Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing?

Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing? Is climbing Mount Meru worthwhile? Mount Meru is unquestionably worthwhile to climb, not only because it is situated in the Arusha National Park and provides opportunities to see a variety of wildlife while hiking but also because it is the fifth-largest mountain in Africa and hiking on it provides both the magnificent scenery and finest preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru (4,666 m), is the centerpiece of Tanzania’s Arusha National Park. The peak is frequently referred to as the “little brother” of Mount Kilimanjaro. The mountain is just as difficult, even though it is not as tall as Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth-highest mountain in all of Africa, and it is renowned for its enormous cliffs, lush surrounds, and a variety of species.

Compared to the routes on Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru requires greater technical climbing expertise. Mount Meru makes up for its perceived lack of height with difficulty. Therefore, having some climbing experience is crucial. Even yet, Mount Meru can be utilized as a warm-up for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, particularly to adapt the body to higher altitudes. It is definitely worthwhile to climb Meru if you have the time and resources to do so. The mountain offers a totally unique experience and isn’t as frequently scaled. Meru is located in Arusha National Park, so there is a good chance that you will observe a variety of wildlife while trekking there. Among the animals you might see are baboons, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes.

You may climb Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and the fifth-tallest mountain in all of Africa, which is close to Mount Kilimanjaro. But, is the climb worthwhile? A lot of people opt to ascend Meru before Mount Kilimanjaro. They do this for a number of reasons, one of which is the existence of the mountain. Climbing mountain summits is a challenge that many people enjoy. They’re known as “peak baggers.” On every excursion, they enjoy “bagging” a brand-new peak.

To adapt to the altitude before climbing Kilimanjaro is the second reason people want to climb mount Meru. Meru is 14,968 feet tall. No mountain in the lower 48 states is taller than this. In contrast, Mount Whitney is 463 feet, or 14,505 feet, lower than Meru. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro but there isn’t a tall peak close to where you live, A few days before hiking Kilimanjaro, you can arrange to climb Meru, Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing?.

You will have a park ranger with you as you climb. Additionally, a lot of low-cost tour companies will arrange for you to climb Meru alone. We advise you to make your reservation with a respected operator because this is an unacceptable practice.

MOUNT MERU FACTS

Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano.
It shouldn’t be mistaken with India’s Meru Peak.
It is located in Tanzania’s southeast Arusha Region, 43 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro.
14,968 feet in height (4,562.13 meters).
On a clear day, visible from Mount Kilimanjaro
Our Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris start at the city of Arusha, which is to the north of Meru.
The Momella path will take you to the top. The Momella gate, on the mountain’s eastern flank, is where the trek starts.
A peak collapse some 7,800 years ago caused a significant portion of its size to vanish.
The most recent modest eruption of Meru occurred in 1910.
The numerous tiny craters and cones in the area are proof of ongoing volcanic activity.
The topographic focal point of Arusha National Park is Meru. Its lush slopes rise above the savanna in the vicinity and support a forest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including 400 kinds of birds, monkeys, and leopards.

Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing? — Climbing Mount Meru

To reach its top, you must ascent via a number of distinct vegetation zones, just like on Kilimanjaro. As you make your way up to Meru’s crater rim, though, you can see a lot more species than you can on Kilimanjaro. The mountain Meru is located in the Arusha National Safari Park. So you might see monkeys, giraffes, elephants, dik-diks, warthogs, and water buffalo while on the journey. Keep an eye out for the Hartlaub turaco or the silver-cheeked hornbill if birds are your thing, Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing?

MOUNT MERU CLIMB

DAY 01

4-6 hours; 6.2 miles; elevation: 3,330 ft.

Check into Arusha National Park before starting your tour by passing through the Momella Gate (4,921 ft.). The walk begins in the grasslands, where you can see elephants, warthogs, and water buffalo. You’ll soon start a steady climb through the mountain vegetation. For lunch, you’ll pause by the renowned fig tree. By mid-afternoon, you can see Ash Cone and Meru’s soaring cliffs up close. You will arrive at the Miriakamba Huts (8,250 feet), which are located in a picturesque grassy glade, in time to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding plains. A giraffe may pass through the camp if you’re fortunate.

DAY 2

3-5 hours; 4.9 miles; elevation: 3,460 ft.

Mornings are frequently clear, so it might be possible to see Mount Kilimanjaro. You must ascend steeply from the Miriakamba Huts to the Elephant Ridge crater rim. To get to the enormous heather in the Moorland region close to the saddle between Little Meru and the summit, one must climb a hard road through a dense montane forest. You will be greeted at Saddle Huts with a tasty meal (11,712 ft.). Your afternoon is free to relax and take in the scenery, or you can ascend to the nearby summit of Little Meru for a quick hike (12,533 ft.).

DAY 3

10 to 12 hours; 11.1 miles; elevations of +3,285 and -6,747 feet.

Around two in the morning, the summit push begins. It starts by climbing rapidly for an hour until Rhino Point (12,467 ft.). Rhino Point may be too dangerous to get through in ice or windy circumstances, yet the dawn from here is just as breathtaking as it is from Cobra Point. To get to Cobra Point in good weather, you’ll descend a little bit and continue along or close to a rocky, undulating ridge of ash and rock (14,271 ft.). The crater rim’s cliffs, the Ash Cone towering from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley are just a few of the breathtaking sights. The walk to the peak of Meru continues for another hour on a difficult path as the sun rises higher (14,997 ft.). Astonishing views may be seen from the summit.

One of the most spectacular and thrilling excursions in Africa is the hike back to Rhino Point between the crater’s sloping outside wall and the steep cliffs of the inner wall. Prior to continuing your descent to the Miriakamba Huts, where you will spend the night, have brunch and a well-deserved rest at the Saddle Huts, Is Mount Meru Worth Climbing?

DAY 4

2-4 hours; 6.2 miles; elevation: 3,330 ft.

You’ll quickly fall down a different path than you ascended. You have a decent possibility of spotting wildlife as you go through mixed forest and open grassland. Excellent views of the crater’s rim and the park’s plains may be seen from this trail. By late morning, you’ll arrive at Momella Gate. You’ll board a vehicle to return to Arusha, where it’s time to celebrate.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT MERU?

It is possible to climb Mount Meru year-round. Take on the mountain during the dry season for the best chances of success. The dry season lasts from the end of June to the beginning of March during the dry season for the best chances of success. The dry season lasts from the end of June to the beginning of March. This spans from early March to June. We advise hiking Mount Kilimanjaro from late December to February for the best weather and breathtaking vistas of its snow-covered peak, commonly referred to as “the Roof of Africa.”

Expect sporadic showers if you’re planning a Mount Meru trekking trip from mid-November to mid-December. The term “light rain season” refers to this. In Tanzania, April and May are considered to be the “strong rainy season.” Avoid climbing during these months if you can. If it rains too much while you’re climbing, the guide may decide it’s too risky and call off the climb. Although it does not frequently occur, it is something you should be aware of if you intend to reach the summit.

LAST THOUGHTS

Mount Meru is worth climbing, regardless of your level of experience with hiking. Many people think it’s more challenging than a few of the Kilimanjaro routes. You won’t be let down if you decide to include it on your schedule.