Climbing Mount Meru is a rewarding challenge. It is often done as a warm-up trek for Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain. These iconic landmarks are only 70km/43mi apart and when climbing one, you’ll be treated to great views of the other.
A Mt Meru trek will reduce the risk of altitude sickness when climbing its bigger sister, Mt Kilimanjaro. But there are other reasons you might want to conquer this lesser-known peak.
A Mt Meru climb is one of the most spectacular treks in East Africa. And while most Kilimanjaro routes suffer from overcrowding, there is very little foot traffic on Meru.
You’ll be hiking through several vegetation zones. The forested slopes are home to a large variety of animals, including buffalo, leopard, Harvey’s red duiker, bushbuck, Kilimanjaro colobus and blue monkey. The birdlife is fantastic too, with over 400 species recorded.
At 4,562m/14,967ft, Mt Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and the fifth-highest peak in Africa. You’re not likely to experience serious altitude sickness at this height, but experiencing this altitude will help your body to adapt sufficiently for making a Kilimanjaro climb.
Don’t underestimate a Mt Meru climb. It is quite steep and technical, and a reasonable amount of fitness is required. There is only one way up, the Momella Route. It starts on the eastern side of the mountain and ascends along the northern side of the crater to the summit, the Socialist Peak.
Where is Mount Meru located
Mount Meru is located in north eastern Tanzania. Mount Meru is one of Africa’s best trekking routes due to the incredible views from its crater. Like Kilimanjaro, Meru is an active volcano, but its last minor eruption was over a century ago in 1910. Millions of years ago a major eruption blew off the top of the volcano, giving it a horseshoe shape. Its summit collapsed around 7,800 years ago and much of the volcano’s bulk was lost.
It was first summited in the early 20th century by German explorers during their colonisation of East Africa, although it is disputed whether the first successful expedition was led by Carl Uhlig in 1901 or Fritz Jaeger in 1904.
The mountain is sometimes confused with Meru Peak, a mountain in the Himalayas. However, Mount Meru in Tanzania is a safer climb, and it offers an attainable challenge for trekking enthusiasts.
Mount Meru Hikes
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