The walk from MIRIAKAMBA HUT to the saddle below Little MERU is a short day but a steep sustained climbing all the way. Starting through attractive, open and lush montane forest, the path continues beyond the halfway point of Elephant ridge and carries on uphill through the giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach SADDLE HUT {3’570 m} and lunch.

The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The ridge is now very obvious and it can be seen curving away and up to the summit, although it is still a long way. There are good views down into the crater, with the ash cone rising in the center. The path is a little exposed as it traverses the rocky ridge, with fine views across into Kenya and the Maasai Hills. The summit is reached after 5–6 hours. The descent follows the way up (it is tempting to go down the other ridge to make a traverse, but this is strictly forbidden)

For energetic ones, can make the short climb to the nearby summit of LITTLE MERU {3’820 m} for superb views just before sunset. It takes about 3 – 5 hours walking. The ascent is 1’056 m.
Saddle hut is similar to MIRIAKAMBA but water is collected from a stream about 10 minutes away.