Mount Meru

Overview

Mount Meru is among the most stunning volcanoes in Africa and holds the title of the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, standing at 4,565m, and the fifth-highest on the entire continent. It is located within the vast Arusha National Park, covering an area of approximately 137 sq. km and situated 45 kilometers away from Arusha. The mountain boasts a diverse range of habitats, encompassing alkaline crater lakes, swamps, mountain forests, and alpine deserts. With a climb that can be completed in three or four days, trekkers find accommodation in huts along the route.

The area is teeming with wildlife, presenting an opportunity to encounter numerous species, such as buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, leopards, waterbucks, hyenas, duikers, baboons, and an impressive count of almost 400 bird species. Notably, the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys are a well-known feature, gracefully swinging from branches in the tall rainforest trees, along with the elusive duikers.

For this climb, besides your trekking team, an armed ranger is provided to ensure your safety. Excess Africa strongly recommends undertaking this climb to acclimatize before embarking on your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. After descending, it is advised to spend only one night in either Arusha or Moshi before commencing your second climb. Any longer delay would lead to the loss of the acclimatization benefits. Apart from the climb, the Arusha National Park is an ideal location for a day game drive, a pleasant few hours walk, or even a Canoe Safari to the small Momela lake.