Tanzania · Trekking

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

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 views just before sunset
04 Reach Socialist Peak for stunning sunrise views of Kilimanjaro and the Rift Valley
05 Experience the dramatic ridge walk between the crater's outer and inner walls

Join us on a thrilling 3-day trek to Mount Meru via the Momela Route. Encounter diverse wildlife as you hike through lush montane forest and moorland, with views of towering cliffs, the Ash Cone, and the plains towards Kilimanjaro. Climb to Little Meru for superb sunset views before making your summit push to Socialist Peak for a stunning sunrise. This memorable adventure combines wildlife, dramatic ridge walks, and Tanzania's breathtaking mountain landscapes.

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.

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

Momela Gate to Miriakamba Hut through Forest and Grassland

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 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. 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.

Day 02

Climb to Saddle Hut and Hike up Little Meru

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep, sustained climb. Starting through a 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 Descend 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 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 and then back to Arusha.