Day 1: Arusha – Momella Gate – Miriakamba Hut

• Elevation: 1,500m (Momella Gate) → 2,514m (Miriakamba Hut)

• Hiking Distance: ~10 km

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

After a short transfer from Arusha town to Momella Gate, you’ll begin your trek with a park ranger escort due to the abundance of wildlife along the trail. This first day is scenic and rich in biodiversity—you’ll walk through lush rainforests, open grasslands, and past waterfalls, spotting giraffes, warthogs, baboons, antelope, and even buffaloes.

Arrive at Miriakamba Hut, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night. A great day to ease into the trek and enjoy nature.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut – Saddle Hut

• Elevation: 2,514m → 3,570m

• Hiking Distance: ~8 km

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Heath and Moorland

Today’s climb is shorter but steeper. The trail passes through a mix of montane forest and heath, with increasingly open views of the Meru crater and Ash Cone. Keep an eye out for birds and colobus monkeys.

You’ll reach Saddle Hut in the early afternoon. After a short rest, you have the option of a sunset acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820m), a great warm-up for the summit. Return to Saddle Hut for dinner and an early night.

Day 3: Saddle Hut – Socialist Peak (Summit) – Miriakamba Hut

• Elevation: 3,570m → 4,566m (Summit) → 2,514m (Miriakamba)

• Hiking Distance: ~18 km

• Hiking Time: 10–12 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert → Moorland → Forest

Summit day begins around 2:00 AM. With headlamps and layered gear, you’ll ascend past Rhinoceros Point (3,800m) and Cobra Point (4,350m) before reaching the Socialist Peak (4,566m) at sunrise.

From the top, enjoy spectacular 360-degree views—including the cliffs of Meru’s crater, the Ash Cone, and Mount Kilimanjaro floating above the clouds in the east.

After photos and celebrations, descend back to Saddle Hut for a brief rest and then continue down to Miriakamba Hut for your final overnight stay.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut – Momella Gate – Arusha

• Elevation: 2,514m → 1,500m

• Hiking Distance: ~10 km

• Hiking Time: 2–3 hours

After breakfast, begin the final descent back to Momella Gate. Enjoy the peaceful forest walk and last chances to see wildlife along the way. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, then drive back to Arusha for rest or onward travel.