Mt Meru

Mount Meru is situated in Tanzania's Arusha National Park. Despite its small size at only 137 sq km, Arusha National Park has a large range of habitats including a miniature volcanic crater, highland rain forest, acacia woodland, a string of attractive lakes as well as the zoned habitats associated with Africa's fifth highest mountain at 4556m, Mount Meru. Arusha National Park is located an easily accessible 45 km from Arusha town and is a great way to begin your Tanzania safari.

As you climb Mount Meru you will pass through thick cloud and montane forests, acacia woodlands and grasslands, home to elephants, large herds of buffalo, bushbuck, giraffe and duiker. The park is also a good place to observe troops of pied colobus monkeys swinging high in the rain forest canopy. During the early stages of your climb you will be accompanied by an armed ranger for your protection from wild animals.

The hike up Mt Meru is more physically demanding than the more famous Kilimanjaro climb, despite being only a 3-4 day hike; some climbers use this trek as a warm-up before they climb Kilimanjaro. There is little risk of altitude sickness unless the ascent is severely rushed. Mount Meru is often overlooked by adventure-seeking travellers and is therefore not nearly as busy as Kilimanjaro. As a result, when you climb Mount Meruyou are far more likely to see forest animals and the big game that occupies the lower slopes of the mountain.

The first stage takes you through the acacia woodlands, past resident herds of buffalo and giraffe and up to the base camp hut. Technically the summit can be reached in just 2 days, but most people take 3 or 4 days when they climb Mount Meru to really explore the mountain. Rapid ascent is not recommended.

For more information on hiking, trekking and climbing Mount Meru as part of your Tanzania safari, please Contact Us for further information.