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 Explore open grasslands with cape buffalo, warthogs, and possible sightings of giraffes and elephants
02 Trek through lush montane forest rich in birds and monkeys, including black and white colobus
03 Climb Little Meru for superb sunset views from 3,820 m
04 Reach Socialist Peak at 4,566 m for magnificent views of Kilimanjaro
05 Experience a dramatic ridge walk with striking crater, Ash Cone, and Rift Valley vistas

Embark on a thrilling 3-day Mount Meru trek via the Momela Route, where open grasslands, lush montane forests, and dramatic volcanic landscapes combine in one rewarding climb. Encounter captivating wildlife such as cape buffalo, warthogs, giraffes, and elephants, and trek through bird-rich forest alive with monkeys, including black and white colobus. Ascend Little Meru for superb sunset panoramas before making your early-morning push to Socialist Peak for magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, the crater rim, the Ash Cone, and the Rift Valley. The route's dramatic ridges and ever-changing scenery make this an exhilarating mountain adventure.

Ascend Little Meru for superb sunset panoramas before making your early-morning push to Socialist Peak for magnificent views of Kilimanjaro, the crater rim, the Ash Cone, 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 Wildlife and Forest

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.

Day 02

Steep Climb to Saddle Hut and Sunset on Little Meru

The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep, sustained climb all the way.

Starting through the 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 (3,820 m) for superb views just before sunset.

Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.

Day 03

Summit Socialist Peak and Descend 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. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit.

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 dramatic and exhilarating walks.

Brunch and a brief rest are taken at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut to Arusha.