Itinerary

1. Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

   • Arrive at the Umbwe Gate and complete the registration paperwork.
   • Prepare the hiking expedition gear and equipment.
   • Begin the trek up a gradual, inclining 4WD path, ending at a sign marked "Umbwe Trail".
   • Ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path.
   • Reach Umbwe campsite for resting.

   Rising (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
   Stretch: 11 km
   Hiking time: 5-7 hours
   Climatic habitat: Rainforest

2. Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

   • Begin the trek steeply as you ascend higher into the heath zone.
   • Experience the rapid change in landscape to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and giant heathers.
   • Follow the trail up a narrow ridge and then enjoy a flatter section as you near Barranco Valley.
   • Take in the excellent views of Moshi and Kibo Peak from Barranco Valley.
   • Arrive at the camping ground and explore the area in depth.

   Rising (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
   Stretch: 6 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Heath

3. Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   • Begin the day with a climb and struggle over the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall volcanic rock.
   • Enjoy a well-earned lunch break at the top of the Barranco Wall and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru.
   • Continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground.
   • This is a short day hike meant to allow acclimatization.
   • Take breaks as needed to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitudes.

   Rising (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
   Stretch: 5 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine desert

4. Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Leave the Karanga camping ground and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail after breakfast.
   • Continue the ascent to Barafu Hut.
   • At Barafu Hut, you have completed the Southern Circuit, offering views of the summit from many angles.
   • Make camp at Barafu Hut, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit day.
   • Take in the views of the two summits, Kibo and Mawenzi, visible from this site.

   Rising (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
   Stretch: 4 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine desert

5. Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Point to Mweka Camp

   • Very early in the morning (at midnight), put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit.
   • Head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
     • This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the hike.
   • Stop for a short rest at Stella Point (18,600 ft) and witness the magnificent sunrise.
   • Continue for one more hour to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
   • Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit and celebrate reaching the roof of Africa.
     • Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
   • Descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camping ground, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
   • Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest.
   • Enjoy the last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep in the evening.

   Rising (ft): 15,331ft to 19,341ft to 10,065ft
   Stretch: 17 km
   Hiking time: 11-14 hours
   Climatic habitat: Arctic

6. Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

   • Continue the descent towards Mweka Park Gate after breakfast.
   • Receive your summit certificates at the gate.
     • It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles will help.
     • Wear shorts and T-shirts.
   • The vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

   Descend (ft): 10,065ft to 5,380ft
   Stretch: 10 km
   Hiking time: 3-4 hours
   Climatic habitat: Rainforest