Day 1: Arusha (1400m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 5-7 hours of hiking

After early morning breakfast in Arusha (1400m), you will be picked up from your hotel and brought to the Momella Gate in Arusha National Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). You will then begin your ascent in Arusha National Park. The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving at Miriakamba Hut (2500m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and washing water for you. Enjoy the beautiful sunset and overnight.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2500m) – Saddle Hut (3500m)

Duration: 3-5 hours of hiking

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various wildlife along the way! The trail has views of Mt. Meru Crater and the Ash Tray. When you arrive at camp, you have the option of hiking Little Mt. Meru (3820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt. Get to sleep by 19h00!

Day 3: Saddle Hut (3500m) – Summit Attempt (4566m) – Miriakamba Hut (2500m)

Duration: 12-14 hours of hiking

An early start at around 0200 hrs to climb steeply to rhino point {3’800 m} the trail continues along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to achieve Cobra Point {4’350 m.} at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and thus the valley if the weather is obvious. The summit of Socialist Pak {4’566 m} is an hour more on an outstanding but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point within the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and thus the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the foremost dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

A fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the park. Momella Gate is reached by late morning. It takes about 2 to three hours to walk. Descent 1’014 m.