The Call of the Wild: Setting Out on the Mount Meru Trek

As a wildlife photographer with a deep-seated love for Africa, the allure of Mount Meru was irresistible. Known as Tanzania’s second-highest peak, it promised not only a challenging trek but also an intimate encounter with the continent’s vibrant wildlife. The journey began with a drive from Arusha to the Momella Gate, a gateway to the wonders of Arusha National Park. The anticipation was palpable as we prepared to embark on this adventure.

The trek commenced with a gentle ascent through lush forests, where the air was filled with the sounds of nature. It wasn’t long before we encountered the first of many wildlife sightings—a group of giraffes gracefully moving through the trees. This was just the beginning. As we continued, the landscape opened up to reveal breathtaking views of the Momella lakes and the distant silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro. The path to Miriakamba Hut was a tapestry of sights and sounds, each step bringing us closer to the heart of the wild.

Ascending to New Heights: From Miriakamba to Saddle Hut

The next leg of the journey took us from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut, a trek that promised both challenge and reward. The path was steep, winding along the ridge of the saddle, offering stunning vistas of the Meru crater and the ash cone. It was here that the true beauty of Mount Meru revealed itself—a landscape that seemed to stretch on forever, untouched and untamed.

Wildlife was a constant companion on this journey. Cape Buffaloes grazed in the distance, while the black and white Colobus monkeys swung playfully through the trees. Each encounter was a reminder of the delicate balance of life in this ecosystem, a balance that we must strive to protect. As we reached Saddle Hut, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. We had traversed a landscape that few have the privilege to see, and the experience was nothing short of transformative.

The Summit and Beyond: Conquering Socialist Peak

The final ascent to Socialist Peak began in the early hours of the morning, a challenging climb that tested both physical and mental endurance. The path was steep and rocky, but the promise of the summit spurred us on. As the sun began to rise, the landscape was bathed in a golden light, revealing the majesty of the Meru Crater and the Ash cone below.

Reaching the summit was a moment of triumph, a culmination of days of hard work and determination. The view from the top was nothing short of spectacular, a panorama of the African wilderness that stretched as far as the eye could see. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with this continent in the first place—the raw beauty, the untamed landscapes, and the incredible wildlife that calls it home.

The descent back to Miriakamba Hut was a time for reflection, a chance to absorb the experiences of the past few days. As we made our way back to the Momella Gate, passing through the iconic Fig Tree Arch, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The Mount Meru Trek had been more than just a physical challenge; it was a journey into the heart of Africa, a reminder of the importance of preserving these wild places for future generations.