Mlima Meru
Where journeys begin
Almost every northern journey begins in Arusha, and almost every itinerary treats it as an airport with a hotel attached. It deserves rather better than that.
Why it exists where it does
Arusha sits on the southern slopes of Mount Meru, at around fourteen hundred metres. The altitude gives it a mild climate, the volcanic soil gives it coffee and agriculture, and the position made it a natural meeting point long before tourism.
It is a working East African town rather than a resort — busy, green, and considerably more interesting than the transit stop most travellers experience.
The first and last day
The day you arrive and the day you leave are usually written off. We would rather use them: a coffee farm on the slopes of Meru, the cultural heritage centre, a market walk, or simply a quiet garden to recover from the flight before the early mornings begin.
Arriving tired into a long drive is the most common way a journey starts badly. We build in the recovery rather than pretending nobody feels the flight.
Meru itself
Mount Meru rises to nearly four and a half thousand metres directly above the town, and it is a genuinely fine climb — steeper, greener and far quieter than Kilimanjaro.
It is also an excellent acclimatisation climb for those going on to Kilimanjaro afterwards, and we will suggest it where the timing allows.
Is Arusha worth spending time in?
Most itineraries treat it as a transit point. We would rather give it the arrival and departure days properly — a coffee farm, a market, or simply time to recover before the early mornings start.
Can you climb Mount Meru?
Yes, and it is an excellent climb — steeper, greener and far quieter than Kilimanjaro, and a very good acclimatisation ascent for anyone going on to the higher mountain.
Often composed alongside
If you are wondering whether Arusha belongs in your journey, ask us. We will tell you honestly.
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