A Simply Perfect Place to Get Lost

Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania at 14,980′ / 4566m. Located 70 kilometres west of Mount Kilimanjaro, it stands inside Arusha National Park. For those seeking a shorter and less busy alternative to Kilimanjaro or in preparation for a Kilimanjaro ascent, we recommend a climb to the summit of Mount Meru. It deserves respect as a formidable peak – no less stunning than it’s more famous peer and offers a challenging and highly satisfying 3- or 4-day climb. The forest on the lower slopes of Meru hosts diverse wildlife, including dik-dik, baboon, giraffe, nearly 400 species of birds, and more. For safety, a park ranger accompanies all climb teams at the lower elevations. On Meru, all hikers sleep in huts located along the trail. The final ascent starts at around midnight to reach the summit at sunrise and where one can admire views as far as Kenya.

The ascent of Mount Meru impresses with its idyllic landscape, fantastic views of Kilimanjaro, and an often quiet atmosphere without much hustle and bustle. The mountain is also excellent preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro.