Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing to prepare for the 5-day adventure ahead.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Your Mount Meru adventure begins as you leave Arusha or Moshi in the morning and drive to Arusha National Park. After completing park formalities at Momella Gate, the trek starts with a gradual ascent through savannah and open grasslands, home to various wildlife such as buffalo, giraffes, and warthogs. Along the trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, and the surrounding plains.

You’ll reach the dense rainforest zone where you may encounter colobus monkeys. The hike continues through lush forests until you arrive at Miriakamba Hut for an overnight stay. From here, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunset views over the plains and Kilimanjaro.

Momella Gate

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on a hike that takes you higher towards the crater rim of Mount Meru. This scenic trail winds through the rainforest and leads to the crater floor, offering a glimpse of the ancient caldera and the Ash Cone.

The crater is an incredible sight to behold, and you’ll have time to explore and take photos before retracing your steps back to Miriakamba Hut. The return hike allows you to relax and enjoy the lush scenery at a more leisurely pace.

Mount Meru Crater

Today’s trek takes you through the montane forest and into the heather and moorland zone. The trail is steeper than the previous days as you ascend toward the Saddle Hut, located between Meru’s peak and Little Meru.

Along the way, you will pass through dense forests with occasional clearings that offer magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Once you arrive at Saddle Hut, you’ll have time to rest. For those with extra energy, an optional hike to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) can be arranged. This is a great acclimatization hike and rewards you with stunning panoramic views of both Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Saddle Hut

The summit day begins early, around midnight. After a light snack, you’ll start the final ascent with headlamps lighting your way. The trail is steep, rocky, and challenging, but the reward at the top is worth it.

You will reach Rhino Point (3,800m) and continue to Cobra Point (4,350m), where the final push to Socialist Peak (4,566m), the summit of Mount Meru, begins. As you reach the peak at sunrise, the views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. You’ll spend some time at the summit, taking photos and soaking in the accomplishment, before starting the long descent back to Saddle Hut. After a brief rest at Saddle Hut, you’ll continue the descent down to Miriakamba Hut for the night.

Socialist Peak

On the final day, you will descend back through the lush forest, passing through the same scenic paths you took on Day 1. This section of the trek provides more opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the beauty of Arusha National Park.

Once you reach Momella Gate, you’ll sign out and meet your vehicle for the drive back to Arusha or Moshi. You’ll arrive in the early afternoon, concluding your unforgettable Mount Meru adventure.

Momella Gate - Journey’s End