Itinerary

1. Day 1: Drive from Arusha Momela Gate to Miriakampa Hut

   Starting from Momela Gate, the track passes through open grassland with Cape buffalo and warthogs. With luck, you may also see giraffes and elephants. Continue on a steady climb through the montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous "Fig tree." After lunch, the trek continues through less dense forest, where there are lots of birds and monkeys, including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first close views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakampa Hut, situated in an idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. 

2. Day 2: Hike from Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, Afternoon Hike up Little Meru

   The walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep, sustained climb all the way. Starting through beautiful and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant Back Ridge. It travels uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch. In the afternoon, you can climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight stay at Saddle Hut.

3. Day 3: Hike to Summit then Down to Trailhead, Return to Arusha

   Summit day has an early start at around 12:00 AM. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point, then the path continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. You will enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit depending on your speed. 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 the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakampa Hut and then back to Arusha.