The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short day but a steep sustained climb 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 (3570m) in time for 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 centre. The path is a little exposed as it traverses the rocky ridge, with fine views across into Kenya and the Maasai Hills. 

After An early start at 02h00 you will climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m),

continuing along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m) at around sunrise. The views are stunning. You will see the cliffs of the crater rim, the ash cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. 

The summit of Socialist Pak (4566m) is an hour further on a superb but often steep path. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light along a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa.

NB:  In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Point.

A fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. Momella Gate is reached by late morning. It takes about 2 to 3 hours walking. Descent 1014m.

There are two ways down from here. You can descend the route you came up or walk down the jeep road, which descends to the lower crater floor. You pass through the well-known Fig Tree Arch and can visit an impressive waterfall hidden in a ravine not far from the road. Your car will be waiting at the gate to return you to your hotel for a bath and overnight.