Mount Meru Hikes

Mount Meru Hikes  : 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. On a clear day, it can be seen from Mount Kilimanjaro and is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa. Climbing Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak, is fantastic, with no traffic and an amazing wildlife experience as you hike past wild animals.

Mount Meru Key Facts:

• Tanzania’s second-tallest mountain at 4,566m
• Abundant wildlife sightings on day 1 of the climb
• Great acclimatization climb before tackling Kilimanjaro
• Ascent and descent via the Momella route over 3 days
• Dormitory-style hut accommodation,

MOUNT MERU HIKES

While Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, receives the majority of the attention when it comes to Tanzania hiking safari tour, 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 for an even bigger adventure. Climbing Mount Meru is extremely rewarding.

Mt. Meru, at 4565 meters (14,980 feet), is a more approachable climb than Kilimanjaro and makes an excellent stand-alone hike. Many trekkers use Mount Meru as an acclimatization hike before beginning their ascent of Africa’s highest peak. This increases their chances of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro and can shorten the number of days required to reach Uhuru Peak.

 Visitors to Mount Meru are more likely to see wildlife along the trail, especially early in the hike. A ranger will frequently accompany trekking groups on the first day of the journey to ensure they arrive safely at the first campsite. The path then climbs the north side of Meru’s volcanic crater before reaching the true summit. The views from the top are spectacular, especially with Kilimanjaro gleaming in the distance.

The 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.

Hikers will stay in a series of huts on their way to the summit, with basic but comfortable accommodations located at two different campsites prior to the summit, which is located at a location known as Socialist Peak.

Travelers can benefit from climbing Mount Meru in two ways. The first benefit is that it gives trekkers a chance to experience Kilimanjaro climbing on a smaller scale, offering a grand adventure for those who don’t have much free time or don’t want to deal with the higher altitude found on Kilimanjaro.

 But more importantly, it really is a great way to get ready for the more difficult challenges they’ll encounter on Kilimanjaro, eliminating some of the mystery and acclimatization process before they even set foot on the mountain. Kilimanjaro offers 3- or 4-day climbs of Mount Meru. On the lower slopes, however, clients from various parties and operators are frequently mixed together to walk with the armed ranger.

IS MOUNT MERU A VOLCANO?

Yes, Mt. Meru is a stratovolcano that is active but dormant. A volcano of the same kind as Mount Kilimanjaro. When Meru first burst into existence over 500,000 years ago, the entire eastern flank was blown apart, giving the horseshoe-shaped rim its distinctive appearance.

WHY CLIMB MOUNT MERU?

Mount Meru, despite having stunning views, a beautiful landscape, and a variety of wildlife, is frequently disregarded due to its proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, a peak that is much more well-known. But there are three main justifications for our opinion that scaling Mount Meru is a wise decision.

1. Walk with wildlife.

When do you have the chance to hike a significant African peak while going on a walking safari? The lower reaches of Mount Meru, which are located within Arusha National Park, are incredibly abundant in wildlife. Monkeys, warthogs, buffalo, a variety of birds, and, if you’re lucky, elephants and giraffes, will almost certainly be among the animals you see. It is required that you trek with an armed ranger at all times due to the large amount of wildlife on and around Meru.

2. Excellent acclimatization for Mount Kilimanjaro

A great way to get ready for Kilimanjaro is to climb Mt. Meru, which gives you a taste of what to expect on the bigger mountain. The most significant benefit, however, is that Mt. Meru can aid in your preparation for Mount Kilimanjaro. In actuality, almost all climbers who attempt speed ascents on Kilimanjaro acclimate on Mt. Meru. But do not undervalue Mount Meru. There is no doubt that it is high enough to cause altitude sickness.

With a height of 4,566 meters, Meru is a mountain in and of itself that requires your body to adjust in order to adjust to the altitude. Similar to climbing Kilimanjaro, you make the ascent during the night and arrive at the top just before dawn. Then, on the same day, you descend an astounding 2000 meters! These parallels help your body and mind get ready for Mount Kilimanjaro.

3. No Crowds on Mt. Meru

The absence of crowds, which Mount Kilimanjaro occasionally experiences, is another advantage of climbing Mount Meru. Mt. Meru, its lesser-known sibling, is a great way to avoid this and embark on a tranquil trek.

MOUNT MERU CLIMBING COST

A three-day Meru climb costs around USD 950 per person, and a four-day Meru climb costs USD 1050 per person. You can climb Mount Meru all year and choose your own travel dates, but we recommend avoiding the rainy season. The best months to climb Mount Meru are January through early March and June through October.

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.

Before 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.
• 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 the 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.

CONCLUSION

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.  Don’t forget to have fun! Feel connected to the mountain and the spiritual experience it offers.