Referred to as the little sister of Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is the second highest peak in Tanzania and the fifth in Africa, with an elevation 4566 m a.s.l. The mountain is believed to have first erupted 74000 years ago in a vigorous outburst that shaped its western slope. The stratovolcano is classified as a dormant volcano and lastly erupted in the 1910s. From a distance you can see the mountain’s alluring crater and cones which best represent the recent volcanic activities. Mt Meru has one of the deepest craters going down to about 1500 m. The mountain has two peaks; little Meru at 3820 m a.s.l and the socialist peak at  4562 M a.s.l. Though Mt Meru is always overshadowed by Kilimanjaro situated 56 Km on its southwest, the mountain has a whole new experience for hikers, especially for its panoramic cliffs. In addition, the mountain is part of Arusha national park and offers the best view of wildlife you can encounter while on a hiking trail. The mountain has 5 habitat zones which hikers come across along the trail:

• Savannah region with yellow fever trees and bushes in the lower reaches. This is the perfect place to come across Elands and gazelles along the trails.
• Dry montane forest. The section has alluring African pencil cedars that can go up to 30 m high.
• Mountain rainforest. The section is alluringly evergreen and is the most likely place you will encounter giraffes.
• Ericaceous zone. Contains several varieties of spectacular Erica bushes.
• Afro alpine zone. This is a rocky desert like region going on to the summit.

Importantly, Mt Meru is not a technical climb and you are just required to be physically fit to trek to the socialist peak. Mount Meru climb is the best acclimatization trek for mt Kilimanjaro, with the 4562 m elevation being high enough for you to develop altitude sickness. Unlike Kilimanjaro, which has 7 established routes, Mt Meru only has the Momela trail which starts at Momela gate.

Momela trail

This trail starts at Momela gate situated 42 km from Arusha. The starting altitude of 1500 m a.s.l is good for the hikers to acclimatize to the high altitude environment. The Momela trail is approximately 46 km long round trip trail and will require 3- 4 days to successfully summit to the socialist peak. Unlike the dense forest of Kilimanjaro popular southern routes, the trek is through Arusha national park in the momela trail is largely through partially open with views wildlife like elephants, zebras, giraffes and warthog. The trail passes through a watering hole where you might find teeming wildlife. The river Nanyukie waterfall is the most important natural feature you will encounter in this section. The forest transition to fascinating heathers and other moorland vegetations at around 3500 m a.s.l. In this zone is the little meru peak, which is soaring to 3820 m a.s.l. The peak hike is optional but an enjoyable challenge to consider in preparation for the final ascent in the socialist peak. The rocky peak is a picture perfect location where you/ your party can take images with Kilimanjaro unwaveringly on the background. The final trek to the socialist peak is quite steep, with a dramatic view of the crater and ash cones, and cliffs. There is quite a challenging ridge between the rhino point( 3800 m a.s.l) and the peak especially in windy or icy condition. However, most are the time you will be able to crossover. Importantly, Mt Meru has in the recent years have had very little glaciers in with the laast significant deposit witnessed in 1980s. Unlike in Kilimanjaro where most of the accommodation facilities are tented camps, Mt Meru has 2 huts.

• Mariakamba hut ( 2500 m a.s.l)
• Saddle Hut( 3500 m a.s.l)

Importantly, due to the presence of wildlife, hikers trekking in the momela rail must be accompanied by an armed ranger besides a porter and a guide. The armed rangers are arranged for by the Arusha national park management and could be private to your group or for several groups depending on the traffic at the given time. The guide always stays behind the last person to climb.

Shorter trails on Mount Meru

1.      Mount Meru waterfalls hike

Mount Meru waterfalls hike is the most sought after half day/ day trip in Mt Meru. The trail starts at the base of Meru begins where you can trek uphills or take a motorbike up a rocky paved road to a point some stairways. From here you hike on foot to a rocky river gorge. The trail continues along the steep river banks, clambering through rocks up to the waterfalls. The waterfall is in a panoramic sight to behold with the cascade thrusting down a towering rocky cliff amidst lush steep volcanic slope.

When is the best time to hike mount Meru?

You can climb Mt Meru any time of the year. The hut accommodations in the park are favorable all seasons, as you don’t have the fear of camping in the rain in the wet season. The mountain also hardly forms glaciers, unlike Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya. However, the dry season between June to September and January to early March is the most favored period for embarking on a hiking trail in Mt Meru. Over this period, the view of wildlife in Arusha national park is at optimal levels and the trail is easily passable. On the other hand, the rainy season is less preferred as the tracks may be quite slippery. However, hikers have a significant chance of summiting in both seasons. During the wet season, hikers have the best opportunity to sight some of the over 400 bird varieties that live in the forest.