Mount Meru stands at 14,968 toes (4,562 meters), making it one of many highest mountains in Africa and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.
This dormant stratovolcano is positioned within the Arusha Area of Tanzania, 43 miles (70 km) west of its “older brother” — the famend Mt Kilimanjaro.
Whereas not as tall and well-liked as Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru has a lot to supply these curious about a much less difficult however nonetheless thrilling and memorable climb.
As well as, climbing Mt Meru first will present the best acclimatization for these aiming to summit Mt Kilimanjaro.
What’s Mount Meru, and the place is it positioned? Who was the primary to climb it? What are the climbing routes, and how are you going to put together? And why is climbing Meru a good suggestion?
We’ll reply all these questions and extra on this transient article.
Planning Your Mount Meru Summit in Tanzania
Because the early days, the Mount Meru climb has turn out to be rather more accessible, secure and cozy — virtually anybody of common bodily well being can full this reasonably paced 3-4 day trek.
You may count on hut lodging on the mountain; it is not luxurious however is hotter and cozier than sleeping in a tent.
No earlier mountaineering expertise or particular tools is required to summit Mount Meru.
Usually, the native porters will carry most of your baggage whereas the cooks make sure you take pleasure in tasty meals day by day.
It may be a good suggestion to e book prematurely and ask your tour operator in regards to the logistics.
Regularly Requested Questions
The place is Mt Meru positioned?
Like Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is positioned in northern Tanzania, East Africa. The 2 peaks stand 43 miles (70 km) aside, however on a transparent day, it is easy to see Meru from Kilimanjaro and vice versa.
Mt Meru is north of Arusha, a metropolis within the Arusha Area of Tanzania.
Meru stands on the heart of the Arusha National Park, well-known for its various wildlife, together with leopards, monkeys, and over 400 species of birds.
The mountain slopes rise above the savannah and are lined by lush forests that give option to sparser vegetation and rocky landscapes as you attain the summit.
The Kilimanjaro Worldwide Airport is simply 35 miles (60 km) away, and it is easy to get to the start line of Meru climb from Arusha city.
Is it a volcano?
Sure, Mt Meru is a big stratovolcano, similar to Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Fuji in Japan. However don’t fret; this volcano is dormant. The final time it had a minor eruption was in 1910.
You may inform there was extra volcanic exercise prior to now by observing the craters and cones on the mountain.
The upper areas of Mount Meru even have loads of geological proof to level at volcanic exercise prior to now, for instance, volcanic rock of assorted shapes.
On the high of Mount Meru, additionally, you will see its giant horseshoe caldera, which shaped throughout an unlimited eruption many 1000’s of years in the past.
Who was the primary to climb Mt Meru?
The primary particular person to ascend Mount Meru in Tanzania greater than 100 years in the past was Carl Uhlig in 1901 or Fritz Jaeger in 1904.
Each had been German mountaineers, and it is disputed to today which made the primary official ascent to the summit.
Associated: Methods to Put together for Excessive Altitudes
How excessive is Mt Meru?
Meru stands at an altitude of 14,968 toes (4,562 meters). Whereas this peak is considerably decrease than its “older brother,” Mt Kilimanjaro, we must always not underestimate it.
Mt Meru’s peak is excessive sufficient to trigger altitude illness, particularly if climbed too rapidly.
This is the reason Mount Meru trekking journeys are normally 3-4 days; they permit for good acclimatization and guarantee a really excessive success price.
What climbing routes can be found on Mt Meru?
On Mount Meru at present, there is just one official path to the summit — the Momella Route.
Meru treks begin on the Momella Gate (4,921 ft / 1,500 m). Throughout the first day, you’ll observe the trail to Miriakamba Hut (8,250 ft / 2,514 m), going via the savannah part that modifications into the rainforest as you climb larger.
On the second day, you’ll proceed the ascent via the forest part to the Saddle Hut (11,700 ft / 3,566 m). At this altitude, flowers turns into rarer and shorter.
You may sometimes get an early begin (the perfect time is about 2 a.m.) on the third day to succeed in the summit in 5-6 hours, proper round dawn, when the scenic view from the mountain is extremely gorgeous.
The climbing group would sometimes descend to the Momella Gate on the identical day.
The trail is steep in some sections, and also you may be in need of breath because of the altitude in your approach up.
However total, it’s not a technical trek, so virtually anybody who can comfortably stroll about 6 miles (10 km) can do it.
Why Climb Mt Meru?
There are a number of the reason why climbing Mt Meru in Tanzania may be a wonderful concept in your African journey.
It is wonderful preparation for summiting Kilimanjaro and a improbable climb in its personal proper.
Not as Tough or Costly as Kilimanjaro
Whereas many vacationers come to Tanzania particularly to beat the famend Mount Kilimanjaro — the tallest mountain in Africa, the Mount Meru climb is just not essentially inferior.
You’ll discover fewer vacationers on Meru (well-liked routes on Kili are crowded throughout the peak season), and the climb is neither as lengthy nor as difficult because the Kilimanjaro expedition.
Whereas all Kilimanjaro routes besides one would not have hut lodging, you needn’t fear about sleeping in a tent when climbing Meru.
In the event you’re intimidated by the tallest mountain in Africa or would not have sufficient time in your trip, then Meru is a superb possibility.
As well as, it’s considerably extra inexpensive in comparison with Kilimanjaro; climbing Mount Meru is an efficient worth.
A number of wildlife and unimaginable surroundings
Located within the Arusha Nationwide Park, the decrease areas of Mount Meru are teeming with wildlife.
Hikers will probably encounter wild animals of their pure setting, together with antelope, buffalo, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, and, with some luck, elephants and leopards.
To make your journey secure and shield the animals from poaching, an armed ranger will accompany your group as much as the Saddle Hut.
As well as, you should have spectacular views of Africa’s magnificent landscapes.
One other spectacular sight not often talked about is the evening sky with vibrant stars, not like something you’ll be able to see in a light-polluted metropolis.
Nice warm-up earlier than the Kilimanjaro trek
The Kilimanjaro trek is infamous for its challenges, together with altitude illness and the necessity to acclimatize.
Reaching the height of Mount Meru is the right factor to do for anybody who desires to check themselves and have the perfect preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Being at the next altitude for a number of days will make your physique extra comfy within the high-mountain setting, so your Kilimanjaro climb will probably be smoother.
Mt Meru climb is a improbable addition to any safari
Lastly, climbing Mt Meru can turn out to be the spotlight of your safari journey.
A lot of Tanzania’s gorgeous pure reserves are positioned comparatively near the mountain, making such a mix notably engaging.
This manner, you’ll expertise a broader vary of experiences that Tanzania can provide!
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This story is delivered to you in partnership with Altezza Journey.
Ellen is a Tanzania-based journey author. She is captivated with exploring each nook of this lovely East African nation and loves sharing her experiences with new or potential vacationers via her writing. Her ongoing aim is to climb one mountain, wherever on the planet, yearly.
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