3 Day Route

Day 1:  PRE-CLIMB ORIENTATION
After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet your Mountain Guides and group leaders where they will discuss the climb program, mountaineering and group expectations, hazards on the mountain, sickness prevention, etc.  The guides will also answer any questions you may have about the climb.  They will also do an equipment and gear check on each climber to make sure you are prepared and have everything you need for the climb.  After pre-climb orientation the day is yours to relax and get well rested before beginning the climb tomorrow. 
Overnight: At a lodge in Arusha
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 2:  DRIVE FROM ARUSHA TOWN TO ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK
(Day 1 on Mountain)
After breakfast, your driver and mountain guide will pick you up and drive you to Arusha National Park where you will check in, register and meet your Armed Ranger.  From here you will drive to the Momella Gate trailhead where you will begin hiking along The Mountain Trail.  You will spend the day hiking through the Rainforest stopping for lunch along the way.  Keep your eyes open for buffalo, giraffe and warthogs as you make you way to Miriakamba Hut for overnight.
Starting Elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500 m)
Ending Elevation: 8,251 feet (2,515 m)
Distance Hiked: 8.7 miles (14 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3:  HIKE FROM MIRIAKAMA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
(Day 2 on Mountain)
After breakfast, you will begin hiking through the Montane Forest along flat land before entering into the Upper Moorlands.  You will hike to Saddle Hut where you will enjoy lunch.  After lunch you will go on an acclimatization hike where you will summit Little Meru at 12,532 feet (3,820 m), returning to Saddle Hut in time for dinner.
Starting Elevation: 8,251 feet (2,515 m)
Ending Elevation: 11,712 feet (3,570 m)
Distance Hiked: 3.7 miles (6 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 3-5 hours to camp; 2 hours for acclimatization hike
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4:  HIKE FROM SADDLE HUT TO THE SUMMIT DOWN TO MOMELLA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
(Day 3 on Mountain)
You will wake at midnight for a light breakfast, leaving at 1:30am to beginning your ascent to Mount Meru’s summit, Socialist Peak.  You will begin the day with a steep climb to Rhino Point at 12,467 feet (3,800 m).  The trails are both rocky and sandy and involve some rock scrambling.  In some places there are steep drops on either side so be sure to follow the green trail makers and your guide.  You will enter into the Alpine Desert before reaching the crater rim around dawn and continue onto Socialist Peak at 14,980 feet (4,566 m). After taking photos and enjoying the view, you will descend down to Saddle Hut for brunch.  You will continue your hike down passing through Miriakamba Hut before hiking through the scrubland to the Montane Forest and finally into the open grassland.  You will hike out using the dirt road passing through the Fig Tree Arch as you exit the Montane Forest.  Keeping your eyes open again for the cape buffalo, giraffe and warthogs.

Upon reaching the exit gate, you will have a short award ceremony where you will receive your certificates for reaching the summits of both Mount Meru and Little Meru. Here you will also sadly say good-bye to your Armed Ranger and climbing crew.  You will meet your driver who will drive you back to Arusha where you will enjoy a nice hot shower and dinner followed by time resting and relaxing.
Starting Elevation: 11,712 feet (3,570 m)
Ending Elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500 m)
Distance Hiked: 15.5 miles (25 km)
Approximate Hiking Time: 13-16 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, and Lunch

Day 5:  BEGIN NEXT DAY ACTIVITIES OR FLY BACK HOME
If you are continuing on for a safari, you will begin the day per what is on your itinerary.  If you are proceeding onto another destination, you will continue on with those plans, and if you are returning home, depending on your flight time, you may be able to spend some time in Arusha before you catch your flight back home with great memories of a huge accomplishment to share with your family and friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast