Mount Meru - Tanzania

Mount Meru is often considered a more technical climb than Mount Kilimanjaro, some even think that it is more difficult to reach the top of Meru than Mt Kilimanjaro. A Meru climb can be completed in 3 or 4 days, compared to a week on Kilimanjaro, so trekkers who are short on time should consider climbing Mount Meru. Some climbers ascend Mt Meru for acclimatization before attempting Kilimanjaro, which is a sensible choice to prepare for Kilimanjaro’s high altitude. Other, visitors want to take advantage of the opportunity to combine a walking safari in Arusha National Park with a mountain trek, which is only possible on a Mount Meru climb. Mount Meru climb is an incredible adventure only available in Tanzania and it is challenging, interesting, rewarding, and offers excellent experiences.

What you must know before climbing Mount Meru :

1. Rangers

Rangers are required for most climbing trips in Tanzania. Climbing in national parks with real wildlife is a great adventure, but dangers must also be considered. For this reason, an armed park ranger is assigned to each climbing team to accompany the team.

2. Guide

Climbing Mount Meru with a qualified guide is required. The last summit is a night climb and you certainly won't find your way in the dark on your own! Part of the ascent is done with chains attached to the mountain wall. This type of technical climbing is essential to try under the supervision of a true mountain guide.

3. Huts

All climbing teams sleep in fixed cabins during their ascent. The first cabins are the Marikamba cabins (2,514 m) and the second night the teams sleep in the Saddle Hut cabin (3,570 m). These are comfortable accommodations with lockable doors for privacy and security. The cabins are equipped with solar lights and mattresses. 4,444 cabins help preserve the environment of Mount Meru and also ensure that climbing teams have access to the most important service: water.

4. Climbing Team

Your climbing team consists of your guide, rangers, cook, and porters. The cook prepares all meals and a snack for the last night of the summit. The porters carry everything up the mountain. Tanzania has regulations to protect and defend the rights of porters, some of the regulations ensure that no porter carries more than 25 kilograms. Most teams require 23 porters for each climber on their team. 

5. Number of Days

There are two ways to climb Mount Meru (but only one route): 3 days or 4 days. The number of days of ascent is the same, the only difference is in the descent. Those who complete the 3-day route have a very long day to descend the entire mountain in one day (all with very little sleep). This can be particularly hard on the knees and is a tiring experience, especially after climbing the top of Mount Meru in the early morning.

The 4-day itinerary, on the other hand, allows for a longer rest after reaching the top of Mt Meru, and then a partial descent. Teams spend an extra night at Miriakamba Huts and complete the final trek down at a leisurely pace the next morning. This also allows for a wonderful walking safari and hike to the beautiful Tululusia Waterfall in Arusha National Park. The 4-day trek is recommended because it is better for your knees, breaks up the 33+ kilometer trek over two days, and includes a walking safari at an ideal time of day.

6. Prepare

Climbing Mount Meru is by far the most tried and true way to get used to the Kilimanjaro adventure. As we explained in our article on the importance of altitude acclimatization, adapting your body to altitude (not your physical strength and endurance)  Is critical to the success of Kilimanjaro. The longer you stay at a high altitude, the better your body will adapt. Also,  Mount Meru Trek gives a good idea of ​​what it takes to be a member of a true mountain expedition. It gives an impression of the challenge of the “main mountain” and shows you what the future adventure will be like.

Some of the reasons for visiting Tanzania

Reason 1 – Stunning scenery

Mount Meru features incredibly captivating scenic places. The trek to Socialist Peak is 4566 m/14,980 f and it offers several climatic zones,  diverse landscapes, and unparalleled scenes for wildlife photography.

The views from the summit area of Mount Meru are truly amazing with valleys, forests, and meadows, all buried in lush verdure, and magnetizing view of the Kilimanjaro peak looming on a horizon will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

Reason 2 – Rich wildlife

Mount Meru is one of the few mountains of the world still inhabited by wildlife. The hikers are likely to experience multiple encounters with different animals, including buffaloes, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes, and, with some luck in your pocket, even elephants.

Reason 3 – Mount Meru Hiking Tour is Affordable

Unlike other hiking adventures, climbing Mount Meru is quite an affordable activity. Since no tents are needed (overnight stays on Mount Meru in cabins), the number of crews is low, reducing travel costs. Therefore,  Meru can be a good and affordable alternative for those on tight budgets.

Reason 4 – Excellent addition to safari tour

The wildlife of Tanzania attracts the majority of visitors to the country. Tanzania has been voted the best wildlife viewing destination for several years in a row. At the same time, flying over half the world certainly warrants even more diverse experiences. Therefore, it may be an excellent idea to combine your safari tour with a Meru climb to experience the best of Tanzania. The best season for climbing Mount Meru is between June and February.

The mountain is the heart of Arusha National Park, and its fertile slopes tower over the surrounding savanna, supporting a forest that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, as well as monkeys and leopards. Hikers have the opportunity to see a lot of wildlife as they approach and climb the mountain.