Mount Meru A Beginner’s Climbing Guide & Hiking Expeditions

Mount Meru A Beginner’s Climbing Guide & Hiking Expeditions. Just 70 kilometers (43 miles) west of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro lies another dormant stratovolcano, Mount Meru. On a clear day, it may be seen from Mount Kilimanjaro, thanks to its elevation of 4,562.13 meters, or 14,968 feet. As far as anyone knows, it’s the tallest mountain in Africa. Numerous bouts of volcanic activity are seen in the mountain’s numerous tiny cones and craters, the most recent of which occurred in 1910 during a modest eruption. The forest that grows on top of the savannah grassland is home to a wide range of animals, including 400 different kinds of birds, leopards, and monkeys. Up until recently, the sole and primary path to the peak was the 4-kilometer-long Momella path. Beginning from the Momella gate (1,500m), the route follows two tracks: the one leading to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m/8,250ft) and the other leading to saddle Hut (3,566m/11,700ft). From Rhino Point, you can see the inner crater walls and the top in all their breathtaking glory. Because of its high elevation and long hiking distances, the ascent to this mountain is a perfect acclimatization for the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. In addition to the difficult climb, the trail is ideal for hikers who would rather avoid crowds.

In the past, the North and West slopes could be used to reach the summit, but today these trails are not allowed. It is legal to reach the inner Ash Cone, and the park officials recommend this route to researchers; they even issue a special permit for this purpose. The best time to climb Momella peak is from June to February, with occasional rains in November, because it is a dry season. The hike can be started from Momella gate between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, which is helpful because it helps to avoid conflicts with the wildlife. If you want to take the long route up to Miriakamba hut and complete the trip in three days, you must start the hike at 4:00 am on the first day.