In the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel or the airport and driven directly to the trailhead in Arusha National Park, which typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the journey, keep an eye out for giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife.

Upon reaching Momella Gate, your guides will manage the entry permits, marking the beginning of your trek to Miriakamba Huts. An armed park ranger will accompany your group from here onwards. As you cross open grasslands, you might spot giraffes and buffaloes once more. After about 2 hours of hiking, you'll reach the serene Maio Falls, a perfect spot for a rest and a picnic. Continuing your trek, you'll head towards the famous "fig tree arch" before finally reaching Miriakamba Huts in time for afternoon tea and snacks.

The hike from Momela Gate to Miriakamba Huts covers 10km, with an elevation change from 1,387m to 2,514m. Plan for approximately 6 hours of hiking through the diverse habitats of grassland and rainforest.

Accommodation:

Miriakamba Hut

Budget mountain hut located on Mt Meru

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

After breakfast, you'll ascend along wooden steps on a steep trail. With the increase in altitude, the air will feel cooler compared to the previous day, and walking may seem more manageable. In the rainforest, low-hanging clouds create a mystical atmosphere amidst the lush greenery. After about 2 hours of uphill trekking, you'll reach the "Mgongo wa Tembo" (elephant back) viewpoint at 3,200m, offering a perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate. As you continue, the vegetation transitions from rainforest to heather and moorland, and you'll likely arrive at Saddle Huts around midday.

At Saddle Huts, our team will serve you a hearty meal before an early bedtime, as your wake-up call will be just after midnight.

The hike from Miriakamba Huts to Saddle Huts covers 8km, with an elevation change from 2,514m to 3,570m. Expect approximately 5 hours of hiking through the habitats of moorland and heath.

Accommodation:

Saddle Hut

Budget mountain hut located on Mt Meru

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Shortly, you'll begin your ascent to Socialist Peak at midnight, anticipating a challenging journey ahead. Guided by headlamps, the trail leads through bushland to Rhino Point (3,821m), where caution is crucial due to steep sections. After 4 to 5 hours, you'll reach the summit, Socialist Peak, greeted by the sunrise casting its glow over Mount Kilimanjaro and offering a stunning panorama of Mount Meru's crater. The descent retraces your steps to Saddle Huts, where you'll replenish with hot soup and tea before continuing to Miriakamba Hut.

Distance: Saddle Huts to Socialist Peak: 6km, to Miriakamba Hut: 19km

Elevation Change: Saddle Huts (3,570m) – Socialist Peak (4,565m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514m)

Duration: 10 to 12 hours

Habitat: Heath, alpine, rainforest.

Accommodation:

Miriakamba Hut

Budget mountain hut located on Mt Meru

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Today, following breakfast, you'll embark on the hike back down to Momella Gate. The early start promises an incredible wildlife spectacle as animals become more active during this time.

Upon reaching Momella Gate, an African Wanderlust Adventures team vehicle will be ready to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Distance: Miriakamba Huts (2,514m) to Momela Gate (1,387m)

Duration: 6 hours

Habitat: Grassland and rainforest.

Main Destination:

Mount Meru

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)

Drinking water (Other drinks not included)