Day 1: Momella Gate (1,500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)

Your adventure begins with a morning arrival at Momella Gate, where you’ll start your ascent through open grasslands teeming with wildlife such as buffalo, warthogs, elephants, and various antelope.

The trail then winds through montane forest, offering shade, serenity, and the chance to spot black-and-white colobus monkeys and vibrant bird species. Midway, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch under the famous Fig Tree Arch.

After lunch, the path leads through slightly less dense forest. As you gain elevation, you’ll enjoy the first views of towering cliffs and the Ash Cone rising from the crater. Your destination for the night is Miriakamba Hut, set in an open glade with panoramic views stretching across the plains toward Mount Kilimanjaro.

• 🕐 Hiking Time: 4–6 hours

• ⬆ Elevation Gain: +1,014 m

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut (3,570 m)

Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, ascending from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut, nestled below the summit of Little Meru. The trail passes through lush montane forest, with a midway stop at Elephant Ridge before continuing into high-altitude moorland and giant heather.

After a warm lunch at Saddle Hut, the afternoon is free to rest or take on an optional sunset hike to Little Meru (3,820 m). This 1.5-hour round trip offers breathtaking sunset views over Mount Kilimanjaro, the Rift Valley, and the Maasai Hills of Kenya.

• 🕐 Hiking Time: 3–5 hours

• ⬆ Elevation Gain: +1,056 m

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (4,566 m) – Momella Gate

Your summit bid starts in the early hours around 2:00 AM, climbing steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 m) and continuing along a narrow, rocky ridge to Cobra Point (4,350 m) in time for sunrise.

As dawn breaks, the views are magical—Mount Kilimanjaro hovering above the clouds, the Ash Cone below, and panoramic views over the Crater Rim and surrounding landscapes. The final ascent to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) is steep but rewarding, offering one of East Africa’s most unforgettable vistas.

The descent retraces your route via Rhino Point and Saddle Hut, followed by a rapid descent through grasslands and forest trails. Along the way, you may spot wildlife and enjoy views back toward Mount Meru Crater. You’ll reach Momella Gate by late morning for transfer back to Arusha or Moshi.

• 🕐 Hiking Time: 8–10 hours total

• ⬆ Total Ascent: +996 m

• ⬇ Descent: -1,014 m