Mount Meru (Tanzania)About Mount Meru (Tanzania)
Mount Meru is a prominent stratovolcano in northern Tanzania, located within Arusha National Park and rising to about 4,562 metres. It is the country’s second-highest peak and a notable feature of the Arusha landscape.
The mountain is commonly climbed by trekkers and mountaineers; routes pass through montane forest, heath and alpine zones before reaching the crater rim and summit saddle. Wildlife and varied ecosystems within Arusha National Park attract visitors in addition to climbers.
Geologically it is a volcanic cone with a large summit crater and several parasitic cones; the mountain has produced eruptions in the geological past. The area has been used for scientific study and recreational climbing in the modern era.
Mount Meru sits near the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania, within Arusha National Park, and lies west of Mount Kilimanjaro across the plains of northern Tanzania.
- Elevation: Elevation is approximately 4,562 metres, making it the second-highest mountain in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.
What to See#
- Summit and crater: The summit area contains a large crater and several subsidiary peaks; the ascent route commonly traverses alpine forest, moorland and high-altitude scrub before the crater rim.
- Ngurdoto Crater and Momella area: Ngurdoto Crater and the Momella area are lower-elevation attractions within Arusha National Park near Mount Meru, offering wildlife viewing and scenic lakes.
Nearby Attractions to Mount Meru (Tanzania)
Best Time to Visit Mount Meru (Tanzania)
The dry season (June-October) offers the most reliable conditions for summiting.
Weather & Climate near Mount Meru (Tanzania)
Mount Meru (Tanzania)'s climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1381 mm/year), wettest in April with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 1° - 11° | 5° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 1.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 1° - 12° | 6° | 126 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 11° | 7° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 1.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Poor | 2° - 9° | 6° | 241 mm | overcast | 77% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 8° | 5° | 62 mm | overcast | 79% | 0.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 1° - 7° | 2° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| July | Acceptable | -1° - 6° | 1° | 12 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 0° - 7° | 4° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.9h |
| September | Good | 0° - 9° | 3° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Acceptable | 1° - 10° | 6° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 1.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Poor | 2° - 10° | 4° | 219 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 10° | 5° | 204 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
How to Get to Mount Meru (Tanzania)
Mount Meru lies within Arusha National Park near the town of Arusha. From Arusha town center it is a short drive north; most climbing operators pick clients up in Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the nearest major airport, about 50-60 km away.
Tips for Visiting Mount Meru (Tanzania)
- Acclimatize before attempting any strenuous hike-Mount Meru rises sharply and altitude sickness can appear above 2,500-3,000 m.
- Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) charges park and camping fees; book permits and porters through a licensed operator.
- Climb with an experienced mountaineering operator-the routes (especially via the Momela Gate) require acclimatization days and logistical support.