Mount Meru is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain at 4,562 metres. It rises above Arusha inside Arusha National Park, about 70 km west of Kilimanjaro. The climb is shorter but steeper than Kilimanjaro, with wildlife on the lower slopes and a dramatic walk along the crater rim to the summit.
Meru at a glance
| Height | 4,562 m at Socialist Peak |
|---|---|
| Length | 3–4 days |
| Start | Momella Gate, about 1,500 m |
| Sleeping | Huts: Miriakamba and Saddle |
| Difficulty | Challenging; a narrow ridge near the summit |
A four-day itinerary
| Day | Stage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut (about 2,500 m) through forest and grassland |
| 2 | Miriakamba to Saddle Hut (about 3,570 m); optional walk to Little Meru (3,820 m) |
| 3 | Summit night along the crater rim to Socialist Peak, then down to Miriakamba |
| 4 | Down to Momella Gate |
Highlights
- Wildlife: giraffes, buffalo, warthogs and colobus monkeys on the lower slopes. Because of the animals, an armed ranger walks with every group.
- The crater: a sheer inner wall and a young ash cone below the summit ridge.
- Kilimanjaro at sunrise, seen from the summit across the plains.
Meru before Kilimanjaro
Many climbers do Meru first. It helps acclimatisation and builds confidence, so you start Kilimanjaro already adapted to altitude. Allow a rest day between the two. Read altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.
When to go
June to February, avoiding the long rains of April and May. Read about Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro routes.
Frequently asked questions
4,562 metres, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain.
Three or four days. Four is recommended.
Yes. Many climbers do Meru first to acclimatise before Kilimanjaro.
