Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in southeast Arusha Region, Tanzania. At a height of 4,562.13 metres (14,968 ft), it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest of the highest mountain peaks of Africa, dependent on definition.
Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Meru is also the highest mountain/point in Arusha Region. The Momella route – which starts at Momella gate, on the eastern side of the mountain – is used to climb Mount Meru.
Much of its bulk was lost about 7,800 years ago due to a summit collapse. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru’s caldera is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) wide.
Mount Meru is often considered an acclimation hike to Mount Kilimanjaro, but it’s also a great destination in its own right. Located in Arusha National Park, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and offers views of the Momila and Ngorduto Crater lakes, as well as abundant wildlife including monkeys, buffaloes, and elephants.
The roads here generally take four to five days. Hikers will travel through forests and glass panels before reaching the dormant horseshoe crater of the volcano with its majestic cliffs. At 4,566 meters above sea level, Mount Meru is much lower than Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it doesn’t have glaciers at the top, it’s high enough to cause altitude sickness, so come prepared.
When to go: June to March