Mount Meru

Mount Meru, A beautiful and amazing peak called Mount Meru can be found in northern Tanzania. These dormant stratovolcanoes are part of the huge Arusha National Park. They are the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and one of the highest in Africa, after the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is about 70 kilometers west of Kilimanjaro. The mountain is often overwhelmed by its more famous neighbor, but it has its own special beauty and charm.

A lot of rivers and streams flow through the area around Mount Meru. They come from the melting snow and ice at the top of the mountain. These waterways wind through the hills and keep the plants and animals in the area alive.

They are also important to the Chagga people who live there. In terms of coordinates, Mount Meru is located at 3°14’48″S and 36°45’02″E. At 4,566 meters (14,979 feet) above sea level, it proudly stands out in the town of Arusha. There are lush tropical jungles all around it, and it is part of the larger eastern branch of the East African Rift System. This makes it a geological wonder. See the Rwenzori Mountains.

Which is better: Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru?

If you want to go hiking in Tanzania, you might not know whether to choose Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru. Kilimanjaro gets all the attention because it is Africa’s tallest mountain, but Mount Meru is also very interesting and should not be missed.

The Level of Difficulty

Mount Kilimanjaro is known for being very difficult to climb. Treks up the mountain take several days and require a lot of physical stamina. A little less difficult hiking can be found on Mount Meru, on the other hand. The climb usually takes three to four days, so it’s a good choice for people who want a shorter adventure or who have never been high-altitude hiking before. Find out when is the best time to hike Mount Meru.

Beautiful Scenery

Both mountains have beautiful views, but Mount Meru’s lush jungles, diverse plants, and charming animals make it stand out. The lower sides of Mount Meru are covered in thick vegetation, with old trees, ferns, and many kinds of wildflowers making for a beautiful scene. As you go up, the environment changes from forests to open moorland, which is a big difference. Mount Meru is a photographer’s dream because of its stunning beauty.

Meetings with Wildlife

One great thing about Mount Meru is that it has a lot of wildlife. Giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs are just some of the animals that live in the national park that surrounds the mountain. Mount Meru is also famous for the monkeys that live there, like the cute black and white colobus monkey. Seeing these animals in their natural environment makes hiking even more exciting.

Immersion in a culture

Trekking up Mount Meru is also a way to learn about other cultures. Several native groups, like the Maasai and the Arusha, live in the nearby Arusha National Park. Talking to locals and learning about their habits and way of life can make your trip more interesting and help you understand the cultural heritage of the area better.

Mount Meru’s history and what it means

Mount Meru is very important to the Chaga people who live in the area because of its history and culture. The Chaga have revered the mountain as a holy place for hundreds of years because they think it is where their ancestors lived and where their society began. Chaga folklore says that Mount Meru is the center of the universe and a link between the human world and the divine world. The Chaga think that the spirits of their ancestors live in the mountain and help guide, protect, and bring wealth to the community. A big part of Chaga ceremonies and customs is also the Meru Mountain.

People think that by climbing up the slopes of Mount Meru, they can talk to their ancestors and ask for blessings on big events like weddings, births, and harvests. For the Chaga people, Mount Meru has also been a way to find their way. Its unique shape and prominent position have helped people find their way and served as a cultural landmark, helping the Chaga in their daily lives and farming.

Mount Meru’s plants and animals

Mount Meru is a great place for nature lovers to visit because it has so many different kinds of plants and animals. The mountain’s different ecosystems are home to a huge variety of plant and animal species, making the scenery very diverse and full of life.

Mount Meru’s plants

Tropical rainforests cover the lower sides of Mount Meru. A lot of different plant species can find shade and safety under tall trees like cedar, fig, and olive. The forest floor is covered in ferns, orchids, and plants, which make it look like a kaleidoscope of colors. As you go up in elevation, the forest gives way to moorland, which is made up of heather, big lobelia, and groundsel plants. Alpine deserts cover the higher parts of the mountain, and only the toughest plants, like mosses and lichens, can live there.

Wildlife on Mount Meru

Mount Meru is full of wildlife, and hiking up its slopes is a great way to see many different species. Colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and many kinds of birds, like colorful turacos, live on the lower hills that are forested. As you go up, you might see bigger animals like giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. The rare and hard-to-find leopard also lives in the higher parts of the mountain, but it is rarely seen. Over 400 kinds of birds have been seen in the area around Mount Meru, making it a truly amazing place to watch birds.

Plan for Hiking on Mount Meru

Day 1: Go from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut.

1500m to 2500m above sea level
Three to four hours
Habitat: Forest in the mountains

Days 2 and 3: From Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

2500m to 3550m above sea level
Three to four hours
Where it lives: Moorland

Day 3: From Saddle Hut to Socialist Peak and back to Miriakamba Hut

3550m to 4256m to 2500m in height
It takes 8 to 10 hours and goes through semi-deserts, alpine deserts, and mountain forests.

Day 4: From Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate

2500 m to 1500 m above sea level
Two to three hours of time
Habitat: Forest in the mountains

How much does it cost to hike up Mount Meru?

The cost of climbing Mount Meru depends on the tour company and the number of people in the group. As a rough guide, though, the prices run from about $800 for a group climb to about $1500 for a private climb by one person.

Places to stay near Mount Meru

When starting a trip to Mount Meru, trekkers can choose from a number of different places to stay, depending on their needs and tastes. These range from simple campsites to nice hotels, so you can have a comfortable and well-rounded stay.

The Miriakamba Hut

The Miriakamba Hut is the first stop for hikers on the way to the top of Mount Meru. It is 2,514 meters (8,250 feet) above sea level. The basic accommodations and bathroom facilities in this simple but cozy mountain hut are all you need. After the first day’s walk, this is a great place to rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the area.

Saddle Hut

The Saddle Hut is the second overnight stop on the way up. It is at an elevation of 3,570 meters (11,713 feet). The hut is placed in a smart way, halfway between the lower slopes and the last push to the top. It gives hikers a nice place to rest and re-energize before the difficult try to reach the top.

The Momella Lodge

The Momella Lodge is a peaceful place to stay near the entrance to Arusha National Park for those who want a more luxurious experience. With its beautiful views of Mount Meru, this lodge is a beautiful place to stay. Because it is quiet and has beautiful grounds, it is a great place to relax and recharge before or after your hike.

Places to stay in Arusha Town

Arusha Town has a variety of places to stay for tourists who would rather stay in a more urban setting. These places cater to a wide range of budgets and tastes. This busy town has a wide range of rooms, from cheap guesthouses to high-end hotels. Arusha is also a place where many hiking trips are planned, which makes it a good place to start exploring Mount Meru and the areas around it.