Mount Meru (3 Days) – A Short and Scenic Trek

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Arusha and a short drive to Momella Gate (1,500m) in Arusha National Park. After registration, your trek starts through the lush montane forest, where you may encounter wildlife like giraffes, buffaloes, and colobus monkeys. The trail gradually ascends, passing through open grasslands and forests. After about 4-5 hours of trekking, you will reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m), where you’ll stay overnight. The hut provides basic accommodation, and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the surrounding scenery.  

After breakfast, you continue your ascent through a mix of forest and moorland, gaining altitude as you head toward Saddle Hut (3,570m). The trail becomes steeper, offering incredible views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Meru’s crater. The hike takes around 3-4 hours. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, you’ll have the option to take an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for stunning sunset views. You’ll return to Saddle Hut for dinner and an early night’s rest, preparing for the summit push.  

Summit day begins early, around 2 AM, with a challenging ascent to Socialist Peak (4,566m). The trek takes you along the crater rim, with steep sections and some scrambling over rocks. As you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and the surrounding plains. After celebrating at the summit, you will descend back to Saddle Hut for a short break and then continue descending all the way to Momella Gate. The descent takes a total of 8-10 hours. Upon reaching the gate, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Arusha.