Umbwe

The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. You then, transferred through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as you climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As you gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful giants Senecio Forest.

On this part of the trek you will learn from the lizard when the mountain becomes steep. This creature has a very careful climbing technique and you will do likewise – using opposing arms and legs to force your body upwards the Great Barranco Wall. Push left, push right – this creates an axis that can be drawn diagonally through the body, allowing you to move your right foot and left hand freely upwards against the wall. Heading to Karanga valley and on your way will pass through a few valleys offering great views of Heim, and Decken Glaciers that form part of the southern ice fields. Overnight in Karanga campsite at (3995m) with spectacular view of Moshi town. This is a shorter day and meant for acclimatization.

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you begin to push towards the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, you have made it at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the rooftop of Africa.
From the summit, now the descent continues straight down to the Mweka Hut camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, the chef will be preparing the last supper on the mountain for a well-earned meal.

After breakfast will continue with another day of every step down to the gate and sign out then collect your certificate if made it to the summit, at the gate, you will say farewell to your hiking crew, get into the car then drive to Moshi / Arusha back to the hotel for a well-earned shower and drinks to celebrate your achievement.
What an exciting breathtaking trip of a life time!