Your Mount Meru trekking journey starts at Momella Gate (1,500 m), where you’ll meet your guide, porters, and an armed ranger. After registration, the trail leads into the lush rainforest of Arusha National Park, offering a rare mix of mountain hiking and wildlife viewing.

This first stretch feels like a walking safari—spot giraffes grazing, buffalo roaming, and colobus monkeys swinging overhead, while colorful turacos and hornbills fill the forest with sound.

As you gain altitude, the dense rainforest opens into the cooler montane zone, with moss-draped trees and panoramic glimpses of the plains. The steady climb, broken by scenic rest stops, leads you to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) by late afternoon. Here, you’ll settle in for a warm meal, stunning views, and a well-earned rest before the adventure continues.

Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut

After breakfast, the trail leaves the montane forest and enters open heathland, where giant heathers and alpine flowers frame sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The path climbs steadily along volcanic slopes, with occasional rocky ridges offering perfect photo stops and, on clear days, glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon.

Wildlife sightings remain possible, with bushbuck and colorful birds often appearing along the way. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Saddle Hut (3,550 m), perfectly positioned at the base of Mount Meru’s summit ridge.

In the late afternoon, an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 m) rewards you with panoramic views over Arusha National Park and the crater below—an inspiring preview of tomorrow’s climb. After dinner, settle in for an early night in preparation for your pre-dawn summit push.

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Overnight: Saddle Hut

Summit day begins around midnight under a star-filled sky. Depart Saddle Hut with your guide, porters, and ranger, embarking on the final push to Socialist Peak (4,566 m). The early climb takes you over rocky terrain and volcanic ridges, passing Rhino Point (3,800 m) and Cobra Point (4,350 m), where the landscape gradually transforms from alpine slopes to dramatic summit ridges.

As dawn breaks, reach the summit just in time to witness a breathtaking sunrise spilling golden light across the crater, Ash Cone, and sweeping plains below, with Mount Kilimanjaro visible in the distance. This moment marks the pinnacle of your Mount Meru adventure.

After savoring the views, begin the descent back to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch. Continue descending through montane forest and alpine meadows past Miriakamba Hut, returning to Momella Gate by late afternoon. Here, receive your well-earned summit certificate and celebrate completing this epic trek.

Distance: 26 km total (10 km summit + 16 km descent)
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours