Itinerary

1. Day 1: Explore Arusha National Park Gate

   • The trek begins at Momella Gate, within Arusha National Park, with a Tanzanian guide accompanied by an armed park ranger. 

   • Walking through the grasslands towards the Acacia forest on the southern route, giraffes and buffaloes may be spotted lazily grazing on the lush vegetation.

   • After a 2-hour climb, reach Maio Falls and enjoy some picturesque meadows that are a perfect place for a picnic.

   • The trek continues through the fig tree arch, an unusual tree formation created by the wild fig Ficus Thonningii.

   • After another 1½ - 2 hours, you will reach the Miriakamba Hut. 

2. Day 2: Trek to Saddle Hut

   • In the morning, you will leave the Miriakamba Hut behind, and the trek continues on wooden steps along a steep track. The shift in altitude brings about a noticeable drop in temperature, and walking may seem more accessible.

   • After approximately 2 hours, the uphill trek goes to vantage point Mgongo wa Tembo at an elevation of 3200m.

   • After another hike in which the vegetation changes from rainforest into airy bushland, you will reach Saddle Hut (3550m) midday for a relaxing lunch break. 

   • In the afternoon, you have the option of a side trip to Little Meru (3820m), which takes approx. 1 - 1 ½ hours and from where you can have beautiful views of Arusha National Park and the Kilimanjaro about 80 km away.

3. Day 3: Hike to Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru

   • After an early start with tea and biscuits, you will leave for the summit at 02:00 am. The trek follows the trail through bushland to Rhino Point (3,821 m). The path becomes more challenging, and occasionally climbing will be required. Following the crater rim, trek on frozen volcanic ash and rocks before reaching the summit.

   • After 4-5 hours, witness breath-taking views of the sun rising above Mt Kilimanjaro and of Mt Meru’s crater with its steep sides and the ash cone in the middle. 

   • The descent follows the same route back to Saddle Hut (3550m), where you will take a well-deserved long break and recuperate with hot soup and tea.

   • In the early afternoon, head towards Miriakamba Hut (2500m). 

4. Day 4: Drive back to Arusha National Park Gate

   • The final descent is via the northern route back to the Momella gate. On this 2 to 3 hour trek, there is the chance to see giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, as well as the black and white colobus monkeys.

   • Drive back to Arusha National Park Gate.