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Meru was our compromise: Duv imagined trekking up Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa's tallest peak) while I anticipated Mt. Relaxation. Pre-trip research on the Web found us Mt. Meru in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, its more famous and crowded big sister. (Coincidentally, on Meru we met James Tarquin from Washington, DC. I already "knew" James from his web site about his first trip to Tanzania.)

At 4,566 metres (14,979 feet) above sea level, Meru is as high as any mountain in the USA and Canada save a frozen few far north. It is, however, 700 meters shorter than Kilimanjaro which makes altitude sickness and sub-freezing temperatures lesser concerns on this path less travelled. Meru is an arduous hike; no "technical" mountain climbing is involved.

The vegetation changed dramatically with every 1,000 meters or so of altitude gain as we hiked. We started out in grasslands which turned to montane (mountain) forest. 

It became cooler and the forest gave way to shrub land and high altitude vegetation (moorland) as we continued upward.

Fausin Maled, an experienced mountain guide from Shah Tours, led our entourage, which also included a cook and two porters, on the four day climb.

My lion impression, if lions were foolhardy enough to ascend to where lack of oxygen renders sleeping and breathing difficult, which, of course, they are not.There are no large animals at all this high, allowing Innocent to put away his rifle.

Saddle Hut at 3,570 meters elevation was home for two nights while we acclimatized to the altitude.

The rustic bunkhouse reminded me of the summer camp where Duv and I met 20 years ago.

The ever-present flat-topped snow-capped Kilimanjaro viewed from Saddle Hut at dusk.