Mountain Meru

Rising majestically within Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet) above sea level. Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers a breathtaking and less-crowded trekking experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Mount Meru is a stratovolcano that last erupted in 1910 and is known for its spectacular scenery, including lush rainforests, waterfalls, crater lakes, and panoramic ridges. The trek up Mount Meru is rich in wildlife encounters—hikers often spot giraffes, buffalos, colobus monkeys, and various bird species along the trail, especially in the lower forest zones.

Unlike Kilimanjaro, the Mount Meru climb requires an armed park ranger to accompany trekkers for safety due to the presence of wild animals within the park. The trail is well maintained, and the climb is typically completed in 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent acclimatization hike for those planning to summit Kilimanjaro.

The final ascent to the summit, known as Socialist Peak, is done in the early hours of the morning and rewards climbers with stunning sunrise views over Kilimanjaro and the vast plains of northern Tanzania. Its dramatic crater rim and rugged terrain make it one of the most beautiful treks in East Africa.

Mount Meru is not just a mountain; it is a journey through diverse ecosystems, cultural richness, and serene solitude—a truly underrated adventure for those seeking both challenge and tranquility.