3-Day Mount Meru Trek via Momella Route with Socialist Peak Summit

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, with 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): 1,387 m to 1,500 m

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

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Budget Lodging: Miriakampa Hut

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 (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset. Dinner and overnight are 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

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 (4,566 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 are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakampa Hut and onward to Arusha.

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

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

Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down

Hiking Time: 12 - 14 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert, Moorland, and Montane Forest