Mount Meru Mountain Trail

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Check-in begins at 2:00 pm. In the evening, join a briefing with the climbing team who will provide essential information about your upcoming ascent and help ensure you are fully prepared. For details on what to bring, please refer to the ‘What do I need to bring’ section. You will spend the night in Moshi.

After an early breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Momella Gate (1,500m) in Arusha National Park. While the porters organise and pack your belongings for the hike, you and your guide will register with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The first day’s trek resembles a walking safari, with opportunities to spot giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo and possibly elephants along the trail. An armed ranger, provided by the National Park, will accompany us throughout the hike for safety. As we continue, we will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a scenic waterfall at the base of Mount Meru. We will reach Miriakamba Hut (2,500m) after approximately 4 to 5 hours of hiking over 10 kilometres, where your chef will prepare a hot dinner and provide warm water. This first day involves an elevation gain from 1,500m to 2,500m. You will spend the night at Miriakamba Hut.

After breakfast, we begin the ascent along the steep ridge of the saddle, where you may spot various wildlife en route. The trail offers impressive views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone as we make our way to Saddle Hut at 3,550 metres. Upon arrival, you have the option to join a guided hike to Little Meru (3,820 metres) to aid further acclimatisation. An early dinner will be served to ensure you get plenty of rest ahead of the midnight summit attempt. The day’s hike covers 5 kilometres and typically takes 3 to 4 hours. Overnight is at Saddle Hut.

We begin just after midnight with a steep one-hour climb to Rhino Point at 3,800 metres. From there, the trail follows a ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point at 4,350 metres. The final ascent to Socialist Peak, the highest point at 4,562 metres, takes about an hour along a challenging path offering spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your pace, you may witness sunrise either at Cobra Point or the summit itself. The panorama includes the crater rim cliffs, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro emerging above the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley beyond. The return journey to Rhino Point in daylight is a thrilling walk along a narrow ridge between the crater’s outer wall and inner cliffs. After a brunch and short rest at Saddle Hut, we continue descending to Momella Gate at 1,500 metres. Upon arrival, the group will celebrate your achievement before transferring back to Moshi town. The day covers approximately 16 kilometres and takes 12 to 14 hours. There is an option to add an extra acclimatisation night between this day and the next at an additional cost, which would shift the schedule accordingly.

After a hearty breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Please note that hotel check-out is at 11:00 am. If your flight departs later in the day, you may opt to extend your stay with a late check-out for an additional fee.