Mount Meru, which is located within the Arusha National Park, overlooking Arusha town, is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. It is an exciting mountain to climb. There are numerous animals to see on the lower slopes and vegetation zones change as you ascend.
Parts of the climb along the saddle are very steep but the views of Kilimanjaro 80km to the northeast and of the cliff face from the summit down to Meru Crater are spectacular. One does not however need technical equipment for the climb.
Mount Meru is usually scaled in 3 days / 2 nights, but since descending from summit takes about 7 hours, some climbers opt for an extra night at Mirikamba Hut which will make it a 4-day / 3 nights climb. Overnight accommodation is in alpine huts on your way up and down.
Day 1: Trek to Marikamba Hut – 3,500metres
Morning transfer to Momela Gate (1500m) to start the climb, 3 hours walk gets you to Mariakamba Hut. Afternoon explore the Meru Crater. Overnight at Mariakamba Hut.
Day 2: Trek to Little Meru – 3,820metres
Climb to Saddle Hut which will take about three hours along the steep Saddle walls. Explore Little Meru (3820m), a 1 ½ hour climb in the afternoon. Overnight at Saddle Hut
Day 3: Summit Mount Meru – 4,566metres
Early morning ascend to the summit of Mount Meru (4566m) which will take up to 5 hours and then return to Mariakamba Hut for overnight OR descend to Momela Gate (7 hours).
Although Mt Meru is usually climbed from the western side at Olkokola, it can be climbed via Little Meru. The best time to climb the mountain is between October and February, although there may be some rain in November.
