UMBWE ROUTE 6 DAYS

As you arrive in Tanzania, greeted by the vibrant elevation of 800 meters, your journey kicks off with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, a seamless transfer whisks you away to your haven in Moshi town. Get ready for an adventure! Upon settling in, I'll personally brief you on the thrilling trek ahead and conduct a meticulous check to ensure you've got all the essential mountain gear. Anything missing can easily be rented on this day, ensuring you're fully equipped for the expedition that lies ahead.

Embark on a thrilling drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, a journey taking about an hour. The adventure officially begins as we commence the climb through the lush rainforest, fueled by a delightful packed lunch en route. Prepare for an elevation ascent from 1660 meters (5450 feet) to 2850 meters (9350 feet), covering a distance of 11 kilometers (7 miles). Spend 5-6 hours immersed in the captivating Montane Forest, a habitat alive with nature's melodies. Lunch and dinner await, promising flavors that match the day's exhilaration.

Rise to a breakfast full of anticipation for the day's adventures. Bid farewell to the forest glades as we embark on an ascending path across the open moorland toward the iconic Barranco Camp. Ascending from 2850 meters (9350 feet) to 4000 meters (13,000 feet) covers a distance of 6 kilometers (4 miles) over 4-5 hours. Traverse the semi-desert landscape, experiencing the sheer beauty of this terrain. Indulge in breakfast, lunch, and dinner, savoring each meal amidst the evolving scenery that accompanies your journey Certainly, here's a more engaging take

As the sun graces the horizon, a delightful breakfast awaits, marking the commencement of another day of adventure. Our journey leads us from Barranco, navigating a steep ridge that ascends the renowned Barranco Wall, guiding us to the picturesque Karanga Valley and the intersecting point with the Mweka Trail. Ascending from 4000 meters (13,000 feet) to 4050 meters (13,250 feet) covers a distance of 5 kilometers (3 miles) over an enthralling 3-4 hours. Traverse through the captivating Alpine Desert, a habitat boasting an otherworldly beauty. With breakfast, lunch, and dinner to fuel our spirits, relish each meal amidst the rugged allure of this landscape.

Today's journey propels us upward to the esteemed Barafu Camp, marking the culmination of the South Circuit. Embrace the diverse perspectives of the summit, offering an array of views from different angles. Upon reaching Barafu, a vital rest awaits—time to camp, rejuvenate, relish a fulfilling dinner, and prepare for the pinnacle moment: summit day. Ascending from 4050 meters (13,250 feet) to 4700 meters (15,350 feet) encompasses a 4-kilometer (2-mile) journey, spanning a rewarding 3-4 hours through the captivating Alpine Desert. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner accompany us, nourishing both body and spirit amidst the grandeur of this terrain.

In the silent hours between midnight and 2 am, our journey to the summit commences. We forge ahead between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, a northwesterly ascent through challenging scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This leg demands both mental fortitude and physical resilience. At Stella Point, a brief rest rewards us with a breathtaking sunrise, a spectacle that crowns this arduous ascent. Faster trekkers may witness this glorious sunrise from the summit itself. From Stella Point, an hour-long ascent through possible snow brings us to Uhuru Peak, the zenith of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent! Our descent starts, leading us straight down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for a replenishing lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles may come in handy as we navigate loose gravel on the descent. Arriving at Mweka Camp, we savor our final evening amidst the mountain's embrace. Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Descent to 3090m/10,150ft Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Following breakfast, our descent continues toward the Mweka Park Gate where summit certificates await. Lower elevations might present wet and muddy trails, for which gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Expect a comfortable attire of shorts and t-shirts as you trek downwards, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. After receiving your certificates, another hour's journey leads to Mweka Village. A waiting vehicle at Mweka Gate takes you on a 30-minute drive back to your Moshi hotel, marking the end of this incredible journey. Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft Distance: 10km/6mi Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Forest Meals: Breakfast