Although almost literally overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Mount Kilimanjaro, rugged Mount Meru offers similar alpine trekking. It is a great preparation hike for climbing Kilimanjaro, or a spectacular trek for those not compelled to do Kilimanjaro.

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa. It is an active volcano located 70 kilometres (44 miles) west of Mount Kilimanjaro. It reaches 4,566 metres (14,980 feet) in height but has lost much of its bulk due to an eastward volcanic blast about 8,000 years ago.

Located inside Arusha National Park, the mountain’s slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife. This prime location gives walkers the opportunity to spot some of the diverse species that inhabit the area including nearly 400 species of birds, monkeys and leopards. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting, Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West.