Starting at Momela Gate, the trail begins through open grasslands where you may spot cape buffalo, warthogs, and, with some luck, giraffes and elephants grazing in the distance. As you continue, the trail steadily ascends into the montane forest, home to a variety of wildlife. Stop for lunch at the famous "Fig Tree," a great spot to rest and enjoy your surroundings.

After lunch, the trek continues through a less dense forest, teeming with birdlife and playful monkeys, including the black-and-white colobus. By mid-afternoon, you’ll have your first close-up view of the towering cliffs and the dramatic Ash Cone. The day's hike ends at Miriakamba Hut, nestled in a peaceful grassy glade. Here, you can relax and take in stunning views of the surrounding plains, with Kilimanjaro visible in the distance, as the afternoon sun sets.

The trek from Miriakampa Hut to Saddle Hut is a challenging, sustained climb, steadily gaining altitude. The journey begins through lush montane forest before reaching Elephant Back Ridge, where the terrain starts to open up. From here, the path continues upwards through giant heather and other moorland vegetation, offering a stunning contrast to the forested areas below. You will arrive at Saddle Hut in time for a well-deserved lunch and rest.

In the afternoon, you have the option to take a short but rewarding climb to the summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft), just an hour away. The ascent offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and a closer look at the towering Mount Meru. The climb is approximately 1,056 m / 3,465 ft, and the descent back to Saddle Hut takes about 30 minutes. This brief climb gives you an opportunity to acclimatize and enjoy the panoramic vistas before returning to the hut for the night.

Today, the walk from Miriakampa Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a steep and sustained climb. You'll start by traversing lush montane forest, then continue past the halfway point at Elephant Back Ridge. From here, the path continues uphill through giant heather and moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut, where you'll stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to make a short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m / 12,533 ft). This ascent takes about 1 hour, offering fantastic panoramic views, and the descent back to Saddle Hut takes approximately 30 minutes.

After your summit exploration, you'll enjoy a fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good opportunities to see wildlife. Along the way, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the crater and the plains of Arusha National Park. After a lunch stop on the descent, you'll reach Momela Gate by midday or in the afternoon, concluding your trek.