Mount Meru, standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), is Tanzania’s second-highest mountain and one of East Africa’s most scenic trekking destinations. Located within Arusha National Park, just 70 km west of Mount Kilimanjaro, Meru offers a quieter and less crowded climb with stunning vistas, varied ecosystems, and abundant wildlife — often earning it the nickname “Kilimanjaro’s little brother.”

The trek to Mount Meru’s summit is a rewarding adventure that winds through montane forests, moorland, and alpine desert, offering panoramic views of Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley. Along the way, hikers may encounter giraffes, buffalos, colobus monkeys, and a wide range of birds. Because of its challenging ridgeline approach and steep trails, climbing Meru is also a great acclimatization hike before tackling Kilimanjaro.