Day 1 – Momela Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)
Elevation Gain: 1,500m to 2,514m | Distance: 10km | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest | Meals: Full Board

After departing from Moshi or Arusha, you’ll drive to Momela Gate where you’ll complete a brief registration before beginning your trek accompanied by a fully armed ranger for your safety in this wildlife-rich environment. The trail ascends steadily through beautiful montane forest where you’ll have excellent opportunities to spot wild animals including elephants, giraffes, zebras, various monkey species, antelopes, and numerous bird species—making this one of the few mountain climbs in the world where you can encounter large wildlife along the route. As you climb higher through the verdant forest with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, you’ll eventually arrive at Miriakamba Hut nestled at 2,514 meters, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend your first night on the mountain surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 2 – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) to Saddle Hut (3,570m)
Elevation Gain: 2,514m to 3,570m | Distance: 8km | Hiking Time: 3-5 hours | Habitat: Forest and Moorland | Meals: Full Board

Today’s trek from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut is relatively short in distance but involves a steep and steady climb as you leave the forest zone behind and emerge into the moorland habitat with increasingly dramatic views. The trail takes you slowly along a spectacular ridge offering breathtaking views into the massive Meru Crater and the impressive Ash Cone rising from the crater floor—a sight that never fails to amaze climbers. After arriving at Saddle Hut and enjoying a hot lunch in the early afternoon, you have the option to make a rewarding short climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb panoramic views and a spectacular sunset before returning to Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight rest as you prepare mentally and physically for tomorrow’s summit attempt.

Day 3 – Summit Day: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to Socialist Peak (4,566m) to Momela Gate
Elevation: 3,570m to 4,566m to 1,500m | Distance: 5km up, 13km down | Hiking Time: 12-14 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland, Montane Forest | Meals: Full Board

Your summit day begins in the early hours around 1:30 AM with a steep climb under the stars to Rhino Point (3,800m), then continuing upward to Cobra Point (4,350m) as the first hints of dawn begin to light the eastern sky. The final dramatic ascent follows a spectacular narrow ridge line—with sheer inner cliffs dropping into the crater on one side and the sloping outer wall on the other—leading you to Socialist Peak at 4,566 meters, where you’ll arrive just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise and, on clear days, the magnificent sight of Mount Kilimanjaro towering above the clouds. After savoring your achievement at the summit and capturing photographs of the stunning views, you’ll begin the long descent back to Saddle Hut for a well-deserved rest and brunch before continuing down through the moorlands and forest to Momela Gate, where your transfer vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, completing your incredible Mount Meru adventure.