Mount Meru

Mount Meru, towering at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and one of Africa’s most scenic and rewarding trekking destinations. Located within Arusha National Park, just 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro, it provides a less crowded but equally thrilling alternative for climbers.This dormant stratovolcano features a dramatic horseshoe-shaped crater, a result of a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The summit, Socialist Peak, offers panoramic views of Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, and the surrounding plains. One of Meru’s most striking features is the Ash Cone, a secondary peak rising from the center of the crater.Unlike Kilimanjaro, Meru is rich in wildlife, as it lies within Arusha National Park. Trekkers often encounter giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, colobus monkeys, and even elephants in the lower forests. Due to the presence of wild animals, a park ranger must accompany all climbers during the trek.

The climb typically takes 3 to 4 days, following the Momella Route, the only official trail. The trek passes through lush rainforests, heather moorlands, and rocky alpine zones, offering a variety of landscapes. The final ascent along the crater rim is challenging yet rewarding, with steep ridges and breathtaking drop-offs, making it a thrilling adventure.The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry seasons, from June to October and December to February, when the weather is stable, and the views are spectacular. Many climbers use it as an acclimatization hike before attempting Kilimanjaro, but it is also a standalone adventure offering solitude, stunning scenery, and a true wilderness experience.