Day 1: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
Elevation: 1800m to 2850m
Distance: 11km
Early in the morning we are departing to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife.
At this lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 2850m to 3900m
Distance: 6km
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forest ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco camp tonight.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3900m to 3995m
Distance: 6km
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3995m to 4673m
Distance: 4km
We leave Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4673m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 5km to Uhuru and 11km to Mweka
You will be woken at 23:30 with some snacks and tea. We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through a heavy volcanic scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).
At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1800m
Distance: 10km
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. You will meet your vehicle to Mweka Village ready for drive to Moshi/ Arusha town.
