3 Days Meru
Day 1: Moshi to Miriakamba Huts (2514m)
- Start : Moshi
- End : Miriakamba Huts (2514m)
- Distance : Approximately 13.6km
- Elevation Gain : 906m
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Moshi and driven to Arusha National Park, which is about an hour away. Upon arrival at the Momela Gate, you’ll register and be joined by an armed ranger who will accompany you on the trek. Unlike Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru has a single ascent and descent route, with the exception of the path from Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut, where you can choose between two routes. We recommend taking the longer route on the ascent to allow more time for acclimatization. Today’s hike takes you from the forest to the crater floor, ascending to Miriakamba Hut. Enjoy a lunch box en route and a hot dinner prepared by your mountain chef at the hut.
Day 2: Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts (3569m)
- Start: Miriakamba Huts (2514m)
- End: Saddle Huts (3569m)
- Distance : Approximately 6km
- Elevation Gain : 1057m
Today’s shorter hike takes about 3-4 hours, climbing through grasslands with the possibility of spotting elephants or zebras. You’ll reach the Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) for lunch with fantastic views over the crater. The scenery transitions to alpine desert as you ascend to Saddle Huts. Spend the afternoon enjoying the views and taking an acclimatization trip to Little Meru (3820m). Dinner will be prepared for you, and you’ll rest up for the summit climb.
Day 3: Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak (4566m) and Descent to Momela
- Summit Start: Saddle Huts (3569m)
- Summit End: Socialist Peak (4566m)
- Distance to Summit: Approximately 5.5km
- Hiking Time to Summit: 5-6 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent
- Descent Start: Socialist Peak (4566m)
- Descent End: Miriakamba Huts (2514m)
Your guide will wake you at midnight for tea and snacks before starting the ascent. The climb begins steeply, transitioning from bushy vegetation to rocky ridge as you reach Rhino Point. The trail then drops and rises steeply over bare rock and scree to reach Socialist Peak. Enjoy the sunrise with stunning views of Kilimanjaro, the crater, and Arusha town. After the summit, descend back to Saddle Huts for a well-deserved hot lunch. Take a couple of hours to rest before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Huts for dinner and an overnight stay.
For those wishing to do just 3 days: After a short rest at Saddle Huts, descend all the way to Momela Gate.
