Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain in Africa, standing at 4566m and the second highest in Tanzania. The mountain was formed about 250,000 years ago during a massive volcanic blast which left the eastern flank of the mountain with its distinctive appearance. The ascent of Mt. Meru is a wonderful experience that passes through different vegetation zones. From the dry forest of the lower regions, the path leads through a dense mountain rainforest, a scrubland, and into heath and moorland before reaching the beautiful baron alpine deserts at the top. The wildlife is diverse and impressive, with elephants, buffalos, and leopards among the game. Visitors are required to be accompanied by an armed park ranger.

The ascent starts at Arusha National Park Gate and passes through the Southern Route to Maio Falls and the picturesque meadows. A climb of approximately two hours leads to the Miriakamba Hut. The following day starts with a steep track from the Miriakamba Hut, and the gain in height makes it cooler than the previous day, making the hike easier. After a midday lunch break, there is an optional side trip to Little Meru, which offers a beautiful view of Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro. Afterward, visitors are served with a warm dinner and prepared for the following day’s climb to the summit.

On the third day, an early start is required for the climb to the summit, where visitors follow the trail through bushland and ascend the north ridge to the summit. After approximately four to five hours, the summit is reached with a fantastic view of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru’s crater. The descent follows the same route, and visitors can take a well-deserved long break and recuperate with hot soup and tea at Saddle Hut. On the fourth day, after breakfast, visitors follow the Northern Route for two to three hours to descend back to the Momella Gate.