Mount Meru, at 4,566 metres, is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and Africa’s fifth-highest peak. It rises inside Arusha National Park, just west of Kilimanjaro, and is a beautiful climb in its own right as well as excellent acclimatisation for Kilimanjaro.
The usual route is a 3- or 4-day trek from Momella Gate. It passes through montane forest where buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkeys are often seen, which is why an armed ranger accompanies every group. It then climbs past the huge crater and ash cone to the narrow summit ridge, with sunrise views of Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds.
Climbs start at Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, about an hour's drive from Arusha town.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about 1.5 hours from Momella Gate.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Colobus guereza
Syncerus caffer
Giraffa tippelskirchi
Loxodonta africana
A 3- or 4-day trek from Momella Gate through forest, heath and alpine desert to the narrow summit ridge at 4,566 m, with sunrise views of Kilimanjaro.
On the way to the summit, the short climb to Little Meru (3,820 m) is excellent acclimatisation and offers views into the huge crater.
The lower slopes lie in Arusha National Park, where walks with an armed ranger pass giraffe, buffalo and colobus monkeys.
Combine your climb with a game drive to the Momella Lakes and Ngurdoto Crater.
The best time to climb, with the clearest views of Kilimanjaro from the summit ridge. December to February is warmer; June to October is cooler.
Trails become slippery and cloud often covers the mountain. April and May are best avoided.
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The usual climb takes three or four days from Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. The four-day itinerary gives more time to acclimatise and includes a climb to Little Meru. Summit day starts in the early hours to reach the top at sunrise, with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro across the plains.
Mount Meru, at 4,566 metres, is lower than Kilimanjaro, but its final section along a narrow crater ridge is steep and exposed, and some climbers find it more demanding. Many people climb Meru a few days before Kilimanjaro, as it provides excellent acclimatisation and improves their chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The lower slopes of Mount Meru lie within Arusha National Park, where buffalo, elephants and other wildlife are common. For safety, park rules require every climbing group to be accompanied by an armed park ranger, who also shares knowledge about the forest and its animals along the way.
Climbers sleep in mountain huts: Miriakamba Hut on the first night and Saddle Hut on the second. The huts have bunk beds and dining areas, and your crew prepares hot meals every day. Sleeping bags are needed, as nights on the mountain are cold.
The best time to climb is during the dry season, from June to February, when the trails are drier and the views of Kilimanjaro from the summit ridge are clearest. December to February is slightly warmer. April and May are the wettest months and are best avoided.
