Mount Meru Climbing
Overview
Mount Meru at 4566 meters is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain, and one of Africa’s highest peaks.
Mount Meru is a dormant but active volcano about 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro. Unlike Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru has only one route from starting gate to the summit.
Mount Meru has two peaks, the first peak is called Little Meru, which is 3801 meters high. The second peak, which is also the summit, is called Socialist Peak (4566 meters).
Dubbed Mount Kilimanjaro’s little brother, Mount Meru offers a challenging and rewarding trekking experience. Most people think of Mount Meru as only good for getting people ready to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, however, Mount Meru stands alone as a unique, challenging, and beautiful experience even when you are not preparing yourself for Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is a much quieter climb and there is a lot more wildlife to be seen and the sense of remoteness and solitude is much stronger than Mount Kilimanjaro.
Where Is Mount Meru?
How Is The Meru Climb Experience Like?
In some places, the climb will be quite steep. You will be at a high altitude so you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness such as headaches.
You will sleep in large-size huts at both Miriakamba and Saddle. The huts at Miriakamba and Saddle are comfortable, and it is not as cold as on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Throughout the climb, you will be accompanied by a ranger who will possess a gun to protect you from wild animals. You will still have your porters and guide as climb support crew.
Summit attempt begins around midnight. You will hike up a narrow, barren ridge only to be welcomed by stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several hundred meters below in the crater. You will reach the summit around sunrise.
You don’t have to reach the summit to have great views. Great views can be experienced from the first camp – Miriakamba to the base camp – Saddle Hut. Notable views are those of Mount Kilimanjaro, the two Mount Meru peaks, and the clouds below you.
Why Climb Mount Meru?
Reason #1: Climb Mount Meru for acclimatization while you wait to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro climb is just 1320 meters higher than Mount Meru, hence it helps climbing Mount Meru as a way to get acclimatized for the Kilimanjaro climb.
Reason #2: Climb Mount Meru for its uniqueness and beauty
There is plenty to see and do during the hike on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts because of the great views, wild animals, beautiful and unique plants such as Fis Tree Arch. There is an incredible waterfall along the way.
Reason #3: You have a tight schedule but still need a big climbing adventure
Mount Meru is the next big climbing adventure after Mount Kilimanjaro and can be accomplished in a minimum of 3 days!. The minimum number of days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is 5 days.