Mount Meru
5th Tallest Mountain In Africa
Tanzania Mountains
Mount Meru
Mount Meru, at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is a dormant stratovolcano located in Arusha National Park, 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mount Meru Climbing normally takes four days, but a trek to the summit can be completed in three days.
Where is mount meru?
On a clear day, it can be seen from Mount Kilimanjaro and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, depending on definition. Climbing Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second highest peak, is fantastic, with no traffic and an amazing wildlife experience as you hike past wild animals.
While Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, receives the majority of the attention when it comes to climbing in Tanzania, there are other peaks worth considering as well. The most notable of these is Mount Meru, which is located a short distance west of Kilimanjaro and serves as an excellent warm-up trek for those with the time and desire an even bigger adventure. Climbing Mount Meru is extremely rewarding.
Mount Meru Climb typically takes four days, but it is possible to complete a trek to the top in three days because acclimatization is essential even on this lower peak. Every trekking group follows the same path up the mountain, which starts at Momella Gate.
Climbing Mount Meru provides travelers with two benefits. For starters, it gives trekkers a taste of what it’s like to climb Kilimanjaro on a smaller scale, providing a grand adventure for those who don’t have much time or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro.
Everything You Need to Know About Mount Meru Tanzania
It is essential that your fully Prepared for you Meru hike, This is Why Nyange Adventure has prepared for you all the Essentails for your Mount Meru Hiking Experience
Mount Meru Climbing Safety
- Always be open and honest with us. We’re on the same team and have the same goal: to reach the summit and return safely and comfortably.
- Never pretend to be in good health if you aren’t before or during the climb.
- Before attempting the mountain, make sure you are in good physical and mental health. Prior to any climb, we recommend that you get a medical checkup.
- Most people will experience only mild altitude sickness symptoms. Your guide is knowledgeable about the symptoms and treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), High Altitude Sickness (HAS), High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
- If you experience any AMS symptoms, your guide will advise you to descend immediately.
Prior to Climbing Mount Meru
- Begin your physical preparations (hiking) at least two months in advance. Reduce your efforts in the last two weeks and rest the final days before the climb to allow your body to recover properly. Long walks in different terrain, swimming, and yoga are all recommended.
- Begin by focusing on deep, deliberate breathing. Try the Pranayama breathing technique or another that is suitable for your lungs.
- Check our packing list to ensure you have everything you need.
- You should bring some “comfort” food with you, such as chocolate and energy bars or powdered energy drinks. This might come in handy on summit night.
During Mount Meru Climb
- Be optimistic and prepared for any type of weather or surface – rainy, foggy, snowy, dusty, muddy, or loose.
- Ascend gradually. Don’t push yourself too hard.
- Take several deep, deliberate breaths.
- Communicate openly with your guide and always follow his instructions. He is the most experienced person on the mountain and is always available to help you.
- Loss of appetite is common at high altitudes. Even if you don’t feel like it, eat and drink properly.
- Mount Meru’s summit is difficult to reach at any time of day or night. The steep ascent and sheer drops in some places, as well as the cold, wind, and loose gravel surface, will necessitate your best efforts. Prepare for this challenge by conserving your mental and physical energy from the start. You will require it!
- Don’t forget to have fun! Feel connected to the mountain and the spiritual experience it offers.
Mount Meru Packing List
- Waterproof jacket and pants to carry in your day pack
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Tennis shoes or light hikers
- Pack your gear in a cloth duffel bag or large backpack
- A small day pack to carry during the hike each day we recommend you pack the following on your day pack : rain gear, 2 liters of water, camera, lunch, extra fleece jacket, passport, and money
Below is a Complete list of essential for Mount Meru Climbing
Item | Quantity |
waterproof hiking boots | 1 |
tennis shoes or light hikers | 1 |
wool or polypro socks – medium/heavyweight | 4 |
polypro shirt, sock liners and underwear | 2 of each |
polypro long underwear (top & bottom) | 1 |
hiking shorts | 1 |
hiking pants | 1 |
wool or fleece sweater/pull-over | 2 |
rain/wind-proof (Goretex) shell jacket | 1 |
insulated rain/wind (Goretex) climbing pants | 1 |
wool or fleece gloves – medium weight | 1 |
wind/waterproof gloves — heavy weight | 1 |
wool or synthetic stocking cap — windproof | 1 |
sun hat | 1 |
balaclava | 1 |
gaiters | 1 |
high quality sunglasses | 1 |
walking stick | 1 pair |
expedition pack | 1 |
day pack | 1 |
sleeping bag (rated to 0°F) | 1 |
headlamp & spare bulb | 1 |
camp towel | 1 |
pocket knife | 1 |
1 liter water bottle | 4 |
sun cream and lip balm – 30+SPF | 1 |
large plastic garbage bags and ziploc storage bags of various sizes | 1 |
lightweight toilet articles – toothbrush & paste, floss, hand cleanser, face pads | 1 |
extra batteries | 6 |
travel wallet | 1 |
Camera & film | 1 |
energy bars & snacks (energy gel/gu is best for summit day) | 2 per day |
First aid kit | |
Anti-malarial medicines | doses |
Cipro (GI, general antibiotic) | 1 dose |
Diamox (altitude) | doses |
iodine/water purification tabs | 1 bottle |
headache medicine (Ibuprofen) | as needed |
Imodium (diarrhea medicine) | as needed |
Pepto or Antacid (Rolaids) rolls (stomach acid medicine) | as needed |
Flu/sinus medicine | as needed |
Neosporin (cuts) | as needed |
Band-Aids | as needed |
moleskin for blisters | at least 3 sheets |


Best Time to Climb Mount Meru
Mount Meru can be trekked all year, but the best time to do so is during the dry season, which runs from June to the beginning of March. Learn when is the best time to climb Mount Meru. If you are considering a Mount Meru trekking tour in November or December, you should be prepared for rain. We recommend scheduling your Meru trek in January to get the best views of Africa’s snow-capped roof, Mount Kilimanjaro.
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