3 Days Mount Meru Trekking

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Miriakamba Hut

Your Mount Meru trek begins in the late morning at Momella Gate (1,500m / 4,921ft). The trail initially passes through open grasslands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as buffalo, warthogs, and elephants.

The route then ascends steadily through lush montane forest, with a break for lunch under the famous Fig Tree. After lunch, the trail continues through lighter forest, where you may encounter abundant birdlife and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

By mid-afternoon, you’ll catch your first close-up views of the dramatic Meru cliffs and the Ash Cone. You’ll reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514m / 8,248ft), nestled in a peaceful grassy clearing, just in time to enjoy the late afternoon sun and sweeping views over the plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Hiking time: 4–6 hours

• Ascent: 1,014m / 3,326ft

---

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut (Afternoon Hike to Little Meru)

The trail from Miriakamba to Saddle Hut is short but involves a steady, steep ascent. It begins through open, lush montane forest, progressing past Elephant Ridge, and continues through giant heather and moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570m / 11,712ft), where you’ll have lunch.

The afternoon is free for rest or a short optional hike to Little Meru (3,820m / 12,532ft), offering stunning sunset views. Along the way, enjoy panoramic vistas into the Meru crater, the Ash Cone, and across into Kenya and the Maasai Hills. The dramatic ridge leading to the summit becomes clearly visible.

• Hiking time: 3–5 hours

• Ascent: 1,056m / 3,464ft

• Note: Water at Saddle Hut is sourced from a nearby stream, about a 10-minute walk.

---

Day 3: Summit Attempt – Return to Arusha/Moshi

Begin your summit climb at around 2:00 AM, ascending steeply to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft). From here, the trail follows a stunning, rugged ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,271ft), ideally reached at sunrise. Expect breathtaking views of the crater cliffs, the Ash Cone, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Great Rift Valley—weather permitting.

Continue along the ridge for about an hour to reach the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566m / 14,980ft). The return journey to Rhino Point is along a narrow ridge between the crater’s inner and outer walls—one of Africa’s most dramatic alpine walks.

Descend swiftly through open grasslands and forests, with a high chance of seeing wildlife. Reach Momella Gate by late morning for your return transfer to Arusha or Moshi.

• Hiking time: Summit 5–6 hours; Descent 2–3 hours

• Descent: 1,014m / 3,326ft