Day 1: Umbwe cave camp (2940m – 9500ft, 8 km, 6 -7 hours- Montane Forest).
The hike on this first day is through the montane forest; filled with lush vegetation with very old trees…… and much ferns and mosses. This area gets reliable rain forest around the year. Then view many animal species including; small bush buck & duikers as well as monkeys. Furthermore, you will view a variety of bird species. The first hours are on gently rising land before steeping for the last two hours.
You will camp at the small clearing on the trail.
Day 2: From Umbwe cave camp to Barronco Camp (3860 to 12800ff Elevation: 8 Km, 6 to 7 hours- Alpine desert).
You will enjoy the giant heath as soon as you start your hike. This trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through heath land. The ridge narrows and sharpens, and then finally it becomes knife edge with the steep drops on each of the sides. When the heist of the heath reduces, there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro’s southern flank and across the mount Meru some miles away. This swamp has some wildlife species and its overlooking the Barranco valley with views up towards a glacier.
[Day 3: From Barranco camp to Karanga Camp (3860 to 4000m elevation, 7 km; 4 hours- Alpine desert).
In the eastern side of the valley, there is the Barranco wall barrier of the volcanic rock. This rock is tall and steep but it’s very easy to climb. This will be your first challenge of the day since the views from the wall are nothing less than magnificent. The rest of your day will be spent skirting the base of Kibo peak over the left shoulder. You will then descend down to Karanga valley where you will rest up for the night before the climb up to Barafu Hut.
Day 4: From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4600 to 15100ft. 6 hours- Alpine desert).
Straight from Karanga, you will head up a moraine ridge; taking your time and going slowly. Then enjoy spectacular views on the southern glaciers and of the glacial valleys that are found down the mountain. The final stage here is quite steep and always it’s taken very slowly. You will later have lunch and relax.
Day 5: Barafu camp to Mweka Hut.
Very early in the morning, you will continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Then head to the north western direction and ascend through the heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will stop at the Stella Point and rest for a short while. It is there that you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise. Furthermore, you will encounter snow to the summit. Then later make a descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site; having lunch at Barufa. Mweka camp situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, you will enjoy your dinner on the mountain.
Day 6: Mweka camp to Mweka Gate.
Have breakfast. Then continue down to the Mweka park gate to receive your summit certificates. It can be very wet at the lower elevations. The gaiters and the trekking poles will help you. You will later meet with your guide who will drive you back to the city to catch your flight. This will mark the end of your Umbwe route-kilimanjaro hiking safari
End of Safari with Love Uganda Safaris
