Overview

• Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Your guide and trek support crew arrive at your hotel in the morning. Introductions and a last brief equipment check precede your drive to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. This entrance, situated at 1,640 m above sea level, is where your trek starts. The head-guide will finalize the permits and registration for search and rescue services. Your first day trekking is meant to bring you to Umbwe Camp for your first mountain overnight. Climbing up to 2,930 m is a long haul with a significant increase in altitude, so find the right pace for the whole group and stick with it. As this part of Umbwe route goes through rainforest with its probability of rain showers- do not forget your raincoat. Your support crew will have prepared the camp and dinner by the time you get there.

This being your first day at high altitude we strongly recommend the following:

• Do not consume any alcohol and minimize your caffeine intake
• Drinking no less than 4 liters of water per day is a good way to keep yourself hydrated. Take it in small amounts but frequently
• We encourage our clients to use Diamox in the mornings prior to the day’s climb. This reduces altitude sickness symptoms. Consult your doctor on the use of Diamox before leaving home on this trip

Nightly discomfort often accompanies acclimatization. However, while such symptoms as headaches and nausea are common, make sure you inform your guide of them immediately.

Overview

• Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

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

Overview

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. In this day you will have hot lunch at Karanga Camp. After a short rest you will go for acclimatization. Walk to the scree slopes towards the Southern Ice Fields. This will increase our chance of reaching Freedom Point Uhuru Peak.

Overview

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After late breakfast we leave Karanga Camp and 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 night. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. We will wake up at midnight for hot drinks and start ascending to the summit.

Overview

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
• Distance: 5 km/3 miles
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 12 km/7 miles
• Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our trekking to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. It might be wind and cold at this elevation and 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, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro which is the freestanding Mountain in the world.

From the summit, we now make our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for hut lunch and a short rest. The trail is very 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, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Overview

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km/6 miles
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Vegetation: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast,

Our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and getting the summit certificates. Here your team will be waiting you at the gate for the short celebration and singing some Kilimanjaro song plus traditionally while you are receiving the certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the camp to the gate, African traces transfer car will be at the gate piking you up to your hotel for hot shower and rest. Prepare for the safari in the next days or flying home.