Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Momella Gate in Arusha National
Park. At this time, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you and your guide register
with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). The first day of hiking is similar to a walking safari; you should expect to
see giraffes, zebras, antelope, buffalo, and potentially elephants near the trail. Due to the high possibility of
spotting wildlife, an armed ranger, hired through the National Park, is required to hike with our team for the
duration of the hike. As you continue hiking, you will pass the Ngarenanyuki River and a beautiful waterfall at the
base of Mt. Meru. Upon arriving to Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m), your chef will prepare a hot dinner and warm water
for you.
This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions
from this point on:
• Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
• Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
• Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the
morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We
recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a
reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into
account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attentionguide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Change in Elevation: Momella Gate (1,500 m) — Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours 

After breakfast, you will start ascending up the steep trail along the ridge of the saddle. You may see various
wildlife along the way! The trail has amazing views of Meru Crater and the Ash Cone. When you arrive at camp,
you have the option of hiking Little Meru (3,820 m) with your guide to further acclimate. You will be served an
early dinner, so you can receive ample rest before your midnight summit attempt.
Change in Elevation: Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m) — Saddle Hut (3,550 m)
Hiking distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours 

Summiting has an early start at around 00:00. There is a 1-hour steep climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then the path
continues along a ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m). The summit of Socialist Peak (4,562 m) is an
hour further on a steep path with magnificent views of Kilimanjaro. Depending on your speed, you can enjoy
sunrise at Cobra Point or the summit. 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 the Rift Valley. The route back to Rhino Point in the
morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the cliffs of the inner wall is
one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Brunch and a brief rest is taken at Saddle Hut before
continuing the descent to Momella Gate. After your descent the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and
then you will be transferred to Moshi or Arusha town.
Change in Elevation: Saddle Hut (3,550 m) — Socialist Peak (4,562 m) — Momella Gate (1,500 m)
Hiking distance: 16 km
Hiking time: 12–14 hours 

Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport