Mount Meru

Arusha National Park, Northern Tanzania · altitude 4,566 m · best time: June–February

Mount Meru is a striking dormant volcano whose horseshoe crater and ash cone make for one of East Africa's most rewarding treks.

Mount Meru is a striking dormant volcano whose horseshoe crater and ash cone make for one of East Africa's most rewarding treks. The four-day climb passes through forest rich in wildlife — buffalo, giraffe and colobus monkeys — before ascending a dramatic knife-edge ridge to the summit, Socialist Peak. Because it tops out at 4,566 m, Meru is widely used as acclimatisation before Kilimanjaro, offering spectacular dawn views of Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds.

FAQs

Is Mount Meru good preparation for Kilimanjaro?
Yes — at 4,566 m, Meru is an excellent acclimatisation climb. Many trekkers summit Meru a few days before starting Kilimanjaro to boost their success rate.
How long does it take to climb Mount Meru?
The standard climb is 3 to 4 days. An armed ranger accompanies every group because the route passes through wildlife-rich forest.

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