Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut

Starting in the late morning from Momella Gate (1,500 m), the track soon passes through some open grassland and provides opportunities for game viewing. You can see buffalo, warthogs, elephants, and a variety of other animals before continuing on a steady ascent through the montane forest. You can eat lunch at the famous “Fig Tree.”

The trek continues after lunch through less dense forest, where there are many birds and monkeys, including the black and white Colobus. By mid-afternoon, the first close-up views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone have appeared. Miriakamba hut (2,514 m), located in an idyllic grassy glade, is reached in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and stunning views of Kilimanjaro from the surrounding plains. It takes 4 to 6 hours to walk.

Miriakamba to Saddle Hut

The walk from Miriakamba hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day, but it is all uphill. The path begins in attractive, open, and lush montane forest and continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant Ridge, ascending through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle hut (3,570m). After lunch, you have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the scenery. The ridge is now clearly visible, curving away and up to the summit, though it is still a long way away.

There are excellent views of the crater, with the ash cone rising in the center. The path is a little exposed as it traverses the rocky ridge, but it offers spectacular views of Kenya and the Maasai Hills. After 5 to 6 hours, the summit is reached. The descent follows the same path as the ascent (it is tempting to descend the other ridge to make a traverse, but this is strictly forbidden), and those who are feeling energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820m) for spectacular views just before sunset. It takes between 3 and 5 hours to walk.

Saddle Hut to Summit then Descent

An early start at around 0200 hrs to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m), then along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to Cobra Point (4,350m) at sunrise. The views are breathtaking: the crater rim cliffs, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating in the morning clouds, and, if the weather is clear, the Rift Valley. The summit of Socialist Pak (4,566m) is an hour away on a beautiful but often difficult path.

The walk back to Rhino Point in the early morning light along a narrow ridge between the crater’s sloping outer wall and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of Africa’s most dramatic and captivating walks.

Saddle Hut to Arusha/Moshi

A fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. This trail offers spectacular views of the crater and the National Park’s plains. By late morning, Momella Gate has been reached. It takes 2 to 3 hours to walk. There are two options for descending from here. You can either return the way you came or walk down the jeep road to the lower crater floor. You can visit an impressive waterfall hidden in a ravine not far from the road after passing through the well-known Fig Tree Arch. Your car will be waiting for you at the gate to transport you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.