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 a steady climb through the Montane forest. You can have your lunch at the famous “Fig tree”. After lunch, the trek continues through the 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. 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.

   Elevation (m): (1,387m to (1,500m)

   Elevation (ft): 4,921ft) to 3,000ft )

   Distance: 10 km

   Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

   Habitat: Montane Forest

   Budget Lodging: Miriakampa Hut

2. Day 2: Hike 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. 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 do the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru(3,820m) for superb views just before sunset—dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

   Elevation (m): 2,514 m to 3,570 m

   Elevation (ft): 8,250 ft to 11,712 ft

   Distance: 8 km

   Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

   Habitat: Forest and Moorland

   Budget Lodging: Saddle Hut

3. Day 3: Hike to Summit then down to trail head, return to Arusha

   • Summit Day has an early start at around 12:00AM. 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 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 crater's sloping outer wall and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of Africa's most scenic and exhilarating walks. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakampa Hut to Arusha.

   Elevation (m): 3,570 m to 4,565m to 2,514m

   Elevation (ft): 14,977ft to 11,712 ft to 8,250ft

   Distance: 5 km up 13 km down

   Hiking Time: 12 – 14 hours

   Habitat: Alpine Desert Moorland and Montane forest