TMount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain at about 5,895 meters, is not the only place in Tanzania where you can find snow! The photos in the gallery above of the fifth highest mountain in Africa, our local mountain Mount Meru (Socialist Peak 4,562 m), were all taken from Arusha City. During the rainy season it is not unusual to see snow on the top of Mount Meru. However, there are no glaciers and therefore it does not take long for the strong equatorial sun to melt the snow away. Thousands of years ago, a volcanic eruption destroyed the whole eastern flank, so that this nearly perfect shape on the picture is only applicable from a southwestern view. This is  a blessing for hikers, as it is easier to reach the summit through the exposed flank. Mount Meru is the heart of the Arusha National Park.

An attentive website visitor drew our attention to a supposedly misplaced photo during our 4 Days Mount Meru Trekking Tour. Of course, we wish our brave Mount Meru climbers during their hike sunny weather without snowfall and godspeed!

By the way, Mount Meru is also an excellent preparation and altitude training four an eventual Mount Kilimanjaro expedition. A four-day hike with an armed ranger to protect you from the wild animals is the norm. As with its larger neighbour Kilimanjaro, the vegetation changes dramatically with the ascent: from lush rainforest to moorland and alpine tundra. Normally you reach the summit very early in the morning and at sunrise you have a magnificent view of Kilimanjaro. Due to the shorter hike and lower park fees, climbing Mount Meru is an excellent, inexpensive alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro.

© Photos Tanzania Experts