We leave Nairobi at 6:30 a.m., bound for Arusha, Tanzania, where we will meet our mountain guides for a briefing. Thereafter, we shall have dinner and stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we shall board transfer vehicles from Arusha to Momella Gate, an hour and a half’s drive. At the gate, our lead guide will help process our registration and admission into the park.

We shall then begin our walk through lush forest, teeming with wildlife and birds. You should anticipate to spot giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. Don’t worry, an armed ranger will accompany us for security. We shall carry a packed lunch on the trail and have hot meals and beverages when we get to Miriakamba Hut.

Terrain: Forest | Distance: 11km | Elevation Gain: 1,000m | Time: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, we continue our trek on a steep path in the forest. Anticipate to spot some more wildlife along the way. The trail is thoughtfully chosen to deliver breathtaking views of the Mount Meru crater and ash tray.

We expect to arrive at the base camp, Saddle Hut, in time for lunch. After lunch and some rest, feel free to join the group for an acclimatization hike to the summit of Little Meru (3,820m). The reward of breathtaking views across the surrounding plains awaits. Thereafter, we shall have early dinner and retire in anticipation of the early morning summit push.

Terrain: Forest | Distance: 6km | Elevation Gain: 1,000m | Time 4–6 hours

We shall wake up at half past midnight and ready up for the summit push starting an hour later. We shall have only tea and light snacks to ensure we are in perfect shape for the arduous task ahead.

Our first challenge is to cross the steep trail to Rhino Point (3,800m) and then to Cobra Point (4,350m). Next, we take a rocky ridge between the inner cliffs and the crater to take us to the summit of Mount Meru just in time for a glorious sunrise.

Expect breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro from a distance and the heavenly views of the entire Mount Meru from up there. After savoring our summit moments, we shall begin our descent back to Saddle Hut for brunch before continuing down to Miriakamba Hut, where we shall spend the last night.

Terrain: Alpine Desert | Distance: 5km up, 13km down | Elevation Gain: 1,066m | Time: 10–12 hours

After breakfast, we shall take a shorter route back to Momella Gate via Tululunsi Waterfalls. You should still anticipate animal sightings along the way—this mountain is so alive!

At the gate, we shall have a brief thanksgiving and farewell ceremony with the crew and then board our transfer vehicles back to Arusha for the last night at the hotel.

Distance: 7km | Time: 4–5 hours

After an early breakfast, we will be picked up from the hotel for our return trip home. We hope to come back with hearts fuller and souls richer, having unlocked our mountains on Mount Meru.