3 days Mount Meru Climb

Mount Meru is located in north eastern Tanzania. Mount Meru is one of Africa’s best trekking routes due to the incredible views from its crater.

Like Kilimanjaro, Meru is an active volcano, but its last minor eruption was over a century ago in 1910. Millions of years ago a major eruption blew off the top of the volcano, giving it a horseshoe shape. Its summit collapsed around 7,800 years ago and much of the volcano’s bulk was lost.

It was first summited in the early 20th century by German explorers during their colonisation of East Africa, although it is disputed whether the first successful expedition was led by Carl Uhlig in 1901 or Fritz Jaeger in 1904.

The mountain is sometimes confused with Meru Peak, a mountain in the Himalayas. However, Mount Meru in Tanzania is a safer climb, and it offers an attainable challenge for trekking enthusiasts.

The best climbing conditions are present during the dry seasons: June to October and December to February.

June to October will be slightly colder, as January and February are the hottest months of the year.

It will still be very cold at the summit (below 0°C), but we can advise you on what equipment to bring to face any temperature changes.

Mount Meru takes 3-4 days to summit. We recommend the longer version since it allows you to acclimatize better and enjoy the scenic views at a more leisurely pace.

The 3-day trek is also very hard on your knees as you descend within a single day.

Unlike Kilimanjaro treks, Meru treks follow a single trail called Momella Route. There used to be two other paths, but these are now illegal to use.

You will stay in two huts, Saddle Hut and Miriakamba Hut, which offer basic but clean accommodation. These can fill up very quickly in the high season, so we will ensure that we provide you with tents.

A guide is obligatory for all trips and porters are recommended but not compulsory. Booking a porter will ensure that your trek is more enjoyable.

During your trek you will reach two summits, Little Meru, and Socialist Peak. The final ascent will be done in the early hours so that you can watch the sunrise at Socialist Peak.

The walk along the crater and the view from the summit is unforgettable, and you can see Kilimanjaro in the distance on a clear day.

If you want to experience smaller, less time-intensive treks, we also organise several beautiful hikes along the slopes of Meru.

Let’s now look at what you need to bring along for a safe and comfortable Mt Meru climb …

1. Carrying equipment

You need to bring the following carrying equipment to Mt Meru:

Here’s a little more detail on each of the above important items …

Backpack

This is the bag that you carry on your back while on each day’s hike. All the items that you might need during the day go into this bag, including your snacks, drinking water, camera and extra layers of clothing.

It’s important you make an educated decision as to what backpack to bring. Really good, quality backpacks have an internal frame. They also have padded shoulder and hip straps, as well as sternum straps.

You should also look for a pack with a suspended mesh back, as this allows your body heat to escape. This is something that’s especially important on those warmer days lower down the mountain.

Some backpacks also come with their own fitted rain cover, which is useful.

Further, if you intend to bring along trekking poles, see if there are hooks for attaching these to the exterior when you want your hands to be free.

Learn more: How to choose to a backpack for high-altitude trekking.

Do training hikes with your backpack

As we discuss in How should I train for Kilimanjaro? (which is a similar adventure to Meru, just a little shorter and easier), you should do some training hikes using your backpack. In this way you can ensure the backpack is comfortable.

On these training hikes, we recommend that you also carry all the water and other items that will go into it on your Mt Meru climb to get used to the weight.

Backpack rain cover

We highly recommend you pack a rain cover that’s fitted to your backpack, even if your backpack is water-resistant. Nobody needs the added challenge of carrying a sopping, heavy backpack when tackling a mountain like Mt Meru.

Many outdoor backpacks come with a built-in rain cover. This is really useful, as you stand no chance of forgetting it! It’s also perfectly sized to your backpack.

Our very own Bobu sporting a nicely fitting backpack rain cover

Dry bags

In an attempt to reduce pollution, the Government of Tanzanian has prohibited any plastic carrier bags from entering the country. You’re therefore advised to avoid having plastic carrier bags in any of your luggage.

While your backpack rain cover should keep the contents of your bag dry, it’s a good idea to also bring along some dry bags. These are useful for:

Duffel bag

Your duffel bag – or any other soft bag – contains everything else you need for the climb, including your sleeping bag.

Please don’t bring a stiff bag like a suitcase, or anything too precious, as it could get a bit squished when carried by the porter. It’s also not as comfortable or easy for the porters to carry.

Ensure at the start of every day that you’ve put what you might need for that day’s climate in your backpack. You’ll also carry your own water and food. Everything else must fit into your duffel bag.

Your backpack is needed just for storing your stuff for that day’s hike

2. Water carriers

When packing for Mt Meru we recommend you include the following water carriers:

We cannot over-stress how important it is to have enough water to drink while on your climb. Not only are you being very active and so need to hydrate, but water also helps to ease the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Every trekker should carry two to three litres of water per day.

Hydration pack

Most hiking backpacks have capacity for a hydration bag (also called a water bladder). Some even have a built-in hydration pack. A well-known brand of hydration packs is the CamelBak.

Hydration packs come with a drinking hose attached, which is really great. This means that instead of reaching for a water bottle when thirsty, you can just pick up the mouthpiece and drink from there.

Built-in water bladders with drinking hoses are the best

Water bottle

We recommend that you also carry a full water bottle (or two). We have three reasons for saying this:

It’s best to keep your water bottle as close to your body on summit day as possible to prevent the water from freezing – in this way, you can sip from here if the water in your hydration pack’s drinking hose is frozen. Putting your water bottle inside a thermal sock also helps to keep it from freezing.

Ensure your water bottle is good quality and the lid closes securely. A leak won’t be welcomed.

Also, note that water freezes from top to bottom, so if you carry your water bottle upside down then you can still drink from it even if the top part has started to freeze.

It takes a whole lot of effort and sweat to reach Mt Meru’s Socialist Peak!

3. Footwear

You should pack the following footwear for Mt Meru:

Hiking boots

The most important item on your Mt Meru packing list is a pair of comfortable, worn in hiking boots.

We recommend opting for either leather or synthetic trekking boots. Leather boots that are properly looked after last longer than any other type of boot.

Please read The best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro to learn more about the type of trekking boots to look for, as the conditions for climbing Mt Meru are pretty much the same as those for Kilimanjaro!

Ideally, you should hike around 100 km in your trekking boots before the two of you head to Mt Meru.

We also want to stress the importance of either wearing your boots or having them in your hand luggage on your travels to Tanzania. Should your luggage disappear, you want to at least have your essential items on you. We always do our best to help clients with any needed items, but new or borrowed hiking boots can compromise your climb.

Gym shoes or sneakers

After a long day of hiking, the thought of sitting back and kicking off your boots is pure bliss. This is great except for the fact that the temperature can plummet higher up on the mountain.

So when you’re packing for Mt Meru, it’s a good idea to throw in a pair of comfortable, closed sneakers to wear around camp.

Gaiters

Gaiters aren’t essential, but we do recommend using them.

Gaiters are helpful in:

Things can get muddy on a Mt Meru climb

4. Inner clothing

We recommend you pack the following inner layers of clothing:

Climbing Mt Meru means hiking through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert. For this reason, it’s helpful to have quite a few layers to work with.

Base layers

Your base layer is the layer that sits closest to your body and helps to regulate your body temperature. You don’t want a fabric that take a long time to dry (like cotton), as this will chill you when you stop exercising.

On the natural side of things, merino wool or bamboo works really well. Both are breathable and so moisture escapes easily.

Alternatively, choose a synthetic material – or one that’s a combination of natural and synthetic fibres – that has really excellent sweat-wicking properties. Good options include nylon, polyester, polypropylene and MicroModal.

Summit base layer

Your summit base layer should include long johns and a thermal, long-sleeved vest (preferably made of merino wool) that you wear for summit day only.

Your summit day climb is by far the longest hike of the entire Mt Meru climb. So having a fresh and comfortable layer for this day’s hike is ideal.

Fleece

Your middle layer is for your torso and is worn over your base layer. This garment should be comfortable and easy to move in. We recommend a thin fleece or parka for this layer.

Underwear

So it goes without saying that a fresh set of underwear is always a pretty good way to start each day! That’s why we recommend that you bring multiple pairs along with you.

It’s best to wear sports pants (and bras) on Mt Meru, as they’re comfortable and breathable. Again, avoid cotton. You want fabrics that wick away sweat.

Thermal underwear

The climate is very cold near the top of Mt Meru, so you need to pack thermal underwear. We recommend having two of each item – one of which you keep especially for summit day, the coldest and longest day of all.

Socks

Just like underwear, we suggest that you bring a few pairs of socks along with you for your Mt Meru adventure. And we advise that you bring three different types of sock:

First and foremost, you must pack some regular hiking socks. We advise that you test out your hiking socks before coming to Mt Meru. Use them when breaking in your hiking boots. This way you’ll be able to detect any troublesome seams or the like.

Your socks should always be higher than the cuff of your boots

We’re sure you’ve noticed a trend by now: have a fresh ‘everything’ that you save for summit day. This certainly goes for your hiking socks. Only note that your summit day socks should be thermal socks, as you need the extra warmth to avoid cold feet.

We also suggest you wear sock liners. Not everyone does, but these are great in helping to prevent blisters because the friction gathers between the liner and the sock rather than between your skin and the sock. It’s quite common for climbers to get blisters on their feet, especially on summit day when you’re on your feet for several hours.

If you want to know more about avoiding and dealing with blisters, please read How to prevent (and treat) foot blisters when trekking.

5. Outer clothing

You need to pack the following outer layers for your Kilimanjaro climb:

Winter jacket

A good-quality winter jacket is a very important item on your Mt Meru packing list. Down is a good insulating material, which is why the Follow Alice winter jackets that we rent to clients are made with down. (Please note that our down jackets are not waterproof.)

Our client Alex in his cosy Follow Alice jacket on Mt Meru

The start of the climb is relatively warm and humid, so your winter jacket won’t be needed and can be kept in your duffel bag. From then on you’ll keep it in your backpack so that you can haul it out whenever you want it.

A winter jacket is essential for summit day

You’re likely to start wearing your winter jacket when you reach the moorland zone. You’ll certainly be wrapping up in it in the alpine desert zone! It’s also your favourite item in the evenings.

Waterproof jacket and trousers

Waterproof garments are essential for the start of your hike, especially if you climb Mt Meru during the rainy season. (Learn more in The best time to climb Mt Meru.)

That said, it’s smart to carry waterproof gear no matter what time of year you climb.

While regular rain gear is waterproof, it generally isn’t very breathable. Given how much you sweat when hiking, it’s important to have a rain jacket and trousers that are relatively lightweight and have inner membranes to make them breathable. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket that has a 2,000 hydrostatic head (this tells you how waterproof the jacket is).

Of course, you could opt for a poncho instead of a rain jacket. This has the benefit of being able to fit over your backpack as well, eliminating the need for a special backpack rain cover. The drawback, however, is that it can obscure your view at times of where exactly you’re putting your feet.

A windbreaker also goes a long way on Mt Meru. There’s nothing worse than wearing multiple layers to keep warm and the wind still cuts right through. To keep the load light, we suggest looking for a waterproof jacket that is also a windbreaker. We love a two-in-one solution!

Also, jackets with elasticated wristbands are helpful in keeping out the cold and wind.

Hiking trousers

Pack at least one pair of durable, breathable and comfortable trousers. Two pairs is enough, really, as you can swap them out if one needs some drying or airing.

We love convertible (zip-off) trousers that you can turn into shorts on warm days. Again with the two-in-one winning formula! Obviously you could choose instead to pack regular hiking trousers as well as a pair of shorts.

Some people like to wear trousers no matter the temperature as they protect your legs from sunburn, insect bites and scratches. Long trousers also help to prevent dirt and pebbles finding their way into your boots.

6. Accessories

Some important accessories to pack for a Mt Meru climb are:

Sunhat

A sunhat is important for the beginning and end of the adventure when you’re lower down on the mountain.

A sunhat is better than a cap to protect the back of your neck.

The odd person might also like to bring a headband so that sweat doesn’t run into your eyes.

Warm hat

As you climb higher, you need a warm hat like a beanie. A beanie can also be worn when you sleep to avoid heat escaping through your head.

On summit day you’re grateful for every warm item you packed!

Balaclava or snood

We suggest you bring a thermal balaclava for summit day as this helps to keep your head, ears and neck warm.

Alternatively, consider a scarf or, even better, a thick snood, as this stands no chance of slipping off or flapping annoyingly.

Head torch (flashlight)and batteries

The huts have solar electricity, but it’s a good idea to have a head torch (flashlight) for backup.

The main reason, however, for a head torch is that summit day begins around 2 am in the morning! So you’ll need a torch to see your way (unless there’s a full moon).

Gloves or mittens

You absolutely must pack winter gloves (or ski gloves) to keep your hands warm! We especially like mittens for summit day as having all your fingers together generates more warmth.

Having said that, mittens do make it quite challenging to take pictures. So if you’d prefer fingered gloves, do ensure they’re a quality pair that offer proper insulation.

Glove inners

For summit day, one pair of gloves simply isn’t enough. Some glove liners, or glove inners, will help to ensure your hands and fingers don’t become icicles. Fleece glove inners are nicely cosy.

Sunglasses

Polarised sunglasses or ski glasses are essential for a Mt Meru climb.

Ideally bring glasses that strike a balance between being as large as possible to fully shield your eyes, while not being too large that they fog up when you get sweaty. Wrap-around sunglasses are good for sitting snugly and keeping the sun from sneaking in at the sides.

On clear days the glare can be intense, so pack your sunnies!

Like everything else on this list, trying our sunglasses out on a trial hike will let you know beforehand if you’re coming with appropriate eyewear or not.

You might also like to pack a sunglasses cord if you have one of those noses that likes to ditch glasses at the slightest opportunity. Or you could even bring ski glasses.