Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park, overlooking the town of Arusha. At 14,980 feet (4,566m), Mount Meru is the fifth highest mountain on the African Continent and the second highest in Tanzania after Kilimanjaro. About 250,000 years ago, a massive volcanic blast blew away the entire eastern flank of the mountain and left it with the characteristic and distinctive appearance it has today.  Parts of the climb along the saddle are very steep. The views of Kilimanjaro 50 miles (80km) to the northeast and of the cliff face from the summit down to Meru Crater are spectacular.

The Mount Meru ascent passes through many different vegetation zones. The dry forest of the lower region gives way to a dense mountain rainforest, which then turns into a scrubland. Towards the top of the mountain, the vegetation consists of Heath and Upper Moorlands and is then finally replaced by the stunning baron Alpine Desert. As the flora changes, the wildlife does too, which is diverse and equally impressive. During the ascent, you will regularly come across large game, such as elephants and buffalo. You may also come across leopards. Because of this, it is required to be accompanied by an armed park ranger for the duration of your climb. No technical climbing gear is needed to climb and summit Mount Meru.