You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Momela Gate to start your climb. Walking through forest towards the floor of Meru Crater, the 4 to 5 hour (10k) route takes you on a steep ascent to Miriakamba Hut. On the way you may see buffalo, views of Momela Lakes and Mt. Kilimanjaro in the distance. From your base at Miriakamba you can walk to the Crater floor or to Njeku Viewpoint where you will see excellent views of a waterfall, the Ash Cone and crater.
After breakfast you will begin your walk on a steep path that takes you through lush forest, shady glades and across dry streams to reach Saddle Hut. It takes approximately 2 to 3 hours (4k) to reach the Hut, but you can extend your walk to visit a Maasai village or ascend to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m) to help acclimatization.
You will start the ascent to the summit in the early morning hours in order to see the sun rising behind Mt. Kilimanjaro. The route is along a narrow ridge. Slopes of the mountain are on one side of you and the sheer cliffs of the crater are on the other, making this is a dramatic and exhilarating walk. You reach the summit at Socialist Point (4,565m) in approximately 4 to 5 hours (5k). The descent back to Saddle Hut will take 2 to 3 hours.
After breakfast you will begin retracing your steps to Miriakamba Hut. Then, by taking a direct route through the forest, you will return to Momela Gate in approximately 4 to 5 hours. On the lower levels you may see Giraffe and zebra grazing on the open grassland. We’ll have lunch at the gate before proceeding to your hotel or lodge in Moshi where you can refresh and relax in your day room. If you’re continuings with one of our scheduled departures you’ll overnight and begin your wildlife safari the next day. Otherwise you’ll continue according with to your onward arrangements.
