Itinerary

1. Day-1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

   Rising (ft): 5,249ft to 9,514ft
   Stretch: 11km
   Hiking time: 5-7 hours
   Climatic habitat: Rain Forest
   Immediately after arriving at the Umbwe Gate, the hikers and the team will complete the registration paperwork and prepare the hiking, expedition gear and equipment. The trek begins up a gradual, inclining 4WD path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail.” From here, we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe campsite for resting.

2. Day-2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

   Rising (ft): 9,514ft to 13,044ft
   Stretch: 6 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Heath
   The trek begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here, the landscape changes rapidly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge and then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Moshi and Kibo Peak. Once at the camping ground, there will be some extra time to explore the area in depth.

3. Day-3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   Rising (ft): 13,044ft to 13,106ft
   Stretch: 5 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine desert
   Our first challenge is a climb and struggle over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well-earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground. This is a short day hike meant to allow acclimatization.

4. Day-4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   Rising (ft): 13,106ft to 15,331ft

   Stretch: 4 km
   Hiking time: 4-5 hours
   Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert
   After breakfast, hikers and the whole team leave Karanga camping ground and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two summits of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from this site.

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

   Rising (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
   Stretch: 17 km
   Hiking time: 11-14 hours
   Climatic habitat: Arctic
   Very early in the morning (at midnight), the hikers and the team put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever likely seen and witnessed.

   From Stella Point, hikers have just one more hour before reaching the peak. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa! Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camping ground, stopping at Barafu camping ground for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

6. Day-6: Mweka Camp to Moshi

   Descend (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
   Stretch: 10 km
   Hiking time: 3-4 hours
   Climatic habitat: Rainforest
   After breakfast, we continued the descent down towards Mweka Park Gate for hikers to receive their summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). The driver will be waiting for the hikers at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.