Mount Meru is a popular destination of Tanzania found in the northern part of the country, it is the 5th highest mountain in Africa and 2nd in Tanzania it rises 4566 meters above sea level, it is an ideal location to go hiking while in the country despite it being shadowed by the famous Mount Kilimanjaro, Mountain Meru is unique in its way, it’s known for its undeniable beauty along its slopes and popular view of the mountain alongside animal species. Tourist activities in mountain Meru are vast from hiking mountains to wildlife viewing in Arusha National Park.
Mount Meru is strategically placed about 70 kilometres from Kilimanjaro National Park and a few kilometres from Arusha City, the mountain is said to have erupted more recently compared to other volcanoes of the country, it was formed as a result of volcanicity, the Mountain is found in the Arusha conservation area established in 1960 as a national park.
Mountain hiking is the most popular activity in the region, Meru is placed about 4566 meters above sea level, it is a challenging hike to the summit, the hike lasts 4-5 days and the most popular route to take is the Momella route, Along the mountain there are huts where guests can rest during a night over, have dinner and proceed their journey, Climbing Mountain Meru requires you to have a permit which is attained from the park authorities, having a guide is mandatory to assist with carrying equipment. It may seem simple to climb however it requires some level of physical fitness. Many travellers to the country use it as a practice point for the major hike at Kilimanjaro Mountain.
Visit the Meru Rhino Sanctuary, there is a population of Black and white Rhinos protected in a fenced area as a result of poaching, while at the sanctuary, you will encounter wildlife, it takes 2-3 hours to do the activity led by an experienced guide, this increases the chances of viewing the so-called big five of the wilderness on a single visit to the national park.
Game viewing through the well-distributed trails of the national park, game drives are conducted using 4×4 wheel car drives characterized by open rooftops for animal views, the drives are conducted in sessions, in the morning, afternoon and evening times led through by an experienced guide to encounter wildlife expect to see lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, oribi, warthogs, crocodiles, hippos to mention few.
Bird watching in Meru National Park, there are over 400 species of birds that have been recorded in the ecosystem, through the trails of the park, expect to see African cuckoo, eastern browned pigeon, white-eared barbet, African fish eagles, African harrier hawks, white-eyed salty flycatcher, collared sunbird, plover birds, flamingoes, to mention a few, it is important to bring binoculars and good cameras to enjoy the birding experience proper.
Mount Meru is covered with a lush green forest, with which is a variety of plant and animal life, the hiking trails lead you to beautiful waterfalls, such as the Tululusia and Meru Crater waterfalls, it is the best to experience and visit while in the region.
In conclusion, tourist activities in Mount Meru can be easily done any time of the year but best during the dry season between December – February and June –September when the park trails are much drier.