Day 1: Arusha – Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Elevation Gain: 1,000m
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Overnight Altitude: 2,500m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart Arusha and drive to Momela Gate in Arusha National Park. Following park registration and a briefing, your trek begins with an armed ranger escort, as Mount Meru is teeming with wildlife.

As you ascend through savannah grasslands, acacia forests, and dense montane woodlands, keep your eyes peeled for zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, and Colobus monkeys. The day’s hike leads to Miriakamba Hut, nestled in a forest clearing with views of the Meru Crater walls.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut + Optional Little Meru Hike

Elevation Gain: 1,000m
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Overnight Altitude: 3,570m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trail climbs steeply through enchanting mist-covered forests and into the open heathland zone. The scenery shifts dramatically, revealing sweeping views of Mount Meru’s crater and the towering Ash Cone.

By midday, arrive at Saddle Hut, your base before the summit attempt. In the late afternoon, you have the option to take a sunset acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m)—a fantastic way to prepare your body and enjoy beautiful panoramic views.

Day 3: Summit Day – Socialist Peak & Descent to Momela Gate

Summit Altitude: 4,566m
Total Trek Time: 12–14 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The summit adventure begins shortly after midnight, with a challenging yet rewarding ascent up a rocky path. You’ll pass Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m), trekking along a narrow but exhilarating ridgeline to Socialist Peak (4,566m)—just in time for sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro.

After soaking in the views from the top of Meru, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a hot brunch, then continue all the way down to Momela Gate. There, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha—with your mountain memories and summit certificate in hand.