After an early breakfast in Arusha, we’ll drive to Arusha National Park, where your adventure begins at the Momella Gate. After registration, you’ll meet your guide and armed park ranger. The trek starts through open grasslands and dense montane forests, offering excellent wildlife sightings of giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs. As you ascend, enjoy views of waterfalls and ancient fig trees. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay at Miriakamba Hut.

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest

Today’s trek is steeper as you ascend along the crater rim through lush forests and into heathland dotted with giant heather trees. The trail offers stunning views of the Meru Crater, ash cone, and distant Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching Saddle Hut, you’ll rest before an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m) for panoramic sunset views. This helps prepare your body for the final summit push.

Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 8 km
Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland

Summit day begins around midnight to ensure you reach the peak by sunrise. The trail is challenging, with steep ridges leading to Rhinoceros Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m). The final stretch is a thrilling climb along the crater rim to Socialist Peak (4,566m), where you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro and the sprawling landscapes below. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend back to Saddle Hut for a short rest, then continue descending to Momella Gate. Here, you’ll receive your climbing certificate before transferring back to Arusha.

Hiking Time: 10–12 hours
Distance: 20 km
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert to Montane Forest