4-Day Mount Meru Trek from Momella Gate to the 4566m Summit

• Visitors spend the first night at Miriakamba Hut (2500m) after starting from Momella Gate. There are two routes to Miriakamba: the southern route and the northern route. The southern route takes about 5 hours from Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut. Through this route, visitors have a chance to see almost all mammals found in the forest. Therefore, you can see many birds, including birds of prey. It is also possible to see several species of butterflies such as Mocker Swallow-tailed, Soldier commodores, Blue Swallow-tailed, Golden-winged forester, Mother of pearl, and more.
• The shorter and steeper route takes 3-4 hours from Momella Gate to Miriakamba. Along the way, you can enjoy great views of Mt Kilimanjaro and the Momella Lakes. Common mammals along this route are Cape buffalo, Maasai giraffe, warthogs, and bushbuck. Birds present include Hartlaub's turaco, white-fronted bee-eaters, fiscal shrike, tropical boubou, stone chat, and variable sunbirds olive pigeon.

Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut.

• Trek for 3-4 hours. Along this portion of the route, visitors enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Momella Lakes, Meru Crater, Ashcone, Mt Meru Cliff, and Little Meru. Through the forest, common animals include buffalo, bushbuck, and black-and-white colobus. Spot attractive wildflowers such as Impatiens species, red hot poker, orchids, fireball, and lily - as well as shrubs such as Erica arborea, Stoebe Kilimandscharica, and others. The trail takes visitors through striking tree species such as Hagenia abyssinica and Podocarpus.
• You will arrive at noon, have lunch, and then begin the ascent of Little Meru, which is possible even during the afternoon. After a short Little Meru trek, you will return to Saddle.

Dinner and overnight.

• Start for the summit in the early morning. This is where visitors enjoy the finest views of Mt Kilimanjaro, Little Meru, Meru Crater, and Ashcone.
• Spot birds such as white-necked ravens, bearded vultures, stone chat, cliff chat, and alpine swift in these higher elevations. While walking along the trail to Saddle, it is possible to step among wildflowers like Alchemilla Helocysum and iris flowers.
• After reaching the summit at 4566m, you will walk all the way back down to Saddle for lunch and a bit of sleep, and then proceed to Miriakamba.

Dinner and overnight.

• Take your time to enjoy the scenic beauty and occasional sightings of game.
• You will find your porters and the transfer car waiting for you at the gate.
• Drive back to your hotel for a shower and to relax.