Route: Mount Meru

Meru combines very well with Kilimanjaro and we highly recommend the combination climb as the best way to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro.  Meru combined with Kilimanjaro's Umbwe route is ideal. Acclimatising on Meru really increases the chances of reaching the top of Kilimanjaro.

Meru used to be thought of as Africa's fifth highest mountain after Ras Deshen in Ethiopia. In fact Rad Deshen is a few metres lower than Meru and we now name Meru as the fourth highest mountain in Africa.

The walking approach to Meru across game-filled plains is very special and the three or four day climb takes you through several dramatically different eco- zones: - rain forest, heath and high altitude desert. Views of the Ash Cone on day two of the trek are memorable and the views to Kilimanjaro from the peak of Little Meru are special.

The actual trek to the real summit high on the crater rim is a tough walk through scree and rocky trails. Be careful on the small platform at the actual summit as it is very exposed.

We recommend 4 days on Meru followed by 6 days on Kilimanjaro.