Itinerary Highlight
This route is steeper and shorter compared to the Machame Route. After reaching the Barranco Hut, you will join the other hikers from the Machame Route. The descent is via the Mweka Trail. Due to its short and direct nature, this route is not advisable for those with limited experience at high altitudes.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (about 1 hour). Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route. Also you can see some wildlife, including Colobus monkeys.
Halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) in the late afternoon or early evening.
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Umbwe Cave Camp
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we will leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp. In the moorland you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. As you ascent, the trail provides a spectacular view of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The trail then flattens and descends into the Barranco Valley until you reach Barranco Camp. At this campsite, you will be next to a stream and have a spectacular view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall in the East.
Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail.
At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. South Circuit will be completed, this circuits offers views of the summit from many different angles.
Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, a descent takes us down through Moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National park gate at Marangu. At lower elevation it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hr drive).
Elevation; 3700m/12200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance; 20km/12.5miles
Hiking time; 4-5 hours
Habitat; Forest
Meals; B
Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B.
INCLUSIONS
- Transport in 4×4 Land Cruisers
- Accommodation in budget camps
- Park entry fees
- 3 meals a day
- Bottled mineral water during safari
- Free airport pick up or drop off
EXCLUSIONS
- Tips and gratuities
- Overnights in Arusha
- Personal spending money,
- International flights,
- Visa fees
- Extras not specifically mentioned