Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)
Hiking time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Weather: Warm and humid in the rainforest; afternoon showers possible.
Acclimatization: First altitude gain—walk slowly and hydrate often.
Your trek begins at Momella Gate in Arusha National Park, where registration and a safety briefing take place. With an armed ranger escort (for wildlife encounters), you’ll hike through lush rainforest and open savannah, spotting giraffes, buffalo, and playful monkeys along the way. The trail climbs steadily, with views of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, before reaching Miriakamba Hut, your first overnight stay inside the forest zone.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514m) to Saddle Hut (3,570m)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km
Weather: Cooler with clear skies; cold evenings.
Acclimatization: Moderate altitude gain—take steady steps and rest often.
Leaving the dense forest, today’s route climbs steeply through montane heathland, passing giant heathers and volcanic ridges. Stunning views open up over Meru’s dramatic crater and the towering Ash Cone. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Saddle Hut, situated between Little Meru and the main peak. For acclimatization, many trekkers take a short hike to Little Meru (3,820m), where a spectacular sunset awaits.
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570m) to Socialist Peak (4,566m), then down to Momella Gate (1,500m)
Hiking time: 12–14 hours total
Distance: ~26 km (ascent + full descent)
Weather: Freezing cold before dawn (-5°C to -15°C); clear skies at sunrise; warmer on descent.
Acclimatization: Summit push—move slowly, breathe deeply, and conserve energy.
Summit day begins around midnight with a steep, challenging climb via Rhino Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). The trail is demanding, with narrow ridges and rocky scrambles, but the reward is unforgettable—a golden sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and breathtaking views of Meru’s crater and the vast plains below. From Socialist Peak (4,566m), take in panoramic scenery before descending carefully back to Saddle Hut for a short rest. From there, continue the long descent past Miriakamba Hut and onward to Momella Gate, where you’ll sign out, receive your trekking certificate, and transfer back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.