4 Day Momella Route
The 4 day Mount Meru trek via the Momella Route is a scenic and rewarding journey through Arusha National Park, leading to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) the summit of Tanzania’s second highest mountain. Starting at Momella Gate, the trail passes through forests, grasslands, and alpine zones, with chances to see giraffes, buffaloes, monkeys, and a variety of birds. Hikers overnight at Miriakamba Hut and Saddle Hut, with an optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru. The early morning summit push offers breathtaking sunrise views over Mount Kilimanjaro and the Meru Crater. An armed ranger accompanies all treks for safety due to wildlife. This itinerary provides excellent acclimatization, rich natural beauty, and an unforgettable adventure.
Itinerary for 4 Day Momella Route
Day 1 begins with a transfer to Momella Gate (1,500 m) inside Arusha National Park, where trekkers register and meet their guides and an armed ranger. The hike starts through open grasslands and montane forest, with the possibility of seeing giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various bird species. The trail gently ascends through lush scenery and past waterfalls like Maio Falls and the Fig Tree Arch. After about 4–6 hours of hiking, trekkers arrive at Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m), where they’ll spend the night, enjoying views of the Meru Crater and surrounding landscapes.
Day 2, the trek continues from Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut (3,570 m). The trail becomes steeper and passes through dense forest into heath and moorland zones. Along the way, hikers may stop at viewpoints like Elephant Ridge to admire the crater below. After reaching Saddle Hut in the early afternoon, climbers have the option of doing an acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 m), which offers great views and helps the body prepare for the higher elevation of summit day.
Day 3 is summit day, and it begins around midnight with a challenging ascent to Socialist Peak (4,566 m). The trail winds along a rocky ridge, with steep switchbacks and dramatic views of the inner crater and ash cone. After 5–6 hours of climbing, trekkers reach the summit just in time for sunrise, where breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Meru Crater await. After a short break and photos at the summit, climbers descend back to Saddle Hut for a brief rest, then continue further down to Miriakamba Hut for the final overnight stay.
Day 4, the journey concludes with a gentle descent back to Momella Gate, typically via the upper trail through beautiful forest scenery. The hike takes about 2–4 hours, and upon arrival at the gate, climbers sign out, receive their certificates, and are transferred back to Arusha. This marks the end of an unforgettable trek through one of Tanzania’s most scenic and wildlife-rich mountains.
Park entry fees for Arusha National Park
Rescue fees
Professional mountain guide(s) and armed park ranger
Porters and cook(s)
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Travel insurance and medical evacuation
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, hiking boots, poles, etc.)