A classic tourism adventure at mt. Meru : Mount Meru is an active volcano in northern Tanzania, located east of the Rift Valley and about 40 kilometers southwestern Kilimanjaro. It is the nation’s second-highest mountain at 4,568m and the third-highest peak in Africa. The name Meru originated from a famous tribe in Tanzania, the Meru tribe, who for many years have grown up living and surrounding this mountain.
Climbing Mount Meru
It takes 3 – 4 days to climb Mount Meru. The best time to climb Mount Meru is from June to February. In climbing Mount Meru, there are two ways to climb this mountain. On the west, there is a way to climb called Olkokora, and Momela on the east. The attractions found in Mount Meru include,
Bush Walking: Bushwalking Tanzania safari is a Recommendable adventure on the forest forests at the foot of Mount Meru. It involves going for a Bush walk with a Ranger where you see waterfalls and close encounters with giraffes and buffalos. The landscape around Mount Meru is beautiful. As a bonus to bushwalking, you will also see Albino Baboons.
Meru waterfalls: Mount Meru Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls at the base of Mount Meru. The waterfall has a beautiful view of the water, which flows from steep volcanic cliffs. On a day trip to trek mount Meru, you can take an adventure at these waterfalls, ride motorbikes along a steep road, and hike. Mount Meru Waterfall is a must-visit place on an adventuring Mount Meru. The waterfall is in Gilgilai Village, about a 3-hour walk and a half hour’s drive. When at the waterfall gate, you must use an hour walking through the river endowed with vegetation covered with indigenous plant species. The Mahogany tree (300-400 years) old is found just at the beginning of the trail down to the river. The other medicinal plants of different kinds are in this forest. The waterfall is long, about 50-50 meters in height, and nice to stand beside it while looking at the flowing water. Reaching the waterfall is a real adventure as you walk through rocks placed naturally on the river, and tree branches support your walk. At the waterfall, tasty food (guacamole) is prepared rich in fruits supported by chapatti (pancake) and juice.
Lake Duluti: Shadowed by Mount Meru, Crater Lake Duluti is located at a distance of just 20 minutes from Arusha city center. Duluti is the name given to the location by the Wameru tribe, who are the indigenous people of that area. Lake Duluti is built inside a volcanic crater and receives water all year, mainly from groundwater and seasonal rains.
Arusha National Park
Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds. Arusha National Park is a green jewel and home to the fourth-highest mountain in Africa – Mount Meru (4,566 m). Anyone visiting this park will be thrilled by the breathtaking landscapes ranging from the Meru Crater in the west, the Ngurudoto Crater in the southeast to the grasslands, and the alkaline Momella lakes in the northeast. Arusha National Park has a lot to offer and dazzles with a perfect mix of flora and fauna, A classic tourism adventure at mt. Meru.
Safari Drive at Foot of Mount Meru
Passing the Arusha National Park during a game drive, you spot peaceful herds of buffaloes, shy bushbucks on the edge of the forest, warthogs, and zebras. Heading towards the Ngurudoto Crater, you will soon find yourself in a lush rainforest – a great place to spot the athletic black and white colobus monkey and the elegant mitis monkey. The Ngurodoto Crater is a smaller version of the Ngorongoro Crater and has a diameter of about 3 km. With a bit of luck, you might even spot buffaloes in the swamps on the crater floor. On the way towards the Momella Lakes, visitors are in for a treat as common waterbucks and reedbucks love to hang around the lake shore. An array of water birds like cormorants, kingfishers, and beautiful flamingos are also often spotted. There are seven alkaline lakes to be seen a different salt concentrations. Visitors also go on a canoe trip on the small Momella Lake. Arusha National Park is also home to about a handful of African elephants and leopards which roam the vast foggy forests of Mt Meru.
The Maasai Village: Maasai are pastoralists practicing traditional livestock grazing in Ngorongoro Crater. The primary attractions are game drives ascending down for wildlife viewing, picnic lunches, and visiting the nearby Maasai people to see how they live and their colorful culture, which seems unbelievable, A classic tourism adventure at mt. Meru. The entrance fee for the village is about $20/per person. They perform a couple of dances and show you inside their houses. The young men show their traditional dances to which you can try dancing with them. You will Love talking to teenagers and learning about their culture. The guides give a tour of the village’s newborn goats. They demonstrate the culture of the Maasai and how they start a fire. You will visit one of the village houses, and then you will have the opportunity to view and purchase the crafts the women of the village made. They price the items altogether, and the more you buy, the better deal you will get. They expect you to bargain, so don’t feel bad about it. It is the African way.