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 in the stillness of night, with a midnight departure under a canopy of stars. Guided by headlamp, the trail climbs steeply over rocky slopes, reaching Rhino Point (3,800 m) before traversing a narrow ridge toward Cobra Point (4,350 m). Here, the horizon begins to glow, signaling the approach of dawn.

The final push to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is challenging but unforgettable—arriving just in time to watch the sunrise spill golden light across a sea of clouds, with Kilimanjaro silhouetted in the distance. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the crater, Ash Cone, and endless plains below.

After soaking in the moment, descend to Saddle Hut for a short rest and lunch before continuing down through alpine meadows and montane forest to Miriakamba Hut for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
Hiking Time: 10–12 hours
Overnight: Miriakamba Hut

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the lush montane forest of Arusha National Park. The trail winds past giant fig trees and fern-covered slopes, with frequent opportunities to spot wildlife—giraffes grazing in the distance, colobus monkeys swinging overhead, and a variety of colorful birds flitting through the canopy.

The fresh mountain air and gentle downhill path make this a relaxing conclusion to your Mount Meru trekking adventure. By late morning, you’ll arrive at Momella Gate, where you’ll receive your hard-earned summit certificate—a lasting reminder of your achievement.

From here, your driver will transfer you back to Arusha or Moshi, where you can unwind, celebrate, or continue your travels in Tanzania.

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours