Hiking Mount Meru : Climbing mount Meru is a thrilling adventure in the pristine wild. Most hikers often over look Mount Meru because it is being overshadowed by Mount Kilimanjaro, which is just within its vicinity. Mount Meru acts as a warm up exercise for climbing mount Kilimanjaro in addition to its rewarding trekking experience in the wild by its own right.
Trekking in Mount Meru offers the real adventure, with the slopes of this fascinating dormant volcano which its last eruption being in 1910 having panoramic vistas and bustling wildlife around it. This volcano first erupted more than 500,000 years ago, with its very first eruption exploded in the eastern side creating its peculiar appearance. The other unique feature of mount Meru is that it has one of the deepest craters with over 1,500 meters deep.
Mount Meru though being outshined by Mount Kilimanjaro which receives thousands of both local and international hikers, which majority of the hikers ignoring it completely.
Reasons why Mount Meru is a great adventure by itself
1: Stunning scenery
Mount meru which is the second tallest mountain in Tanzania have captivating scenic vistas. The trek to its peak which is at 4566 meters passes through unmatched scenes which are perfect with wildlife photography.
The views from Mount Meru summit are truly rewarding from its valleys , forests and meadows and the backdrop view of Mount Kilimanjaro peak in the looming horizon gives a view that will surprise even the seasoned travellers and hikers.
2: Rich wildlife
Located inside Arusha National park, Mount Meru remains one of the few mountains in the world which is still densely inhabited by wildlife, which are freely roaming on its slopes. The hikers are likely to experience breath-taking views of what nature has to offer in terms of the landscape to the combinations of variety of Wildlife found within the park and on the plains of the mountain. The hikers are likely to see different animals such as Antelopes, Buffaloes, Monkeys, Giraffes ,Zebras, Warthogs, flamingos, elephants, bushbuck, leopards, black and white colobus monkeys and many more.
3: No crowds
The mountain is not yet popular among hikers that makes it less crowded for hiking . Unlike most of the routes of Kilimanjaro such as Marangu and Machame routes that have heavy traffic jam ,somethings you’ll never experience on the trails of Mount Meru. For those who are seeking tranquil hiking in the wild ,Mount Meru is a great choice.
4.Mount Meru hiking tour is affordable
Different from other hiking adventures, Mount Meru climb is quite affordable, this is because climbing the mountain requires no tents for the overnight stays in Mount Meru are in Huts, the number of crew is small which reduces the cost of travel significantly, therefore shrinking the budget.
5:Excellent additions for the safari tour
The biggest attractions of Tanzania is its amazing wildlife. It has been voted the best destinations for Tanzania wildlife viewing several years in a row.
The key features of Mount Meru expedition
The advantage of climbing mount Meru is that, you do not need special alpine skills or experience to take part in its hiking. Mount Meru, together with Mount Kilimanjaro is a hiking mountain and not a climbing mountain, it does not require neither ropes nor ice axes or helmets. The trekkers of Mount Meru reach its highest socialist peak of 4562m on foot and to most of them especially the first time mountaineers it builds their confidence to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Meru hiking does not require any earlier preparation, just ordinary fitness level is OK to go as long as you can comfortably walk up to 10km per day ,you can do it. The trekking terrain of the mountain is moderate.
The altitude of Mount meru is serious and cannot be ignored, the mountain is high enough to cause altitude sickness. Acclimatisation to its altitude is very important, this can be achieved by hiking slowly which its recommended pace is two times slower than the ordinary walking pace. It is very important to drink much water ,which is 3 to 4 litres per day, Listen to your guide. Do not drink alcohol or too much coffee. The combination of these simple principles will make your Meru climb enjoyable, safe and successful.
Under the Tanzania National Parks Authority, a qualified guide should accompany the hikers. The team of porters and cooks are responsible for carrying your luggage, camp organization and food preparation. In their local customs, half of the porters crew should be hired from the Meru tribe ,in order to promote employment. The tribe live in the foothill of Mount Meru.
Different from Mount Kilimanjaro, where the tented camping are available on all the routes except Marangu route. On Mount Meru overnight stays on the mountain are in Huts only.
In order to be safe from the wild animals and attack from poachers an armed rangers will be accompanying your party up to the summit camp and be hiking with you up to saddle Hut camp. There is only one route to the summit of the socialist peak-Momella Three and four day hiking are available.
The rules in Arusha National Park requires that all groups climbing Mount Meru must be accompanied by an armed rangers. The distribution of rangers to accompany the group of visitors to Mount Meru are managed by the administration of Arusha National park. On some of the busy day, the park may assign only one ranger to several groups doing the climb at the same time. The ranger will have to walk with the pace of the slowest climber.
Mount Meru climb is truly unforgettable one of a kind adventure and it is the sure way of gaining acclimatisation for your next Kilimanjaro adventure. It is the best place of your body to adjust to the changes in altitude and the acclimatisation which is critical for the Kilimanjaro success.
The longer you stay at high altitudes the better your body adapts. Hiking Mount Meru before Mount Kilimanjaro is a good extra acclimatisation boost for you, hugely elevating your success to point Uhuru the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.
