7 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Umbwe Route

Depart for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours; here we will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. We then continue to drive up a steep path to the Shira Gate where we will begin the hike. The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until we reach Simba Camp. In the morning we transfer to Londorossi (2385m), passing between the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the horseshoe-shaped volcanic crater of Mount Meru (a distance of about 120 km). After carrying out the necessary registration procedures, we drive on for a short distance through farmland and plantations to reach the Lemosho road head. You will have your lunch in the glades before starting to walk. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest, this area has a variety of game including buffalo. Overnight at Lemosho Forest camp (2650 m).

The day hike starts out in the lush rich mountain forest before ascending into the moorland zone of giant heather. Little by little you will be bombarded by spectacular views across the plains opening out as we reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and a remarkable view of the Western Breach and its glaciers in the East. Your tents will be set up earlier to arriving at camp. You will enjoy evening snacks then dinner, overnight at Shira 2 camp.

Following an early morning breakfast, you will leave the moorland environment and enter the semi desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of walking east, you will be come face to face with the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower and hikers have the option of climbing the massive Lava Tower if weather permits. After lunch, you will descend from Lava Tower (4630m) to the Barranco Campsite (3950m). The 6800m descent gives hikers a huge advantage to allow their bodies to adjust to the conditions of high altitude. The descent to camp takes around 2 hours to reach. It is located in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall (“Breakfast Wall”). Drinking and washing water and dinner will be served as hikers view the sun setting. Overnight at Barranco Campsite.

This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After an early morning breakfast, we will start with a short steep climb up the famed “Breakfast Wall” leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern edge of Kibo, with excellent panoramas of the southern ice-fields. The landscape changes to volcanic gravel, with pockets of lush vegetation in sheltered caves, and a dominant sense of mountain wilderness.The valley floor has the last water point on the approach to Barafu and we camp on the higher sides of the valley with views towards the glaciers of the southern ice fields. Overnight at the Karanga Campsite.

After breakfast, we will begin our ascent. The trail meets with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “Barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Overnight at the Barafu Campsite.

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone gravel. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most psychologically and physically challenging part of the climb. In 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 snowcovered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Roof of Africa. You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours. At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the gravel and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Finish the descent through the Mweka Gate, and onto Mweka village where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. Vehicle (s) will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Arusha airport in time for your onward flight. Alternatively continue to your booked hotel for overnight.