Majestic Mount Meru Awaits

Mount Meru National Park

Mount Meru, rising elegantly above Arusha, is Tanzania’s second‑highest mountain and one of East Africa’s most beautiful volcanic peaks. Located within Arusha National Park, this dormant stratovolcano offers dramatic crater landscapes, lush montane forests, abundant wildlife, and exceptional trekking routes for both beginners and seasoned climbers.

Standing at 4,566 meters, Mount Meru provides a quieter, more intimate climbing experience compared to Kilimanjaro, with rich biodiversity, scenic ridges, and panoramic views of Kilimanjaro itself. Its well‑preserved ecosystems make it a paradise for hikers, bird watchers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a less crowded but equally rewarding adventure.

A Park of Volcanic Beauty & Wildlife

Arusha National Park protects the entire Mount Meru ecosystem, covering 552 square kilometers of forests, crater lakes, savannah plains, and volcanic formations. The mountain’s slopes host:

• Over 400 bird species, including turacos, hornbills, and migratory waterbirds
• Wildlife such as giraffes, buffalos, zebras, colobus monkeys, and occasionally elephants
• Lush forests, giant fig trees, waterfalls, and scenic crater viewpoints

Mount Meru is widely considered one of the most scenic climbs in Africa, offering a perfect acclimatization trek for climbers preparing for Kilimanjaro.

GETTING THERE

Reaching Mount Meru is easy and convenient:

By Air

The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi. You can also connect via domestic flights from:

• Dar es Salaam International Airport
• Zanzibar Airport
• Arusha Airport

By Road

Arusha National Park is accessible from, Arusha town (45 minutes), Moshi town, also Namanga border (Kenya)

WHAT TO DO

Mount Meru and Arusha National Park offer a variety of unforgettable experiences:

• Mount Meru Climbing (3–4 days)
• Wildlife Viewing & Walking Safaris
• Bird Watching (400+ species)
• Nature Walks & Waterfall Hikes
• Canoeing at Momella Lakes
• Cultural Tours in Arusha & Meru Villages
• Combined Meru & Kilimanjaro Packages

MOUNT MERU CLIMBING ROUTE (Momella Route)

All Mount Meru climbs follow the Momella Route, a scenic trail that passes through forests, wildlife zones, and volcanic ridges before reaching the summit at Socialist Peak.

Duration:

• 3 Days / 2 Nights
• 4 Days / 3 Nights (recommended for better acclimatization)

Why Climb Mount Meru?

• Less crowded than Kilimanjaro
• High chances of spotting wildlife during the ascent
• Stunning ridge walk with views of the crater
• Excellent acclimatization for Kilimanjaro
• Affordable and beginner‑friendly
• Dramatic sunrise views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the summit

ACCOMMODATION ON MOUNT MERu

Unlike Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru offers mountain huts at each overnight stop:

• Miriakamba Hut
• Saddle Hut

These huts provide basic but comfortable lodging with beds, dining areas, and ranger support.

COMBINED PACKAGES

Many climbers choose Mount Meru as a warm‑up for Kilimanjaro. Gowitness Africa Safaris offers:

• Mount Meru + Kilimanjaro Combo
• Mount Meru + Northern Circuit Safari
• Mount Meru + Arusha & Cultural Tours