Mount Meru is a dormant stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the country of Tanzania. At a height of 4,562.13 metres (14,968 ft), it is visible from Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the fifth-highest of the highest mountain peaks of Africa, dependent on definition.

Mount Meru is located just north of the city of Arusha, in the Arusha Region of Tanzania. It is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania, after Mount Kilimanjaro. The Momella route – which starts at Momella gate, on the eastern side of the mountain – is used to climb Mount Meru.

Much of its bulk was lost about 7,800 years ago due to a summit collapse. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity. Mount Meru’s caldera is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) wide.

Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards.


Highlights:

Black and White Colobus Monkeys: This is the only park in Tanzania where you can see these cheeky animals in their natural habitat.

Mount Meru: Standing at 14,990 feet, Meru is Africa’s fifth highest mountain. This active volcano is a beautiful sight to behold.

The Momella lakes: This collection of seven shallow lakes entices all sorts of wildlife to bask in the alkaline waters. You’ll see waterbucks, dik-diks, zebras, giraffes, and birds galore hanging out at the lakes

Tululusia Hill: Not only is this a beautiful hill to pitch a tent or have a picnic, it is also a historic site. This hill was once a lookout point during tribal wars making it a fascinating place to spend some time.

Arusha NP Weather
Month Temp Prec.(mm)
Jan   Min: 10C/50F – Max: 23C/73F 88
Feb   Min: 11C/52F – Max: 24C/75F 89
Mar   Min: 12C/54F – Max: 23C/73F 172
Apr   Min: 12C/54F – Max: 21C/70F 329
May   Min: 11C/52F – Max: 19C/66F 182
Jun   Min: 10C/50F – Max: 18C/64F 31
Jul   Min: 8C/46F – Max: 17C/63F 18
Aug   Min: 9C/48F – Max: 18C/64F 14
Sept   Min: 9C/48F – Max: 20C/68F 16
Oct   Min: 10C/50F – Max: 22C/72F 46
Nov   Min: 11C/52F – Max: 22C/72F 163
Dec   Min: 11C/52F – Max: 22C/72F 146
  Best Time
June to October (Animals are easier to spot)
  High Season
Most of the year – July to March (The park never gets too crowded)
  Low Season
April and May
  Best Weather
June to October (Little rainfall)
  Worst Weather
March and April (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season


  It is easier to spot animals as they gather at water sources and the vegetation is thin
 It is sunny, and there is little rain
 Fewer mosquitoes and less chance of catching malaria

November to May –Wet Season


 The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush
Views of Kilimanjaro and Meru are most reliable from December to February
 It’s less crowded in April and May, as it is the low season – also, rates are likely to be lower
Arusha NP offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year
Birding is best as migratory birds are present
Some roads might become difficult to navigate
March to May is the peak of the Wet season
Best Time to visit Tanzania by Major Park
 Excellent
 Good
 Fair
 Poor

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