Mount Meru is one of Tanzania’s best places to consider for Mountain climbing it is placed at a height of 4566 meters above sea level, it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania after the famous Kilimanjaro, the mountain is a strato volcano near the country’s busy buzz centre Arusha, and 70 kilometres from Mount Kilimanjaro National park. It is the 5th tallest mountain in Africa covered in glaciers at the summit although they are not as much as those of Kilimanjaro, it is often shadowed by the presence of the higher mountain but is one of the best mountains to hike.
Mount Meru is home to abundant wildlife species, which live in the forest growing along its slopes Examples of species include forest elephants, monkeys, different types of antelopes, black and white colobus monkeys, and giraffes, among others and over 400 species of birds have been recorded these can be seen on birding experiences, guided nature walks, and game viewing, day hikes to mention a few.
How to reach Mount Meru can be by road from Arusha this takes approximately 55kilometers to arrive at the destination, the Ngongongare gate is the most used entry to the park, the driving can be private using personal cars when using this option the Momella gate is the easiest to get around, the other alternative is to use a tour operator, this is a much safer way, guests are picked up from Arusha or Kilimanjaro international airport and transferred to the region, cars used include 4×4 wheel cars, for example, land cruisers and tourist vans, to beat the tough terrain of the African wilderness.it is possible to use public means to the park, however, this should at least not be a 2-way journey, hire or use a tour operator on one leg to avoid so much inconvenience
How to reach Mount Meru can also be by flight, there are direct flights connecting to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, and upon landing in Kilimanjaro you will be transferred to Arusha to begin your trip to Mountain Meru. There are domestic flights from Masai Mara for example air Kenya that fly to the destination. Flights can be booked directly or through a tour operator.
How to reach Mount Meru will take you activities like Hiking the mountain, which will require one to have a permit obtained from authorities, hiring a guide is mandatory and hikes take up to 4 days to ascend and descend the mountain, it is known for its angelic environment filled with wildlife species. Guided nature walks through the well-distributed trails of the national park, travelers get a chance to learn so much about Arusha Park including plant and animal life.
In conclusion, Mount Meru can be reached at any time but best during the dry season between the months of December- February and June-September, the trails of the park are much drier and easier to climb, and the weather is stable with many clear options for the surrounding environment including Mount Kilimanjaro.