Arusha National Park

The walk through the forest ends abruptly as you step out onto the open floor of the Meru Crater. The view of the ash cone and sheer cliff face rising to the summit is breathtaking. The cliff rises over 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) and is one of the tallest cliff faces in the world. The old ashflows cascade down towards the crater floor.

If you scan the cliff face you may catch sight of a pair of klipspringers. These thickset, rough-coated antelopes are about the size of goats and are adapted for leaping from rock to rock. They stand on the very tip of their narrow, almost cylindrical hooves.

A shrubby St. John's Wort, Hypericum lanceolatum, with its big bright yellow flowers, grows on the old lava flows. On the crater floor Agauria salicifolia, a tree with gnarled trunk and greenish-white flowers is found as well as a juniper forest with some regenerating trees. The white flowers of the plant Hebenstretia dentate are odorless during the day but have a characteristic sweet smell in the evening.

Although never common anywhere, a lammergeyer may sometimes be seen soaring effortlessly over the crater. This bird of prey is well known for its habit of dropping bones from a great height onto rocks in order to break them open. Because it is rare and lives far from human habitation, this bird seems to epitomize the wild, haunting beauty of the upper slopes of Meru Mountain.

Climbing Mount Meru
Meru is an exciting mountain to climb. There are numerous animals to see on the lower slopes and vegetation zones change as you ascend. Parts of the climb along the saddle are very steep but the views of Kilimanjaro and of the cliff face from the summit down to Meru Crater are spectacular. Although Mt. Meru is usually climbed from the western side at Olkokola, it can be climbed via Little Meru.

Mountain boots are recommended but stout walking shoes are sufficient in dry weather. The best time of year to climb the mountain is between October and February, although there may be rain in November. The Park has some climbing gear which can be rented but it is recommended that you come well prepared. It is advisable to book your visit in advance as you must be accompanied by a Park ranger on your climb. A fee is charged for this service and in the event of your needing to be rescued a rescue fee is also charged.

Although the summit has been climbed in one day, most people allow three days for the trip.

1st day: 3-hour walk from Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut. Explore Meru Crater in the afternoon.
2nd day: 3-hour climb to Saddle Hut: 1.5 hour climb to Little Meru in the afternoon.
3rd day: Ascend to the summit of Meru and then return to Miriakamba Hut or Momela Gate.

Certificates will only be issued to climbers starting from and returning to Momela Gate.

Bookings should be made through the Warden, Arusha National Park P.O. Box 3134, Arusha.