Mountain Trekking 
Momella Route
The only route up Mount Meru: through wildlife-rich forest to Miriakamba and Saddle huts, then along the crater rim to Socialist Peak.
Days3–4
Distance44 km
DifficultyChallenging
SleepingMountain huts
CrowdsQuiet
About the route
The Momella route starts at Momella Gate on the eastern side of Arusha National Park and is the only way up the mountain. The first day crosses open grassland and forest where buffalo, giraffe and warthog graze, with your ranger leading the way, to Miriakamba Hut.
From Miriakamba the trail climbs steeply through cloud forest hung with moss to Saddle Hut, between Meru and Little Meru. Summit night starts around 1 am: you climb to Rhino Point and follow the narrow, exposed rim of the crater to Socialist Peak at 4,566 m, arriving as the sun rises behind Kilimanjaro.
We recommend the four-day version, which spends the summit afternoon descending to Miriakamba rather than rushing down to the gate.
Highlights
- Walk among buffalo and giraffe with an armed ranger
- Comfortable huts at Miriakamba and Saddle
- The crater rim from Rhino Point to the summit
- Sunrise over Kilimanjaro from Socialist Peak
Map
Map of the Momella Route
Press a camp on the map or in the list below to see its altitude.
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Trail lines and camps: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Altitudes from park signposts where available.
Altitude profile
Day by day
The Momella Route in 4 days
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Day1
Momella Gate to Miriakamba Hut
From Momella Gate (1,500 m) you walk with an armed ranger through grassland and forest, passing a giant fig tree arch and waterfalls, to Miriakamba Hut. Wildlife sightings are common on this day.
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Day2
Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut
A steep climb through cloud forest hung with lichen brings you to Saddle Hut by lunch. In the afternoon an optional walk up Little Meru (3,820 m) helps with acclimatisation and gives views of the crater.
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Day3
Summit day: Socialist Peak, then down to Miriakamba
You leave around 1 am and climb to Rhino Point (3,800 m), then follow the crater rim, with the ash cone below, to Socialist Peak (4,566 m) for sunrise over Kilimanjaro. After the descent to Saddle Hut and a meal, you continue down to Miriakamba.
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Day4
Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate
An easy morning descent through forest and grassland, often with more wildlife, to Momella Gate and your transfer to Arusha.
Our climbs
Climb Momella Route with us
Guided climbs on fixed itineraries, each one tailored to your dates and pace.
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