Mount Meru is situated in the Arusha region of Tanzania, located 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s highest mountain. It should not be confused with Mount Meru in India, which bears the same name.
Mount Kilimanjaro rises to an elevation of 4,562 meters above sea level, making it the fifth highest mountain on the African continent. Scientists believe that Mount Meru was even taller than Mount Kilimanjaro in the distant past but lost its summit when it collapsed upon itself approximately 7,800 years ago. In 1910, Mount Meru experienced a minor eruption, and the caldera at its top is about 3.5 kilometers wide.
Mount Meru features diverse landscapes, including montane forests, grasslands, moorlands, deserts, tropical rainforests, and more. These rich volcanic slopes provide a habitat for various wildlife species and birds within Arusha National Park. The park was initially established as Ngurdoto Crater National Park in 1960, and Mount Meru was incorporated into the park in 1967 when it was renamed Arusha National Park.
Climbing Mount Meru
Mount Meru is often considered a warm-up for Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent and descent of Mount Meru typically take between 3 to 4 days, providing climbers with a taste of what it’s like to climb Africa’s highest mountain.
There is only one route used for climbing Mount Meru, the Momela route, which begins at Momela Gate in Arusha National Park.
Day 1 – Mount Meru Climb
Tourists will be picked up early in the morning by their tour operators from their respective hotels and taken to the park headquarters. At the headquarters, they will receive a briefing from park authorities, and their documents, including permits, will be checked. The trek commences from Momela Park Gate, and the first ascent is very rewarding, passing through montane forests, beautiful waterfalls, and encountering various animals and birds. The first day’s climb concludes at Mariakamba Hut, where tourists will spend the night.
Day 2
On the second day, climbers ascend to 3,550 meters. Here, they can visit Little Meru at 3,820 meters, often enjoying scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The vegetation mainly consists of moorland, and climbers will spend the night at Saddle Hut. Day 2 provides ample time for rest, preparing for the challenging climb on the third day.
Day 3
Day three begins with a climb starting around 2 am. Climbers ascend to Mount Rhino Point, taking a short break before tackling a demanding climb along a narrow crater rim path. This part of the climb typically takes about 4 hours, and climbers will reach the summit just before sunrise. They can observe and capture photographs of the breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers can also explore Meru’s ash cone within the crater before descending.
Day 4
The descent takes climbers back to Momela Gate through the montane forest. Along the way, they can spot various bird species and wildlife. The descent usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on individual speed.
Tululusia Waterfalls
The magnificent Tululusia Waterfalls are located at 1,660 meters on Mount Meru. These 28-meter waterfalls cascade from a large rock perched on the foothills of the mountain. Visitors can spend time at the waterfalls, listening to the sounds of the wilderness while observing water and forest birds.
Birds
Mount Meru’s slopes are home to several bird species, including African sacred ibis, black night heron, little egret, chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, black-necked grebe, vulturine guineafowl, Egyptian goose, tufted duck, African olive pigeon, pink-backed pelican, yellow-billed stork, Hartlaub’s turaco, white-bellied bustard, grey crowned crane, red-chested flufftail, tawny eagle, purple heron, African rail, African black coucal, white-browed coucal, African palm swift, little swift, montane nightjar, dusky turtle dove, bare-faced sandgrouse, mourning collared dove, lesser flamingo, greater flamingo, yellow-necked spur fowl, African porchard, white-faced whistling duck, long-tailed cormorant, African spoonbill, crowned eagle, African skimmer, African jacana, common ringed plover, white-winged tern, white-headed vulture, long-tailed lapwing, and black-winged kite, among others.
Ujambo Wa Mbogo
Ujambo Wa Mbogo, also known as Buffalo Glade, is situated on the slopes of Mount Meru. It is primarily inhabited by hippos, although other animals occasionally visit the glade.
What to Pack
Climbing Mount Meru requires adequate preparation, and all travelers should come equipped with essential items for the climb. These items include lightweight waterproof hiking boots, ample drinking water, liner socks, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, hats, rain gear, a camera, energy-boosting snacks, gloves, a backpack, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, a first aid kit, binoculars, and any other necessary supplies.
If you prefer a less crowded experience, climbing Mount Meru is an excellent choice compared to Mount Kilimanjaro, which can sometimes become overcrowded.
Where to Stay
Tourists climbing Mount Meru can stay at the huts provided on the mountain, namely Saddle Hut and Mariakamba Hut. Additionally, tourists will need to stay in hotels around the park either the day before or after their Mount Meru climb. Here are some accommodation options they can consider:
- Meru House Lekisilia
- Pazzuri Inn Lodge
- Masai Land Safari Lodge
- Shamba Lodge
- Le Jacarandah Hotel
- The Milimani Lodge
- River Trees Country Inn
- Lemala Villa
- Mount Meru Game Lodge
- Green Mountain Lodge
- Arumeru River Lodge
- Fun Retreat Resort Hotel
- Mrimba Palm Hotel
- Burka Coffee Lodge, among others.
Best Time to Visit Mount Meru
The best time to visit Mount Meru is during the drier seasons and the warmer months of the year. Specifically, the months of June to August and December to February are favorable for climbing Mount Meru. During these periods, the trails are in good condition, avoiding slipperiness and mud. Additionally, the weather provides spectacular views while ascending the mountain, unlike during the wet season when clouds can obstruct the views.
Getting There
Mount Meru can be reached through the Momella Gate of Arusha National Park. Tourists can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and then drive to the park, which is located 60 kilometers away. The park is also 58 kilometers from Moshi town and 25 kilometers east of Arusha town.
Cost of Climbing
The cost of climbing Mount Meru with permits varies between $800 to $1500 per person, depending on the travel company you choose.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is situated on the slopes of Mount Meru, making it convenient for tourists to combine their trip to Mount Meru with a visit to Arusha National Park. Despite covering a relatively small area of 137 square kilometers, the park offers spectacular landscapes in three distinct areas.
Arusha National Park provides visitors with a good wildlife viewing experience, and some of the animals you can see in the park include black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, warthogs, bushbucks, elephants, giraffes, African cape buffalos, vervet monkeys, leopards, zebras, red duikers, hippos, and black and white colobus monkeys, among others.
Momella Lakes
The remarkable Momella Lakes are a chain of 7 alkaline lakes located in Arusha National Park. Each of these Momella Lakes is fed by underground water, resulting in the lakes having different colors. The variations in colors are due to mineral contents formed as a result of volcanic debris from a massive explosion that blew away the top of Mount Meru about 250,000 years ago. The Momella Lakes at Arusha National Park include Small Momella Lake, Big Momella Lake, Lake Kusare, Lake Lekandiro, Lake El Kakhotoito, Lake Tulisia, and Lake Rishateni.
Although animals typically don’t drink water from the Momella Lakes in the park, several antelopes are often seen grazing at the shores, and it’s home to various species of water birds. Tourists visiting Arusha National Park can also enjoy canoeing at the Momella Lakes.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Tourists often use Mount Meru as an acclimatization opportunity before attempting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is located 70 kilometers away. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
Mount Kilimanjaro has three volcanic cones: Kira, Mawenzi, and Kibo. The mountain rises to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. There are seven routes available for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
The Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes include:
- Machame Route (the most popular)
- Marangu Route (used by several tourists)
- Shira Route (known for poor acclimatization)
- Lemosho Route (provides outstanding views but is the most expensive)
- Umbwe Route (the most challenging)
- Northern Circuit Route (the longest)
- Rongai Route (the easiest).
The duration for climbing and descending Mount Kilimanjaro can vary between 5 to 9 days, depending on the chosen route and the climbing pace.
