Exciting moments in hiking Mt Meru in Arusha, Tanzania

Adventurists from all over will appreciate the beauty that Arusha, Tanzania provides. From the drive to the airport or the highways leading to this tourism hub, Arusha is blessed with the beauty of being home to some of the most picturesque views of Mountains in East Africa.

With views of the snow-capped Mount Meru hovering over this bustling city, this stratovolcano provides some of the most unique trekking experiences ever. It is situated 70 km from Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro which is also in Tanzania. Mount Meru in the northern part of Arusha has earned its position as Africa’s fifth highest Mountain and the second-highest in Tanzania.

The topographic nature of Mount Meru which measures 552 square km led to the creation of the Arusha National Park which thrives with over 400 bird species, monkeys and leopards. The soils from the mountain are fertile and once eroded, they warm up to the growth of a savannah that is now part of the park’s forest where elephants, giraffes and buffalos live.

Mt Meru in Arusha, Tanzania. [Photo by Hiking Tanzania]

Forest walks and picnics are some of the few common activities, but it’s trekking is considered as one of the most exciting activities one would undertake. At the foothills of Mount Meru, the bottom gate known as the Momella gate sits on the eastern side of the mountain. It is popularly referred to as the Momella route.

The trek which lasts up to four days is as challenging as it is exciting with acclimatization being a major factor to consider. It narrows down to the volcano’s crater with designated trails with huts for hikers. The ridgeline trails end up in Mount Meru’s summit giving panoramic views of Mt Kilimanjaro.

June to February are the best months to hike Mount Meru.