Day 1:    PRE-CLIMB ORIENTATION
After a leisurely breakfast, you will meet your mountain guides and group leaders. 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 the pre-climb orientation the day is yours to relax and get well rested before beginning your climb the next day. 
                 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 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 where you will spend your first night on the mountain.
                 Starting Elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500m)
                 Ending Elevation: 8,251 feet (2,515m)
                 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 (3,820m), returning to Saddle Hut in time for dinner.
                 Starting Elevation: 8,251 feet (2,515m)
                 Ending Elevation: 11,712 feet (3,570m)
                 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 1:30 a.m. to begin 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 (3,800m).  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 (4,566m). 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.  Keep your eyes open again for the Cape Buffalo, giraffe and warthogs.

After reaching the exit gate, you will have an 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 the 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 resting and relaxing time.
                 Starting Elevation: 11,712 feet (3,570m)
                 Ending Elevation: 4,921 feet (1,500m)
                 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 to do safari, you will begin the day per your itinerary. 

If you are proceeding onto another destination, you will continue on with those plans. If you are returning home, you may be able to spend some time in Arusha before you catch your flight back home loaded with memories of an incredible accomplishment to share with your family and friends.
                 Included Meals: Breakfast