Get ready for an exhilarating journey as you hike from Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut, nestled below the impressive Little Meru. This section of the trek features a steep and sustained ascent that promises both challenge and reward.

Your adventure begins amidst the enchanting montane forest, where the air is crisp and the vibrant greenery surrounds you. As you make your way beyond the halfway point at Elephant Back Ridge, the trail continues to climb through majestic giant heather and diverse moorland vegetation. You’ll soon arrive at Saddle Hut, where a delicious lunch awaits, offering the perfect opportunity to recharge and take in the stunning views.

In the afternoon, prepare for a short but exhilarating ascent to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft). This climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes, and it takes about one hour to reach the summit, with a swift 30-minute descent. The elevation gain of 1,056 m / 3,465 ft is an accomplishment that offers a profound sense of connection to the majestic beauty of Mount Meru.

The Summit Day begins early at around midnight. The adventure starts with a steep one-hour ascent to Rhino Point (3,800m / 12,467ft), followed by a path along a ridge of ash and rock that leads to Cobra Point (4,350m / 14,272ft). From there, the summit of Socialist Peak (4,566m) is about an hour away, with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro along the way. Depending on your pace, you can enjoy a stunning sunrise at either Cobra Point or the summit, with the awe-inspiring sights of the Crater Rim’s cliffs, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating amidst morning clouds, and the expanse of the Rift Valley.

The descent back to Rhino Point is a thrilling experience, as you walk along a narrow ridge between the outer crater wall’s slopes and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, bathed in sharp morning light. After a well-deserved brunch and rest at Saddle Hut, the journey continues down to Miriakamba Hut. For those seeking a slightly easier option, you can start the trek at 5:00 AM, reaching Rhino Point in time for sunrise, followed by breakfast at Saddle Hut before beginning the descent. Please note, in icy conditions or strong winds, it may be impossible to progress beyond Rhino Point.

From Miriakamba Hut you have two options for your descent. You can retrace your steps or take the jeep road, which leads to the lower crater floor. Along the way, you’ll pass through the famous Fig Tree Arch and can visit a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a nearby ravine. The fast descent through open grasslands and mixed forest offers a good chance to spot wildlife and provides stunning views back towards the crater and the plains of Arusha National Park. You’ll enjoy lunch on the way down, arriving at Momela Gate by mid-day or afternoon.