Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing?

Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing? Mount Meru Is Africa’s fifth-tallest peak. It is also the second-highest mountain in Tanzania. It’s climbable and located close to Mount Kilimanjaro. Is climbing Mount Meru worth it, though? Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, many people decided to climb Meru. They have two motivations for doing this.

First, the mountain is real. Climbing mountain summits is a challenge that many find enjoyable. We call these people “peak baggers.” Every expedition they go on, they prefer to “bag” a new peak. Adjusting to the elevation before climbing Kilimanjaro is the second reason many people enjoy climbing Meru. Meru has a height of 14,968 feet. Not a single mountain in the lower 48 states is as tall as this. In contrast, Mount Whitney is 463 feet lower than Meru, at 14,505 feet.

If you don’t have access to a tall mountain nearby and you intend to climb Kilimanjaro, a few days prior to climbing Kilimanjaro, you can schedule a climb on Meru. There will be a park ranger with you as you climb. Furthermore, a lot of low-cost operators will reserve your climb on Meru without sending anyone along. We have had hikers who are disoriented or lost approach our guides with inquiries and make attempts to stay with us. We advise you to book with a trustworthy operator because this is not a recommended practice.

MOUNT MERU FACTS

Meru is a dormant stratovolcano.
It is not to be confused with Meru Peak in India.
It is located 43 miles west of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania’s southeast Arusha Region.
Height: 14,968 feet (4,562.13 meters).
Visible from Kilimanjaro on a clear day.
Meru is north of the city of Arusha, where our Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris start.
The Momella path leads to the peak. The walk begins at the Momella gate, located on the mountain’s eastern flank.
A summit collapse caused a significant portion of its size to vanish some 7,800 years ago.
Meru most recently saw a small eruption in 1910.

The presence of multiple minor cones and craters in the area indicates that volcanic activity occurs often. Meru’s caldera measures 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) wide. A caldera is a vast depression created when a volcano erupts and collapses.

Meru is Arusha National Park’s topographic showpiece. Its lush slopes rise above the surrounding savanna, supporting a forest that is home to a varied range of fauna, including 400 bird species, monkeys, and leopards.

The movie Hatari! was filmed at the foot of Meru.

To reach the peak, you must trek through numerous different vegetation zones, just like on Kilimanjaro. Unlike Kilimanjaro, Meru has a lot more wildlife to see as you ascend to its crater rim. Meru is in the middle of Arusha National Safari Park. During the journey, you may observe monkeys, giraffes, elephants, dik dik, warthogs, and water buffalo. If birds are your thing, keep a lookout for the Hartlaub turaco and the silver-cheeked hornbill.

MOUNT MERU CLIMB ITINERARY

MERU: DAY 1

4-6 hours · 6.2 miles · elevation: +3,330 ft.

Your experience begins by entering Arusha National Park and passing through the Momella Gate (4,921 ft.). The walk begins in the grasslands, where you can see water buffalo, warthogs, and elephants. Soon, you’ll begin a gradual climb into the montane forest. You’ll stop at the famed fig tree for lunch. By mid-afternoon, you have a better perspective of Meru’s high cliffs and Ash Cone. The Miriakamba Huts (8,250 ft.) are located in a picturesque grassy glade, and you’ll arrive in time to appreciate the stunning views of the surrounding plains. If you’re lucky, a giraffe might walk through the camp.

MERU: DAY 2

3-5 hours · 4.9 miles · elevation: +3,460 ft.

It is generally clear in the morning, making it easy to see Kilimanjaro. From the Miriakamba Huts, you will ascend steeply to the crater rim known as Elephant Ridge. To get to the enormous heather in the Moorland region on the saddle between Little Meru and the summit, take a difficult road through thick montane forest. A hot lunch awaits you in the Saddle Huts (11,712 feet). Your afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the views, or you can attempt the short hike to Little Meru’s summit (12,533 feet).

Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing? — mount meru peak

MERU: DAY 3

10-12 hours · 11.1 miles · elevation: +3,285 ft., -6,747 ft.

The summit assault begins about 2 a.m. It starts by rising hard for an hour to Rhino Point (12,467 feet). In icy conditions or strong gusts, it may be dangerous to proceed past Rhino Point, although the dawn from here is just as spectacular as from Cobra Point. If the weather is good, you’ll descend somewhat before continuing along or near a rugged undulating ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point (14,271 feet). The crater rim cliffs, the Ash Cone towering from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro hovering in the early clouds, and the Rift Valley all provide breathtaking vistas. As the sun rises higher, the journey continues for another hour up a difficult trail to Meru’s summit (14,997 feet). The views from the top are breathtaking.

The walk back to Rhino Point, between the crater’s sloping outer wall and the steep cliffs of the inner wall, is one of Africa’s most spectacular and exhilarating experiences. Enjoy brunch and a well-deserved respite in the Saddle Huts before continuing your descent to the Miriakamba Huts for the night.

MERU: DAY 4

2-4 hours · 6.2 miles · elevation: -3,330 ft.

You’ll drop quickly by a little different route than you took to ascend. You will go through open grassland and mixed forest, with a good opportunity to view wildlife. This hike provides wonderful views of the crater and the national park’s grasslands. You will arrive at Momella Gate about late in the morning. A car will transport you back to Arusha, where it is time to celebrate.

FINAL THOUGHTS: IS MOUNT MERU WORTH CLIMBING?

Mount Meru is worth hiking, whether you’re new to trekking or an experienced hiker. Many people believe it is more challenging than some of the trails on Kilimanjaro. If you decide to include it on your itinerary, you will not be disappointed.