Hiking Mount Meru is one of Tanzania’s most underrated but incredibly rewarding trekking experiences. Standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-highest in Africa. Located within Arusha National Park, just a short drive from the city of Arusha, Mount Meru offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a challenging but accessible climb that is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru is a volcanic cone with a strikingly symmetrical profile, and its trek provides an exciting mix of scenic beauty and wildlife encounters. Unlike Kilimanjaro, where most of the trek is above the tree line, hikers on Mount Meru often encounter giraffes, buffalo, colobus monkeys, and a variety of birdlife right from the lower slopes. The climb begins in the lush rainforest, ascends through moorlands and alpine desert, and finishes with a thrilling ridge walk to the summit offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro on clear days.
Most Mount Meru hikes are completed over three to four days, making it a shorter and more affordable alternative to Kilimanjaro. The climb is steep and physically demanding, but it does not require any technical mountaineering skills, making it suitable for fit beginners as well as experienced hikers. The trail is less crowded than Kilimanjaro routes, providing a more peaceful and intimate mountain experience. Many trekkers also use Mount Meru as an acclimatization climb before attempting Kilimanjaro, as the altitude gain and trek profile are excellent for preparing the body for high elevations.
The best time to hike Mount Meru is during the dry seasons from June to October and from December to February when the weather is most stable and visibility is clear. Because the trek is within Arusha National Park, climbers are always accompanied by an armed ranger to ensure safety from wildlife. Along the way, overnight stays are in mountain huts, offering a basic but comfortable place to rest.
Mount Meru may be less known than Kilimanjaro, but it delivers an equally impressive and more serene trekking experience. It combines adventure, wildlife, and spectacular mountain scenery into one unforgettable journey. Whether you’re climbing it as a warm-up for Kilimanjaro or seeking a unique trek of its own, hiking Mount Meru in Tanzania is a must for any nature lover or trekking enthusiast looking for something special off the beaten path.