have to pay hut fees if you camp). Bring your own stove and fuel to each bunkhouse, which includes cooking and eating space.

Best time to Trek Mount Meru

The favourable months to climb Mount Meru is during the warm and dry months between June and February with December to February being the best months when the sky is clear for viewing Kilimanjaro.

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