Climbing Mountain Meru
Climbing Mountain Meru: Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano perfect for Tanzania Mountain climbing safaris, this volcano at a height of 4,562.13 meters making it the second-highest mountain in Tanzania coming second to the majestic mountain Kilimanjaro and the 5th highest mountain peaks of Africa.
Mount Meru is found north of the Arusha city in the Arusha region of Tanzania and lies in 70 kilometers west of Mount Kilimanjaro, this volcano is clearly visible from Mountain Kilimanjaro on a clear day. Mount Meru is said to have experienced a summit collapse about 7,800 years ago which resulted into loss of much bulk and in 1910 the volcano experienced an eruption. As a result of the volcanic eruption, several small cones and craters were left behind and one of the most significant features is the Mount Meru caldera of 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) in width.
The formation of Mount Meru took place after the formation of the Great Rift Valley, after millions year ago, the volcano lost its top following a gigantic explosion which gave the volcano a horseshoe shape. Mount Volcano is still an active volcano and the last eruption happen in 1904 though it was small. Mount Meru has two peaks that are Meru summit the highest point of the volcano and Ash Cone, there is also a peak inside the crater formed as a result of the more recent volcanic activity.
Mount Meru used to be the tallest mount in Africa but because of the volcanic eruption the top of the volcanic broke off thus the current height of the volcano.
Mount Meru is a scared place to the local Waarusha people who live around the volcano and it hold a spiritual significant to them, the local people carry out sacrifice ceremonies in which a bull or sheep is scarified every year to the mountain for rainy season. Mount Meru is referred to as
Mount Meru is protected by the beautiful Arusha national park and the volcano is situated in the centre of the park, Mount Meru is the greatest tourist attraction in Arusha national park for Tanzania mountain climbing adventures. Arusha national park is an iconic Tanzania wildlife destination located in north-eastern Tanzania in the northern safari circuit, the park is situated closely to Kenyan birder and is easily accessed by road from Arusha town in a drive of 35 kilometers and 35 kilometers from Kilimanjaro international Airport (KIA).
Climbing Mount Meru
Climbing Mount Meru is an adventurous Tanzania mountain climbing safari offering an opportunity to hike the second highest mountain in Tanzania and 5th of the highest mountain peaks in the African continent. Historically mount Meru was first climbed by Dr. Fitz Jaeger in 1904 reaching the peak
Mount Meru is only done using the Momella Route,
Momella Route
Momella Route starts from the Momella gate on the eastern side of Mount Meru going to the Summit along the northern arm of the horseshoe crater, climbing on Momella route can be compeletely done in 4 days and 3 nights. Climbing Mountain Meru is done in steps that is stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4 as shown below.
Stage 1: climbing from Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut
At the Stage 1 of climbing mount Meru is from Momella gate to Miriakamba Hut, this climb is of 10 kilometers and takes about 4 – 5 hours. There are two routes which can be used on to climbing Mount Meru at the first stage, one route is short and another is long though most people prefer the long route which is forested route up and the short route down.
From Momella gate, the route winds uphill for an hour to Fig Tree Arch , the parasitic wild fig tree originally grew around two other trees and eventually strangling them and currently it remains as the only fig tree. The fig tree features a distinctive arch large enough for a car to drive through, after one hour the route crosses a large stream just above Maio falls and for another hour you will reach Kitoto camp. At this point you get excellent views of Momella lakes and snowcapped Mountain Kilimanjaro at a distance, for another one hour of climbing you reach Miriakamba Hut at 2515 meters of elevation. From Miriakamba Hut it is a walk to the Meru crater floor which is a 2-3 hours return trip.
Stage 2: climbing from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
At stage of climbing Mount Meru, the climb from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut is of 4 kilometers of 1250 meters ascent taking approximately 3-5 hours, the trail from Miriakamba climbs steeply up through pleasant glades to reach Topeka Mbogo (Buffalo Swamp) after 45 minutes of climbing, Mgongo Wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) after another 30 minutes of climbing.
From the top of Mgongo Wa Tembo you are rewarded with great views down into the crater and up to the main cliffs below the summit, the route continues through some open grassy clearing and over several stream beds which are usually dry to Saddle Hut.
From Saddle Hut aside climb leading to the summit of Little Meru at the 3820 meters, the climb takes about 1 hour and offers impressive views of Meru’s summit, the horseshoe crater, top of the Ash cone and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall of the crater. At this point you get to enjoy the sun as it set behind Mount Meru, as the sun sets the snow on Kili turn orange then pink as the light fades to dark night.
Stage 3: climbing from saddle Hut to Meru Summit then return
The stage 3 of climbing Mount Meru is a climb of 5 kilometers taking 4-5hours, 816 meters ascent and 5 kilometers taking 2-3 hours, 816 meters descent. At this stage of climbing, the route used is a very narrow ridge between the outer slopes of the Mountain and the Sheer cliffs of the inner crater. This stage offers the most dramatic and exhilarating trekking which is one of a kind in East Africa, during the rainy season, ice and snow occurs in this section of the route and incase of no mist clear views of the summit are spectacular.
The stage and point is dark with impressive views at dawn from Rhino Point (3814 meters) and about an hour from saddle hut while from the summit, you will also see the main cliffs of the crater’s inner wall as they are illuminated by the rising sun.
Stage 4: climbing from saddle Hut to Momella gate (2250meters descent)
The stage 4 of climbing Meru is of 5 kilometers taking 3-5 hours of descending, from Saddle Hut, retrace the Stage 2 route to Miriakamba hut. From Miriakamba, the climb is done on a short path gradually descending down the ridge directly to Momella gate. The trail goes through the forest and open grasslands where animals like giraffes, zebras among others can be seen.
Note: when climbing Mount Meru it is advisable to note that trekkers are not allowed to begin climbing the mountain after 3 pm.
Though Mount Meru is small in size when compared to Mount Kilimanjaro, don’t underestimate as it is difficult to climb because of the sharpness of the Volcano.
Where to stay while climbing Mount Meru
While climbing Mountain Meru there are designated huts along the hiking trails where trekkers stay overnights while on their climbing journey, these huts include Miriakamba Hut, and Saddle Hut.
Best time for climbing Mount Meru
The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the period between December – February and June, in these periods the skies are much clear and from the top of the volcano you can get a glimpse of the far Kilimanjaro Mountain.
