Arrival:
Airport collection and drive to Marangu district circa 6 kms from Kilimanjaro National Park Overnight in Hotel in Arusha)
Day 1: LODGE/ARUSHA TO MIRIAKAMBA HUT
• Transfer from Hotel in Arusha to the National park Gate in Momella.
• After the park formalities the hiking starts through the lush forest.
• Beginning at Momella gate, the path is not especially steep, and meanders though a pleasant landscape.
• In the lower regions we will see elephant, giraffes and herds of cape buffaloes.
• The path becomes increasingly steeper, and above 2,000m it enters dense rain forest.
• We cross the Ngare-Nanyuki river. Than we reach Miriakamba hut.
• Dinner and overnight at Miriakamba Hut (8,400 ft)
Day 2: MIRIAKAMBA HUT TO SADDLE HUT
• Leaving Miriakamba hut the path becomes steeper and the landscape more varied. Just before Saddle hut the rain forest gives way to a moorland/bush vegitation. The fauna is more varied and interesting.
• The path continues to ascend steeply through the pleasant forest Glades and giant heather up to Saddle Hut.
• A pleasant hiking trail leads us from the gap to Little Meru (3,800m). The view is said to be as beautiful as that from big Mt Meru.
• Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut (11,500 ft).
Day 3: SADDLE HUT TO THE PARK GATE
• To ascend the main peak we start out very early.
• From Saddle hut a steep ascent in short loops, leads us to the gap between Little and Big Mt Meru, from there we continue to rhino point.
• Passing through rock and rubble we reach the main peak (no climbing and easy going).
• When the weather is fine we have a fantastic view of Mt Kilimanjaro and of Arusha National park.
• The same route leads us back to Miriakamba hut and then to the Momella Gate.
• Transfer back to Arusha for overnight at the Lodge. (Arusha)