Mount Meru

12 Days Kenya and Tanzania Wildlife Safari Combo

12 Days Birding Safari in Tanzania

10 Days Wildlife Kenya and Tanzania Safari

10 Days Safari in Uganda and Tanzania

10 Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Northern Circuit Route

The lower slopes of Mount Meru are protected within Arusha National Park, and the wildlife here is surprisingly abundant. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, you do not need to climb the mountain to see the animals. A game drive through the park brings you face to face with giraffes, zebras, and buffalo. But the real stars are the monkeys. The black-and-white colobus monkey is one of the most beautiful primates in Africa. Their long white fur cascades down their backs like a cape. They live in the forested slopes of the mountain. Blue monkeys are also common, smaller and shyer. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the forests are also home to bushbucks, warthogs, and the occasional leopard. Elephants roam the area, though they are more common on the lower plains. The birdlife is spectacular. You will see the Hartlaub's turaco, the silvery-cheeked hornbill, and the Narina trogon. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning, when the animals are most active. Bring binoculars. A local guide can help you spot the colobus monkeys, which can be hard to see in the dense canopy.

Mount Meru is a paradise for birders. The mountain's varied habitats, from dry savannah to montane forest to high altitude heath, support a wide range of species. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the forests on the lower slopes are home to the Hartlaub's turaco, a stunning green and purple bird with a white crest. The silvery-cheeked hornbill is another highlight, easily identified by its massive beak and loud call. The Narina trogon is a secretive bird, bright green and red, that hides in the thick foliage. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, listen for its call. As you climb higher, into the heath and moorland zone, you will see the scarlet-tufted sunbird, a tiny, brilliant red bird that feeds on the giant lobelia flowers. The alpine chat is a grey and white bird that lives near the rocky slopes. The mountain is also a migration corridor. In spring and autumn, you may see Eurasian birds passing through. The best time for birding is during the wet season from November to April, when the birds are breeding and singing. Early morning is best. Bring good binoculars and a bird book for East Africa on your Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure.

The best time to climb Mount Meru is during the dry seasons. January to February and June to October offer the most stable weather. The skies are clearer, the trails are less muddy, and the views from the summit are spectacular. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the short dry season from January to February is slightly warmer. The long dry season from June to October is cooler, especially at night. The worst months to climb are April and May, the peak of the long rainy season. The trails become slippery and dangerous. November is the short rainy season, but the rains are usually less intense. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, if you want to combine a climb with wildlife viewing in Arusha National Park, the dry season is also the best time for game drives. The animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. For most climbers, the sweet spot is June through October or January through February.

The weather on Mount Meru is similar to Kilimanjaro but with some differences. The mountain is lower, so the temperatures are slightly warmer. But the key challenge is still the altitude. At the summit, Socialist Peak at 4,566 meters, the temperature can drop to freezing or below. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the lower slopes are warm, with daytime temperatures around 20°C to 25°C. The rainforest zone is humid and often wet. As you climb higher, into the heath and moorland, the temperatures drop. At night, it can be cold, near freezing. The summit is exposed and windy. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the biggest challenge is not the cold but the altitude and the terrain. The climb is steeper than Kilimanjaro. The final section to the crater rim involves a scramble on loose rock. The mountain has two main climbing seasons, aligned with the dry seasons. The best weather is from June to October and January to February.

Getting to Mount Meru is very easy. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, just a 40-minute drive from Arusha city. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, most travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is about an hour from Arusha. From the airport, your tour operator will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. The drive to the Mount Meru trailhead at Momella Gate takes about 45 minutes from Arusha. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the climb itself takes three to four days. Most climbers spend one night in Arusha before and after the trek. The mountain is accessible year round, but the best conditions are during the dry seasons. For those who do not want to climb, you can still see the mountain from the road. The views from Arusha are stunning on clear mornings.

Mount Meru is a safe destination. The national park is well managed, and the local communities are welcoming. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the main dangers are the mountain itself. Altitude sickness is a risk. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. The only cure is to descend. Listen to your guide. They are trained to recognize the signs. The second risk is the terrain. The final section to the crater rim is steep and involves scrambling on loose rock. A fall could be serious. Watch your footing. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, the third risk is the weather. Hypothermia is possible if you are not dressed properly. Pack layers. Bring a good waterproof jacket. Malaria is not a risk at high altitude, but it is present in Arusha. Bring insect repellent. The park is safe from wildlife. The animals on the lower slopes are wild but generally avoid people. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, in Arusha city, use normal precautions. Keep your valuables secure. Avoid walking alone at night.

Accommodation for Mount Meru climbers is typically in Arusha. The city has a wide range of options. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, for luxury, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is a beautiful property on a working coffee plantation. The Mount Meru Hotel is another classic choice, with a pool and gardens. For mid-range, the Kibo Palace Hotel and the African Tulip Hotel are centrally located. For budget travelers, there are many simple guesthouses and hostels. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, on the mountain itself, you stay in huts. The Miriakamba Hut is at 2,500 meters. The Saddle Hut is at 3,570 meters. The huts are basic, with bunk beds and mattresses. You bring your own sleeping bag. There is no electricity or running water. The huts are managed by the park and are clean but simple. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure, book your hotel in Arusha well in advance, especially during the dry seasons. The best properties fill up quickly.

Booking your Mount Meru climb with Dav Safaris ensures a safe, well organized, and unforgettable experience. Our guides have climbed Mount Meru hundreds of times. They know the steepest sections, the best pace for acclimatization, and the signs of altitude sickness. On a Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure with Dav Safaris, we handle everything including airport transfers, hotel bookings in Arusha, park fees, guides, porters, cooks, and all meals on the mountain. You just show up with your gear and your determination. Their itineraries are flexible. Want to take an extra day to acclimatize? We can do that. Want to combine your climb with a safari in the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara in Kenya? We can arrange it. Dav Safaris also supports local communities. We hire Tanzanian guides and porters. We pay fair wages. You focus on the crater views and the challenge. We handle everything else on your Kenya and Tanzania safari adventure.