3 Days Mount Meru Climb from Arusha

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Arusha to Momella Gate, where your trek officially starts. The trail takes you through open grasslands where you might spot cape buffalo, warthogs, and—if you're lucky—even giraffes or elephants. As you ascend steadily through the lush montane forest, you'll stop for lunch beneath the iconic "Fig Tree," a natural archway formed by the roots of a giant tree. Afterward, the trail becomes less dense, revealing a lively world of birds and playful monkeys, including the striking black-and-white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you’ll get your first breathtaking views of Mount Meru’s towering cliffs and the Ash Cone before reaching Miriakamba Huts. Here, you can relax in an open, grassy clearing and take in the stunning views stretching toward Kilimanjaro.

After breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent with a challenging yet rewarding hike to Saddle Huts. The trail is steep but passes through some of the most beautiful forested landscapes on the mountain. Halfway up, you’ll reach Elephant Back Ridge, a great spot to catch your breath and take in the views. As you climb higher, the scenery transitions into a unique moorland zone filled with giant heather and alpine plants. Upon arriving at Saddle Hut, you’ll enjoy lunch and a well-earned rest. In the afternoon, a short hike to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820m / 12,533ft) offers panoramic views and a great acclimatization opportunity. It’s a 1-hour ascent and a 30-minute descent—perfect for stretching your legs before the big summit push.

Summit day begins early—around midnight—as you set off under the starlit sky. The first challenge is a steep 1-hour climb to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), followed by an exhilarating ridge walk past Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). The final push to Socialist Peak (4,566m / 14,980ft) is steep but incredibly rewarding, with jaw-dropping sunrise views over Kilimanjaro, the Ash Cone, and the surrounding landscapes. After soaking in the moment, you’ll descend back to Saddle Huts for a well-deserved brunch and a short rest before continuing down to Miriakamba Huts. By the afternoon, you’ll arrive back at Momella Gate, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha.