Kilimanjaro and Meru - An Introduction

Introducing Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,892 m) is a mighty mountain and a worthy test for an enthusiastic trekker. Because it is the highest mountain in the continent of Africa it represents an obvious challenge and is ideal for people who want to experience dramatic trekking.

Kilimanjaro is an inactive volcano located in the north of Tanzania near the border of Kenya, and close to the Equator. Its three peaks are separate volcanic cones called Shira, Kibo and Mawensi, with the icy Kibo reaching the furthest into the sky.

National Parks

What people who embark on a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday might not expect is the variety of wildlife they are likely to see during their trip. Those that climb Kilimanjaro above the tree-line (at around 2,700 metres) will trek through the mountain's National Park zone, chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with the lower region designated a game reserve.

The neighbouring Arusha National Park has plenty to offer visitors in the way of safari animals, and is more importantly a chance for some essential acclimatisation on the park's Mount Meru (4,566 m) ahead of their Kilimanjaro trekking experience.

Arusha National Park lies just thirty miles from Kilimanjaro and is home to safari animals such as giraffes, buffalo, zebra, klipspringer and dik dik, which are species of tiny antelope. It is well worth visiting Arusha during a Kilimanjaro trekking holiday to see creatures such as blue monkeys and the playful black-and-white Colobus monkey, which are usually elusive on safaris but are easily found here. You might also spot a species of bird called a Turaco, which is a green with quiff.

Mount Meru - Kili's Cousin

As well as inhabiting the lowlands of the park you might see these animals on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, which is the fifth highest peak in Africa, and the second highest in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro.

Trekking up Meru makes ideal preparation for a Kilimanjaro climb because it affords an opportunity to acclimatize properly, and many good Kilimanjaro trekking holidays will incorporate Mount Meru into their itinerary for this reason.

Like Kilimanjaro, Mt Meru was formed from volcanic activity, but Meru is still active, with its last recorded eruption in 1910. A major explosive eruption thousands of years ago is responsible for Mt Meru's unique shape.

The eastern slope has collapsed leaving a concave shape called a caldera. Viewed from above, from a plane or by satellite imagery, it resembles a crescent moon. This caldera side faces Meru's larger cousin to the west, Kilimanjaro.

Trekking up Meru, you will be able to stop at the huts along the way, and you will pass through woodland and forests with animals and plants you will probably never have seen before.

Between Meru and Kilimanjaro

Facing east from the summit of Meru you will see 'Kili' in the distance, and on a day with good visibility you may be able to make out some of the features that lie between the two great peaks. You'll be able to distinguish between the grasslands and the savannah scrub.

The Jekukumia River runs from one mountain towards the other. There are also the Momella Lakes which are tinged with algae colouring them blues and greens, with wading birds such as pink flamingo. And of course, the horizon will be dominated by Kilimanjaro climbing into the clouds.

After summiting Mount Meru, hopefully you will be ready for trekking Kilimanjaro, which will be the peak of your holiday in Africa.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company that specialises in Kilimanjaro trekking and trekking holidays in various destinations including North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

By Jude Limburn Turner