Tanzania · Trekking

3-Day Mount Meru Trek via Momela Route with Wildlife and Sunrise

3 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Spot giraffes, elephants, buffalo, warthogs, and monkeys along the route
02 See towering cliffs, the Ash Cone, and plains stretching towards Kilimanjaro
03 Climb to Little Meru for superb sunset views
04 Reach Socialist Peak for stunning sunrise panoramas
05 Experience the dramatic ridge walk between the crater walls

Embark on a thrilling 3-day trek to Mount Meru via the Momela Route. Encounter diverse wildlife as you hike through open grasslands, lush montane forest, and moorlands on your way to the summit. Enjoy unforgettable sunsets, dramatic ridge walks, and stunning views of the Ash Cone, the crater rim, the Rift Valley, and Kilimanjaro. This is a memorable adventure through Tanzania's breathtaking landscapes.

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.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive from Arusha to Momela Gate and Trek 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.

Day 02

Hike to Saddle Hut and Climb 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.

Day 03

Summit Socialist Peak and 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.