One of the most beautiful and dangerous mountains in Africa is Mount Meru which is found in the northern part of Tanzania. It is also the second highest mountain in Tanzania after the Mount Kilimanjaro standing at 4,562 meters (14,968 feet). It is not as popular as its bigger neighbor, the Kilimanjaro, but climbing Mount Meru is an adventure full of picturesque beauty as well as wild animals and exercises. In case you are planning to take this great mountain, then one must prepare well to take the adventure.
Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a first-time hiker, there are several crucial things you need to know before climbing Mt Meru in Tanzania. This manual will give you all the materials necessary to make your climb a safe, enjoyable and successful one.
1. Physical Preparation is Key
To be able to get to the top of Mt Meru, one needs to be in good physical shape because the journey is taxing. This mountain has been described as having steep slopes, rocky grounds and all types of elevations that can get to you, body-wise. Prior to the ascent of Mt Meru in Tanzania, it is very important to work out. Hiking, running, and cycling will benefit your endurance in your cardiovascular system. Also, leg and core strength workouts will enable you to walk on rough miles.
Most of the climbers do not take into account physical requirements of high extraversion hiking. Although, Mount Meru is not as elevated as the mountain Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness may still develop, particularly when on the final scramble to the summit. You should make sure your body is fit to develop the progress of the climb and adapt to the altitude.
2. Understand when to Climb Mt Meru.
Climbing Mount Meru is best undertaken during the dry seasons that occur between June and October and December and February. These are months that have minimal possibilities of rain and are clear, with warmer weather and thus, the hike is even safer and enjoyable.
Wet season climbing (March to May) has further difficulties like slippery tracks, increased humidity, and lack of visibility. Such circumstances may make the walk more hazardous and unpleasant. Assuming that you can, arrange your climb in dry months in order to stand a high probability of attaining successful summit.
3. Know the Degree of difficulty of the Trek.
Before setting to the task of climbing Mt Meru in Tanzania, you need to know that it is not a very easy task. Although it is believed to be less difficult than Mount Kilimanjaro it still takes a lot of effort and willpower. It is usually a four or five days climb with the climbers going through a forest, rocky outcrops and alpine desert.
The last hitch to the top, which is carried out in the early morning hours, can be trying especially, as it deals with steep slopes and cool, tiresome ambience. The trek will ensure that you are allowed to get used to the altitude but at the same time it is necessary to proceed at a slow pace and leave your body time to adapt.
4. Acclimatization of the Altitude is Vital.
Although mount Meru is below the peak of Mt Kilimanjaro, altitude sickness is a factor of concern. To prevent the occurrence of altitude-related diseases, climbers need to take time to acclimatize to lower the cases of headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Luckily, the mountain path is created in such a way that it gives you time to adapt to the fluctuating donations where hikers slowly climb up and down the different ecological settings.
Slowly increasing the altitude, consuming enough water and paying attention to your body are the keys to preventing altitude sickness. When you get the symptoms of altitude sickness, then report it to your guide. Taking a rest and a fall to lower altitude is necessary when it has continuing symptoms.
5. The recruitment of a Guide and Porters is Obligatory.
Tanzania requires a licensed guide and porter to do any trekking in the national parks including the mount meru. The government of Tanzania has enacted these laws to guarantee the safety of the mountain climbers as well as offer job opportunities to the people of the area.
Your guide will also be in charge of guiding you through the path making sure that you are safe and that they give you important information about the geology of the mountain, wildlife and the flora. Your gear will be transported by the porters so that you can concentrate with the climb itself. It should be mentioned that, it is customary to tip porters and guides and it will be determined by the duration and the challenge of your trek.
6. Pack the Right Gear
It is a must to consider the packing of a climb of the mountain Meru. Different weather conditions will require you to carry different equipment to cover different weather conditions, including warm attires in cold mornings at the top of the mountain and light attires during the lower altitude portions of the mountain.
These are the things to pack in your checklist before climbing Mt Meru in Tanzania:
- Clothing: Carry moisture-wicking base clothes, a waterproof jacket, warm clothes to fling at the summit night, gloves, a hat and a pair of solid hiking shoes.
- Sleeping Bag: This will need a good quality sleeping bag that will be of the cold-temperature standard to ensure a comfortable nights stay at camp in the mountains.
- Water: On high altitudes, hydration is essential, thus make sure you have either a hydration system (such as Camelbak) or water bottles.
- Snacks: Nuts and energy bars, as well as chocolate, are high energy snacks that will keep you going throughout the hike.
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Even though the terrain is high, the sun might be harsh and as such sunscreen and UV protective sunglass are essential.
- Headlamp: You will have to carry a headlamp during early morning walks and at night when it gets late.
7. Know the Ecological Zones.
Cycling on Mt Meru gives you an experience of many ecological zones, each of which is different. These zones include:
- Rainforest Zone (1500 to 2500 meters): The lower section of the mountain is full of green rainforest and it is full of wildlife like monkeys, birds and different plantations.
- Heather Zone (2, 500 to 3,500 meters): When climbers continue to rise up, they reach the heather zone, where there is thinning of the forest and the terrain is more rocky. You will also see alpine plants and some wildlife.
- Alpine Desert Zone (3,500 meters and above): The lower you go the more fertile becomes the land and the more stunning are the landscapes of the alpine desert zone. The air becomes thinner and temperatures are low especially at night.
Knowing these zones will equip you psychologically to the various conditions that you will pass through on your way to summit.
8. The Risk of Wildlife Encounters.
Among the attractions of climbing the Mount Meru is the fact that one can see wildlife on the path. Though wildlife viewing is not much in the summit itself, the low ranges of the mountain have different species of animals such as buffalo, giraffes, zebras and different species of monkeys.
Despite the fact, wildlife can be hazardous, especially when one does not know how to act around wildness. Always take the values of your guide, pass on to the planned trails, and never dare to approach or play with wild animals. A first aid kit will also be provided in the case of an emergency by your guide.
9. Camping on Mount Meru
As you climb the mountain, you will camp at various points of the mountain. The camping experience is very fundamental yet comfortable. The camps contain tents and certain basic amenities, however, you will need to carry your own personal gear. Diners will be able to sleep here, have hot meals cooked by the camp personnel, and get ready to the next stage of hiking.
Remember that evenings can be very chilly due to the altitude and the right clothes and a good sleeping bag would come in handy to keep you warm.
10. Permit Requirements
To climb Mount Meru, you will require a climbing permit and this can be organized usually using a tour company. The permit fee will cover the logistical expenses such as entry fees to the park, guide fees, porter fees, and camping fees. You should also reserve your ascending soon so as to secure and prevent last minute difficulties.
11. Safety Considerations
Safety is very important whenever climbing a mountain and Mount Meru is not an exception. Impedide to follow the direction of your guide, and never make the attempt of going off the path or climbing faster than you find you can. Get rest whenever you get a chance to prevent fatigue, and keep yourself hydrated on the way up the mountain.
Should there be some sort of an emergency, the Tanzanian park officials have instituted emergency evacuation procedures, however, this may take a long time since the mountain is located far away. Then it is always a better idea to be ready about everything that can happen and make sure you have decent travel insurance that involves such mountain rescue operations.
Conclusion: An Adventurous Voyage to look forward to.
The Mt Meru climbing in Tanzania is a remarkable adventure that mixes adventure, nature and self accomplishment. One should prepare well before embarking on this trip. Physical training and knowledge on the ecological zones of the mountain, the correct gear to be packed and a safe climb, these are some of the factors to consider and will guide you towards having a successful and a good climb up the mountain.
An ascent of Mount Meru is a memorable experience which has beautiful sceneries, difference in ecosystems, and the obstacle of being on the peak. With proper preparation you not only will you have overcome the mountain, but you will start to make memories that will last a lifetime of one of the most amazing natural phenomena in Africa.
