Often lost in the shadow of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, 4566m-high Meru — Tanzania’s second-highest peak – also offers a highly scenic trek to the top. The ascent route starts in grassland and lush forest on the mountain’s lower slopes, rising up through picturesque glades and finishing with a dramatic and exhilarating walk along the knife edge of volcanic Meru’s crater rim.
Meru is smaller than Kilimanjaro, and a trek can be done comfortably in four days, three nights. However, do not underestimate the mountain: its steepness, sheer drop-offs on the final ascent and the effects of altitude make it an almost equally challenging climb. Mount Meru is part of Arusha National Park, and a park ranger, which can be arranged at the entry gate, must accompany all climbers.
Budget $350 to $700 for a Meru trek, depending on whether you organize things on your own (this is straightforward to do at the entry gate), or through a trekking operator (most Arusha-based companies organize Meru treks).
