Mount Meru stands at 14,968 ft (4,562 meters), making it one of many highest mountains in Africa and the second-highest mountain in Tanzania.
This dormant stratovolcano is situated within the Arusha Area of Tanzania, 43 miles (70 km) west of its “older brother” — the famend Mt Kilimanjaro.
Whereas not as tall and widespread as Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru has a lot to supply these concerned with 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 situated? 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 develop into far more accessible, protected and comfy — virtually anybody of common bodily well being can full this reasonably paced 3-4 day trek.
You possibly can anticipate hut lodging on the mountain; it isn’t luxurious however is hotter and cozier than sleeping in a tent.
No earlier mountaineering expertise or particular gear is required to summit Mount Meru.
Sometimes, the native porters will carry most of your baggage whereas the cooks make sure you take pleasure in tasty meals every day.
It may be a good suggestion to guide prematurely and ask your tour operator concerning the logistics.
Steadily Requested Questions
The place is Mt Meru situated?
Like Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru is situated in northern Tanzania, East Africa. The 2 peaks stand 43 miles (70 km) aside, however on a transparent day, it is simple 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 middle of the Arusha National Park, well-known for its numerous wildlife, together with leopards, monkeys, and over 400 species of birds.
The mountain slopes rise above the savannah and are coated by lush forests that give approach to sparser vegetation and rocky landscapes as you attain the summit.
The Kilimanjaro Worldwide Airport is barely 35 miles (60 km) away, and it is simple to get to the start line of Meru climb from Arusha city.
Is it a volcano?
Sure, Mt Meru is a big stratovolcano, identical to Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Fuji in Japan. However don’t be concerned; this volcano is dormant. The final time it had a minor eruption was in 1910.
You possibly can inform there was extra volcanic exercise previously 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 previously, for instance, volcanic rock of varied shapes.
On the high of Mount Meru, additionally, you will see its giant horseshoe caldera, which shaped throughout an infinite eruption many hundreds 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 have been German mountaineers, and it is disputed to today which made the primary official ascent to the summit.
Associated: Easy methods to Put together for Excessive Altitudes
How excessive is Mt Meru?
Meru stands at an altitude of 14,968 ft (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 shortly.
Because of this Mount Meru trekking journeys are normally 3-4 days; they permit for good acclimatization and guarantee a really excessive success fee.
What climbing routes can be found on Mt Meru?
On Mount Meru at the moment, 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 by the savannah part that modifications into the rainforest as you climb greater.
On the second day, you’ll proceed the ascent by the forest part to the Saddle Hut (11,700 ft / 3,566 m). At this altitude, vegetation turns into rarer and shorter.
You may usually 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 usually 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 as a result of altitude in your method 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 explanation why climbing Mt Meru in Tanzania may be a wonderful thought on your African journey.
It is glorious preparation for summiting Kilimanjaro and a unbelievable climb in its personal proper.
Not as Tough or Costly as Kilimanjaro
Whereas many vacationers come to Tanzania particularly to overcome the famend Mount Kilimanjaro — the tallest mountain in Africa, the Mount Meru climb will not be essentially inferior.
You will see that fewer vacationers on Meru (widespread routes on Kili are crowded through the peak season), and the climb is neither as lengthy nor as difficult because the Kilimanjaro expedition.
Whereas all Kilimanjaro routes besides one do not need hut lodging, you need not fear about sleeping in a tent when climbing Meru.
For those who’re intimidated by the tallest mountain in Africa or do not need sufficient time in your trip, then Meru is a good possibility.
As well as, it’s considerably extra reasonably priced in comparison with Kilimanjaro; climbing Mount Meru is an efficient worth.
A lot 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 atmosphere, together with antelope, buffalo, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, and, with some luck, elephants and leopards.
To make your journey protected and defend the animals from poaching, an armed ranger will accompany your group as much as the Saddle Hut.
As well as, you’ll have spectacular views of Africa’s magnificent landscapes.
One other spectacular sight not often talked about is the evening sky with shiny 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 atmosphere, so your Kilimanjaro climb shall be smoother.
Mt Meru climb is a unbelievable addition to any safari
Lastly, climbing Mt Meru can develop into the spotlight of your safari journey.
A lot of Tanzania’s gorgeous pure reserves are situated comparatively near the mountain, making such a mix notably engaging.
This manner, you can expertise a broader vary of experiences that Tanzania can provide!
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This story is dropped at you in partnership with Altezza Journey.
Ellen is a Tanzania-based journey author. She is obsessed with exploring each nook of this lovely East African nation and loves sharing her experiences with new or potential vacationers by her writing. Her ongoing aim is to climb one mountain, anyplace on the earth, yearly.
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