Mount Meru

Mount Meru stands far above the surrounding woods and serengeti in northern Tanzania. Mount Meru, at 4,562 meters above sea level, is Tanzania’s second highest peak and Africa’s fifth highest. The peak attracts mountain climbers for its own merits as well as serving as a warm-up for one of the world’s Seven Summits, and is conveniently positioned just 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Kilimanjaro. The climb to the peak usually takes three to four days and starts with a drive into Arusha National Park through the Momela Gate.

After arriving at the trailhead, climbers are accompanied by an armed ranger for the first part of the route to protect them from the park’s dangerous fauna! Climbers arrive at Meriakamba Hut after five to six hours of climbing. The following day is spent climbing to Saddle Hut, with a brief stop at the peak of Little Meru to see the sunset. Summit day is the last day of the expedition. Climbers will journey beyond Rhino Point (3,800 meters/12,500 feet) and on to Cobra Point (4,350 meters/14,300 feet), where they will see the sunrise over the plains of East Africa, after receiving an early start. The rest of the day is spent hiking back to the Miriakamba lodge or the gate.