Day 1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters)
You will depart from your hotel in the morning for Momella Gate of Arusha National Park (1,500 meters). After park entrance formalities, you will begin your hike, guided by a park ranger. The track passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to see buffalo, warthogs, and other grazers. The trail continues as a steady climb through montane forest.
You will take lunch near a giant fig tree arch. After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there is an abundance of birds and black and white colobus monkeys. By mid-afternoon, you can see towering cliffs and the ash cone. You will reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. It is a four to six hours of walking.
Day 2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters) to Saddle Hut (3,570 meters)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the Saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep climb. You will slowly ascend through the lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. From there, you will enjoy excellent views of the summit ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues through giant heather and other fascinating moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 meters), where lunch will be provided.
The afternoon is free to relax and to enjoy the views. More energy can make you do a short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 meters) for superb views just before sunset. It is a three to five hours of walking.
Day 3: Saddle Hut (3,570 meters) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters)
You will start early at around 2:00 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3,800 meters), continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 meters) at sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4,566 meters) is an hour further on a good but steep path.
The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. You will enjoy a rest and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters, 10 to 12 hours of walking).
Miriakamba Hut note: the ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point.
Day 4: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 meters) to hotel in Arusha
You will take the direct route down through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the national park. You should reach Momella Gate by late morning (two to three hours of walking). Once you reach the end of the climb, you will be transferred to your hotel.
