Itinerary

1. Day 1: Drive from Arusha Momela Gate to Miriakamba 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 a steady climb through the montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch, the trekking continues through less dense forest, where there are many birds and monkeys, including the black and white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you will have your first close view of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. Miriakamba 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 Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

   The walk from Miriakamba 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 and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut for lunch. In the afternoon, you can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru(3,820m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

3. Day 3: Hike to Summit - Return to Arusha

   Summit day has an early start at around 12:00 a.m. 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 (4,566 m) is an hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. You can 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 crater's sloping outer wall 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 Miriakamba Hut to Arusha.