Climbing Mount Meru in Tanzania
Climb Mount Meru - Kilimanjaro's Little Brother
Mount Meru (4,566 m) is an active stratovolcano and forms the centrepiece of Arusha National Park in Tanzania. The mountain is often referred to as Mt Kilimanjaro’s ‘little brother’. Although the mountain is not as high as Kilimanjaro, it is just as challenging. Known for its huge cliffs, beautiful green surroundings and abundant wildlife, Mount Meru is the sixth highest mountain in Africa and the second highest in Tanzania!
Climbing Mount Meru requires more technical climbing skills than the routes on Kilimanjaro. What Mount Meru ‘lacks’ in height, it makes up for in difficulty. Therefore, it is important to have some climbing experience.
Still, Mount Meru is sometimes used as warm-up for climbing Kilimanjaro, especially to acclimate the body to greater heights. If you have the time and budget to climb Meru, it is definitely worth it. The mountain isn’t climbed as often and it provides a truly unique experience.
Since Meru lies in Arusha National Park, there’s a great chance of seeing various animals while trekking. You’re likely to encounter giraffes, buffalos, antelopes and baboons.
Highlights
- 4564 meters in height. Second tallest mountain in Tanzania!
- Fewer people have been at the top of Mt. Meru than on Mt. Everest.
- You CAN climb Meru by yourself or in a small team (not possible on Kilimanjaro)
- Socialist Peak (Meru's main peak)
- Very rewarding ascend at SUNRISE
- Little Meru (Meru's second highest peak at 3800m)
Mount Meru Trekking Tours
2 days climbing mount meru
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Mount Meru location
Mount Meru is about 70 km (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. On a clear day, you can see Kilimanjaro from Mount Meru. Meru is a freestanding mountain located in the middle of Arusha National Park, one of the main national parks in northern Tanzania.
Arusha National Park is just north of the town of Arusha, known as the “safari capital” of Tanzania and possibly the world. You can see Meru from Arusha on clear days, offering a nice view from the city. When hiking on the lower parts of Meru, you can see the entire city of Arusha.
Do not confuse Mount Meru in Tanzania with a mountain in India that has the same name.
Kilimanjaro vs Meru - which one should I climb?
Meru is often dismissed in favour of its bigger and more renowned neighbour, Kilimanjaro. However, Meru is the 5th tallest mountain in Africa, and Meru treks are an attraction in their own right.
Meru is far less crowded than Kilimanjaro. On Kili treks, you can sometimes feel as though you are following a conveyor belt of trekkers. This rarely happens on Meru treks.
Meru’s huts can fill up in the high season, but this is due to a lack of accommodation rather than the number of trekkers.
Mount Meru towers over Arusha National Park, and you will see an array of wildlife on your trek. On the lower slopes, you will encounter antelopes, buffalos, and other majestic animals. Your (compulsory) guide is armed to protect you from predators.
Meru treks are also much cheaper than Kili treks (around £1,000 cheaper). Meru treks are shorter than Kili treks, so the park and conservation fees don’t rack up as much.
Finally, although Meru is smaller than Kilimanjaro, it is widely considered to be a more demanding trek, so you will still have bragging rights upon your return.
Many experienced climbers decide to climb Mount Meru in preparation for a Kili trek. You may choose to acclimatise on a Meru trek before you tackle Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Rising in isolation out of the surrounding savannah to an elevation of 5,895 metres, ‘Kili’ is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
Its allure is undeniable, attracting seasoned trekkers and determined first-timers alike from all over the world. A trek to the snow capped Kibo peak is an unforgettable experience and an essential part of any Tanzanian adventure.
When to climb the mountain?
Best time to climb Mount Meru
Mount Meru can be climbed all year around. For the highest chance of succes, it’s best to take on the mountain during the dry season. The dry season is from June to the beginning of March. This runs from June to early March. For the best weather conditions and incredible views of the snow-covered peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, also known as ‘the Roof of Africa’, we recommend climbing the mountain from late December to February.
If you’re considering a Mount Meru trekking tour during November till halfway December, you should expect occasional rains. This is called the ‘light rain season’.
April and May are the so-called ‘heavy rainy season’ in Tanzania. Try to avoid climbing in these months. If it rains too much during the climb, it might be cancelled if the guide finds it too dangerous. This does not happen often, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if you plan to reach the summit
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