A 3-day hiking itinerary for Mount Meru National Park is perfect for those who want to experience the highlights of this beautiful, active volcano without a long commitment. This plan combines scenic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a summit climb. Here’s how you can enjoy a shorter, yet rewarding adventure in this stunning Tanzanian park.

Day 1: Arrival and Hike to Miriakamba Hut

Morning

1. Arrival at Arusha: Arrive in Arusha, where you will meet your guide.
2. Transfer to Momella Gate: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Arusha to the park's Momella Gate.
3. Park Registration: Complete all necessary park entry formalities, including a safety briefing.
4. Begin Hiking: Start your hike to Miriakamba Hut, located at an elevation of 2,514 meters (8,250 feet). This 10 km (6.2 miles) trek is relatively moderate, with a 4-5 hour hike through lush montane forest. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, and various bird species.

Afternoon

1. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut: After reaching the hut, you will have time to rest, enjoy your surroundings, and take in the views of the crater below.
2. Optional Short Walk: Depending on your energy levels, you can take a short acclimatization walk around the area to help with the altitude.

Evening

1. Dinner and Rest: Enjoy a warm dinner at the hut and relax for the night in preparation for the next day's hike.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Morning

1. Breakfast and Departure: After breakfast, start your ascent to Saddle Hut, which lies at an elevation of 3,570 meters (11,710 feet). The hike is 6 km (3.7 miles) and takes about 4-5 hours. As you climb, the vegetation transitions from forest to heath and moorland.
2. Scenic Views: The higher you get, the better the views become, with distant vistas of the crater and surrounding valleys.

Afternoon

1. Arrival at Saddle Hut: After reaching the hut, enjoy a warm meal and relax. Saddle Hut is often used as a base for summit climbs, so the altitude is perfect for acclimatization.
2. Rest and Relax: You can take a short walk around the area, taking in the stunning views and preparing for the summit.

Evening

1. Dinner and Early Rest: Have an early dinner, as you'll need to start the summit trek very early the next morning. The altitude can affect your sleep, so rest as much as possible.

Day 3: Summit Attempt and Descent to Momella Gate

Early Morning

1. Summit Hike: Begin your summit attempt at around 2:00-3:00 AM to reach the top by sunrise. The summit climb is about 4-5 hours, covering steep volcanic terrain. The path is challenging, especially with the high altitude, but the views from the top are well worth it.
2. Summit: The summit, called "Little Meru" at 4,562 meters (14,968 feet), offers breathtaking views of the crater and Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days. Spend some time at the top, enjoy the views, and take photos.

Morning

1. Descent to Saddle Hut: After reaching the summit and taking in the views, begin your descent back to Saddle Hut. This part takes about 2-3 hours.

Late Morning

1. Continue Descent to Miriakamba Hut: After a short rest at Saddle Hut, continue descending to Miriakamba Hut, which will take about 3-4 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend through forested areas.

Afternoon

1. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut: Once back at Miriakamba Hut, take a brief rest and enjoy some lunch.
2. Descent to Momella Gate: After lunch, continue your descent to Momella Gate, which will take another 2-3 hours. The total descent for the day is around 10 km (6.2 miles). You’ll pass through diverse ecosystems, from heathland back to lush forest.

Evening

1. Arrive at Momella Gate: Complete the hike and head back to Arusha, where you can either rest or continue your travels.

Tips for the Hike:

1. Fitness Level: This hike is moderately difficult, especially with the elevation gain, so it’s important to be in good physical shape.
2. Altitude: Be aware of altitude sickness symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Make sure to inform your guide if you feel unwell.
3. Packing: Bring appropriate gear such as hiking boots, a warm jacket, a headlamp for the early summit hike, and plenty of water. Layering is key as temperatures can vary dramatically.

This 3-day itinerary allows you to experience the best of Mount Meru National Park, including a summit attempt, in a shorter timeframe while still enjoying stunning views and unique landscapes.