Mount Meru by Wild Planet

Mount Meru by Wild Planet

Mount Meru by Wild Planet, you witness Mount Meru rising dramatically above Arusha—the first landmark greeting you as you approach town. At 4,566 meters (14,990 ft), Mount Meru stands as Tanzania’s second-highest peak after Mount Kilimanjaro and ranks as the fifth-highest mountain in Africa.

The mountain features two main peaks: Meru Summit, the highest point, and Ash Cone, a striking secondary cone that formed inside the crater during later volcanic activity.

Climbing Mount Meru with Wild Planet

Wild Planet guides you to the summit via the Momella Route, the only official route to the top. You can complete the climb in 3 or 4 days. While the trek requires no technical climbing equipment, proper preparation for altitude gain remains essential. We encourage a steady pace to ensure safe acclimatization.

From the summit, you enjoy sweeping views of the Great Rift Valley, the western volcanoes of Kitumbeine and Mount Gelai, and—on clear days—spectacular views of neighboring Kilimanjaro, including Kibo and the Shira Plateau.

Spectacular Scenery & Diverse Landscapes

Wild Planet leads you through a remarkable range of ecosystems. Your journey begins in open savannah, where you may spot buffaloes and giraffes. As you ascend, you pass through:

• Parkland and grassland
• Lush rainforest filled with red-hot pokers and Spanish moss
• Giant heather zones and moorlands dotted with giant lobelias
• Alpine desert near the summit, where everlasting flowers bloom

The final stretch follows a narrow ridge to the summit, where you look directly down into the crater at the dramatic Ash Cone. The descent takes only a few hours through forest and grassland before returning to Arusha.

Wildlife & Birdlife

Mount Meru rises within Arusha National Park, offering exceptional wildlife viewing. With Wild Planet, your trek becomes both a mountain climb and a walking safari.

You may encounter:

• Giraffes
• White colobus monkeys
• Buffaloes
• Elephants
• Baboons
• Flamingos around the Momella Lakes

The mountain hosts over 400 bird species, including the lanner falcon, Levaillant’s cuckoo, and crowned eagle—making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers.

Geological History

Mount Meru formed after the creation of the Great Rift Valley. Millions of years ago, a massive eruption blew off the volcano’s summit, creating its distinctive horseshoe-shaped crater. Another collapse around 7,800 years ago further reshaped the mountain. Although still classified as an active volcano, its last minor eruption occurred in 1910.

Dr. Fritz Jaeger first summited Mount Meru in 1904. The local Waarusha people regard the mountain as sacred and traditionally perform annual sacrifices to pray for rainfall.

Accommodation on the Mountain

Wild Planet arranges overnight stays in well-equipped mountain huts:

• Miriakamba Hut
• Saddle Hut

Within Arusha National Park, visitors also find campsites, a rest house, and several lodges.

Mount Meru vs. Kilimanjaro – Which Should You Climb?

Many trekkers overlook Mount Meru in favor of Kilimanjaro. However, Wild Planet recommends Meru for several compelling reasons:

• Fewer crowds than Kilimanjaro
• More wildlife encounters during the trek
• Lower cost (typically significantly cheaper than Kilimanjaro climbs)
• Excellent acclimatization opportunity before attempting Kilimanjaro
• Technically demanding terrain that still offers bragging rights

Experienced climbers often summit Mount Meru to prepare for Kilimanjaro. The climb challenges you physically while reducing the health risks associated with rapid altitude gain.

Best Time to Climb

Wild Planet recommends climbing Mount Meru between October and February for the best conditions, although trekking remains possible from June to September.

Why Climb Mount Meru with Wild Planet?

Wild Planet combines expert guiding, safety-focused acclimatization, and immersive wildlife experiences to deliver a rewarding Mount Meru adventure. This trek blends classic mountain climbing with a walking safari through diverse ecosystems—offering one of Africa’s most unique and scenic trekking experiences.