Kilimanjaro 6 Days Umbwe Route

Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives way to the giant heathland. The trail follows a ridge for some time as it ascends through the heathland. The ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming like a knife-edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the vegetation decreases there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across Mount Meru some 50 miles away.

On the eastern side of the valley, across the stream is the volcanic rock Barranco Wall barrier.  This is our first challenge of the day. The views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of the day is spent skirting the base of Kibo Peak over left shoulder. We descend down into the Karanga Valley, where we rest up for the night before the tough climb up Barafu hut.

From Karanga the tour heads up a ridge going slowly. The views here can be spectacular on the Southern glaciers .The final stage to Barafu is quite steep and as always it’s taken very slowly. As with the day before you reach camp by around lunchtime leaving lots of time to prepare and relax. In the evening your guide briefs you for the final ascent.

The hike toward the summit begins at 11:30 pm as you continue your way between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over large rocks and stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. After about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! Once you are there, you will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before the descent to Barafu Camp begins. Once back at Barafu camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut. The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp is located in the upper rain forest so fog and rain should be expected. Here, you will be served a well-deserved hot dinner and be able to wash and rest for the night.

Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters or 5,340 feet) Hiking hours: 3 – 4 hours Distance: 10 km or 6 miles Zone: Rainforest Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big party full of singing and dancing to celebrate your ascension of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is at this time that you can present your tips to your guide, assistant guides, chef(s) and porters. Following the celebration, you will begin your descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate where TANAPA requires all hikers to sign the register. You will also receive a certificate of completion at this time. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. Once all the formalities are completed you will be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi.