Mount Meru is one of the best places to visit in Tanzania, it is a stratovolcano in the northern part of Tanzania within Arusha National Park, it is located approximately 70 kilometres from Kilimanjaro National Park along the eastern part of the Rift Valley, the mountain is the second highest of the country rising 4566 meters above sea level, it is characterized by its steep slopes, and a conical Shape more like a horse-shoe, it is a dormant volcano growing a lush green forest, grassland, and the famous momella lakes, the biodiverse environment is home to abundant wildlife species.
Mount Meru rewards climbers with excellent panoramic views of the surrounding plains, rolling hills, mammals and birds on a clear day it is possible to view the famous mountain Kilimanjaro mountain climbing is the best tourist activity to do while in the national park, it takes 4-5 days to reach the summit, the best route taken is the momella route on the lower slopes of mountain Meru expect to see a variety of animals for example giraffes, buffaloes, zebras and several antelope species. The region hosts over 400 species of birds some of which are endemic to the rift valley region.
The best time to visit Mount Meru is all year round depending on what you will be doing in the park, each of the seasons presents something different to do from the other, however, the best time to visit is during the dry season between the month of December-February and June-September it is more convenient, and warmest time to visit the park, the skies are clear with perfect views of the surrounding including the Mount Kilimanjaro, the trails are less slippery and easy to climb. This is also the best time to view wildlife in the Arusha National Park animals tend to gather around water holes which makes it easier to spot. The only downside of the dry season is that there is a crowd as many travellers come into the national park, it is important to book climbing permits on time and accommodation facilities.
The wet season on the other hand is not recommendable for mountain climbing but rather for other tourism activities like birding experiences, wet months include March, April, May, and November it is mostly rainy although due to a change in weather conditions, it can shine. Accommodation offers discounted rates and if you are not interested in many people, then this is the best time. Mountain Meru can easily be reached, it is situated within proximity to Arusha city, a busy buzz town where most of the tourism activities to northern Tanzania, can be accessed by road or by air from the country’s major entry points for example the Kilimanjaro international airport.
In conclusion, Mount Meru can be visited any time of year, trips to the region can be combined with those of the Serengeti National Park for the great Wildebeest migration and the Lake Manyara National Park for tree climbing lions and views of abundant wildlife species.