A 4-day hiking itinerary for Mount Meru National Park in Tanzania is an excellent way to explore the rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and challenging terrain of this dormant volcano. Here’s a detailed plan that combines the best of nature, wildlife, and hiking on this iconic peak.

Day 1: Arrival and Trek to Miriakamba Hut

Morning

1. Arrival: Arrive at Arusha, the closest city to Mount Meru, and meet your guide.
2. Transfer to Momella Gate: From Arusha, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive to the park’s Momella Gate.
3. Briefing and Registration: After arriving at the gate, complete the necessary park formalities and listen to a safety briefing by your guide.
4. Start the Hike: Begin your trek to Miriakamba Hut. The hike is around 10 km (6.2 miles) with a moderate ascent.

Afternoon

1. As you walk through the lush montane forest, you may encounter wildlife such as giraffes, buffalo, and various bird species.
2. Arrive at Miriakamba Hut: After 4-5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach the Miriakamba Hut at an elevation of 2,514 meters (8,250 feet). Settle into your basic hut accommodations and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Meru’s crater and surrounding areas.

Evening

1. Relax at the hut, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s hike.
2. Take an optional evening nature walk to spot nocturnal creatures.

Day 2: Miriakamba Hut to Saddle Hut

Morning

1. Early Start: Have an early breakfast before embarking on the trek to Saddle Hut.
2. Trek to Saddle Hut: The hike is a more strenuous 6 km (3.7 miles) with a steep ascent. Along the way, you’ll notice the change in vegetation, transitioning to heath and moorland.
3. Scenic Views: As you ascend, enjoy breathtaking views of the crater floor and distant Mount Kilimanjaro on clear days.

Afternoon

1. After 4-5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Saddle Hut, located at 3,570 meters (11,710 feet).
2. Settle into your hut, and take time to relax. You can also take short acclimatization walks around the area, as the altitude is getting higher.

Evening

1. Dinner and overnight at Saddle Hut.
2. Enjoy the spectacular sunset views and possibly spot some of the high-altitude wildlife like the white-necked ravens or the elusive black-and-white colobus monkeys.

Day 3: Summit Day - Saddle Hut to the Summit and Return to Miriakamba Hut

Early Morning

1. Start Pre-Dawn: After an early breakfast, begin your summit hike at around 2:00-3:00 AM to catch the sunrise at the top.
2. Summit Ascent: The trek to the summit (4,562 meters / 14,968 feet) takes about 4-5 hours. The climb is strenuous, with loose volcanic rock and the high altitude making it challenging. However, the views of the crater, the surrounding valleys, and the rugged terrain are awe-inspiring.
3. Summit Arrival: Reach the summit around sunrise. You’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the crater, the Ash Cone, and, on a clear day, Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. Take time to celebrate your achievement and take photos.

Late Morning

1. Descent to Saddle Hut: After enjoying the summit, descend back to Saddle Hut (2-3 hours).
2. Rest at Saddle Hut: Once back at Saddle Hut, enjoy a well-deserved rest and a hot meal.

Afternoon

1. Descend to Miriakamba Hut: After lunch, continue your descent to Miriakamba Hut, which will take about 3-4 hours.

Evening

1. Arrive back at Miriakamba Hut in the late afternoon.
2. Relax, enjoy your last night on the mountain, and celebrate your accomplishment with a hearty dinner.

Day 4: Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate and Departure

Morning

1. Final Descent: After breakfast, begin your descent from Miriakamba Hut to Momella Gate.
2. The descent is around 10 km (6.2 miles), and it should take about 3-4 hours. As you walk, enjoy the rich biodiversity of the park’s forest, with opportunities to spot more wildlife.

Late Morning

1. Arrive at Momella Gate: After completing the trek, you’ll arrive at the gate.
2. Departure: After saying goodbye to your guide and team, you can either head back to Arusha or continue with other plans in Tanzania, such as a safari or a visit to the Serengeti.

Tips for the Hike:

1. Fitness Level: Mount Meru is a challenging hike, particularly due to the altitude, so it’s best to be in good physical condition.
2. Altitude Acclimatization: The hike includes gradual ascents that allow for proper acclimatization. However, be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. If you experience these, inform your guide immediately.
3. Gear: Bring appropriate hiking boots, a warm jacket, gloves, and a headlamp for the summit day. Layers are essential for the varying temperatures.

This 4-day hiking itinerary offers a perfect mix of physical challenge and scenic rewards. You’ll be surrounded by the pristine beauty of Mount Meru National Park, with opportunities for wildlife sightings and stunning views of Tanzania’s landscape.