If you’re looking for a great mountaineering experience Mount Meru could be for you. While its nickname is Kilimanjaro’s ‘Little Sister’, don’t let the moniker fool you as it is still a challenging, multi-day climb. Whether you’re looking for beautiful scenery, a quieter atmosphere, or a warm-up for Kilimanjaro, you’ll find what you seek in Mount Meru.
Beautiful scenery
When hiking up the mountain, be on the look-out for some truly spectacular plants and animals. Carpets of pink impatiens line the path in many places and big puffy fire-ball lilies are a common sight.
The wildlife is abundant and you’ll most likely see giraffes, a species or two of monkey, dik-dik and water buffalo. If you’re lucky, you might even see a herd of elephants.
There is an enormous number of native birds, including the variable sunbird, a species you won’t find hiking Kilimanjaro.
Tranquil atmosphere
Another huge plus of choosing Meru is that it is much more tranquil than many other popular mountain climbs. With some of the larger mountains of the world, they’re a victim of their own popularity in that you may experience ‘traffic jams’ with so many other hikers on the trails – but not so with Meru.
The lack of crowds means you will have much more quiet time and much less evidence of other hikers, such as litter, leaving the landscape looking pristine.
One great feature of the Mount Meru climbing experience is that many of the porters and guides are hired from the local Meru tribe, promoting local employment and adding to the economy of the native people, which provides peace of mind for socially conscious adventurers.
Additionally, there are only a few set trails that are legal to hike on Meru, so the local authorities have made the spots for you to rest and sleep very comfortable. There will be no sleeping on the ground in a tent! All stopping sites have huts to rest in and you will be escorted by an armed guide to keep you safe and the wildlife safe from poachers.
Next Conquer Kilimanjaro … Or not
Meru is a great mountain whether you’re an experienced climber or not. Average fitness levels are recommended for this trek but you don’t have to be super fit at all. In fact, it’s called a ‘walk-up mountain’.
The pace is challenging, but not strenuous, and it requires at least a few days for all fitness levels because of the risk of altitude sickness if ascending too fast. So, if you’re of average fitness and want to have a great adventure, Maru is for you.
On the other hand, if you’re an experienced mountaineer, Meru is the best warm-up you’ll be able to get before conquering the monster that is Kilimanjaro – Meru’s big sister and one of the toughest climbs in the world.
No matter what you’re looking to get, whether a warm-up, a huge challenge, a pretty view or a tranquil spot for a vacation, Meru has it all. Let guides lead the way, let porters do the heavy lifting, and enjoy the native flora and fauna. Whatever your expectations, Kilimanjaro’s ‘Little Sister’ will not disappoint.
