MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano in Arusha National Park in northern Tanzania. It is Tanzania’s second-highest peak, behind Mount Kilimanjaro, with an astounding elevation of 4,562 meters (14,968 feet). Mount Meru is regarded as one of the most scenic and rewarding trekking sites in Africa.

The peak is located about 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro and is part of the East African Rift System’s eastern branch. It has a characteristic conical shape, with a horseshoe-shaped crater at its peak known as the Meru Crater. The crater’s ash cone, termed Ash Cone, is the relics of the most recent eruption, which happened roughly 100 years ago.

As climbers ascend through several vegetation zones, Mount Meru presents an intriguing and diversified ecosystem. The lower slopes are densely forested and home to a wide range of fauna, including monkeys, antelopes, and several bird species. As the elevation rises, the forest gives way to wide moorland dominated by heather and gigantic lobelias. The scenery changes to alpine desert higher up, with limited flora and rocky terrain.

Mount Meru trekking normally takes 3 to 4 days, depending on the route taken. The Momella Route is the most popular, offering spectacular vistas and a steady rise. Because the two mountains are so close in altitude, climbing Mount Meru acts as great acclimatization for people wanting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro later.

Climbers who reach the summit of Mount Meru, known as Socialist Peak, are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding environment, including Mount Kilimanjaro and the enormous Arusha National Park. It is a difficult but doable climb that draws travelers from all over the world looking for a great trekking experience in Tanzania’s gorgeous natural settings.