Size: at 4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa.
Location: Northern Tanzania, near Arusha.

Mount Meru is one of Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park. This prime location gives climbers the opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. When on a Mount Meru trek , the ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views of the Ash Cone lying several thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting, Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West. Mt. Meru most recently had a minor eruption about a century ago. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity.

Day 1: Arriving at Kilimanjaro international airport you will be picked then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight, briefing will be done after arrived at hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast you will be picked at 8: 00 am and proceed on to the office for equipment check-up, all the luggage which won’t be needed for the trek will be stored in our office / Hotel At 9.15am we will depart for Momella gate. Approximately 2hrs
Momella gate is located near shamba la mbogo natural glade in Mt meru reserve, it is situated at 1,500m above sea level .Tow routs are available from Momella gate. The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and then through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.
After all formalities, we begin trekking accompanied by armed ranger. We will ascend up to miriakamba Hut suited at 2,500m above sea level .The trekking takes approximately 3 hours .we will be walking amidst the montane forest where various species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the mountain. There are beautifully views of Arusha national park’s various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and, weather –permitting, spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen.

Day 3: From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared to other mountains in the region .We continue our  ascend on a narrow winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of little Meru can be seen on a clear day , just as you approach saddle Hut. Buffalo footprints can be seen .some bird species ,and plenty of Africana Masaica ,a shrub plant that stings can also be seen on both sides of the trail .The ascend takes approximately 4 hours .After our arrival at saddle Hut (3.500m) you have the option to embark on 45 minute walk to little Meru( 3,820m)it has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass cover to give you good grip . One can see the Kenyan border from the peak of litter Meru, Ngara Nanyuki –a town that lies after the Arusha National park, as well as gorgeous views of west Mt,Kilimanjaro and Longido.

Day 4: Our ascent to big Meru , the summit of Mt, Meru (4.566) begins at around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert zone .The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours .Along we will pass Rhino point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater . Conditions are cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in this section of the route. From the summit we return to saddle Hut breakfast and then proceed to miriakamba hut for lunch dinner and overnight (2500m)

Day 5: After breakfast proceed with your morning trekking to Momella gate with lunch en route you have two routes as option .
Route one is a straight descend to Momella gate same way as you went up -3hrs
Route two is a scenic route through the Meru crater down the montage forest ending up at Momella gate -6hrs.

You will be transferred from Momella gate to hotel, expected to be at hotel around 4pm
Dinner and overnight at hotel,

 Oldonyo Lengai (3450 meters) is the only active Sodium Carbonite Volcano in the world. The mountain is located on the southern shore of Lake Natron. This impressive peak is revered by the Maasai as the sacred home of God. A nearly perfect cone, it still erupts occasionally and you may have the opportunity to walk on still-steaming new ground. Walking in the African Bush with Maasai Warriors as your guides is a unique opportunity for spectacular game viewing combined with the prospect to experience cultural encounters amongst the Maasai, Datoga, and nomadic Bushmen. This trip will take you to Lake Natron to view the flamingo breeding centre as well as taking you to the summit of this amazing volcano. The trip is perfect to be taken either before or after a Kilimanjaro Climb. Oldonyo Lengai

Mount Oldoinyo Lengai

The Maasai people believed the mountain was home to the god Eng’ai who signaled her anger with eruptions and drought. Adventurous visitors sometimes struggle up its steep slopes to visit the steaming, bubbling crater but most prefer to view its symmetrical cone from a distance.

Day 1: It is a tough but exhilarating off-road drive from Moshi (or Arusha) to the campsite at Lake Natron. After dinner it is time to relax and catch some sleep before starting the midnight climb to the summit of Oldonyo Lengai. It is a strenuous climb. Reaching the caldera floor at sunrise you will be rewarded with a glimpse of Mt. Meru. If conditions are good, you may also see Mt. Kilimanjaro. Rest and absorb the incredible beauty of the place before starting the descent.

Day 2: Return to the campsite for breakfast and rest. Later, a walk from the campsite will take you to a nearby Massai boma and to visit the waterfalls at Lake Natron. Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight camping.

Day 3: Take a relaxed breakfast and a final drive to the lake shore to see the mass of flamingoes before beginning the return journey to Moshi or Arusha.

Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active volcano located in the north of Tanzania and is part of the volcanic system of the East African Rift. It is located in the eastern Rift Valley, or Gregory Rift, south of both Lake Natron and Kenya. It is unique among active volcanoes in that it produces natrocarbonatite lava, a unique occurrence of volcanic carbonatite. Further, the temperature of its lava as it emerges is only around 510 °C (950 °F). A few older extinct carbonatite volcanoes are located nearby, including Homa Mountain

Geology

“Ol Doinyo Lengai” means “The Mountain of God” in the Maasai language of the native people.The record of eruptions on the mountain dates to 1883, and flows were also recorded between 1904 and 1910 and again between 1913 and 1915. A major eruption took place in June 1917, which resulted in volcanic ash being deposited about 48 kilometres away.

A similar eruption took place for several months in 1926 and between July and December 1940, resulting in the ash being deposited as far as Loliondo, which is 100 kilometres away. Several minor eruptions of lava were observed in 1954, 1955, 1958 the early 1960s.

When Ol Doinyo Lengai erupted on August 14, 1966, two geologists — J. B. Dawson and G. C. Clark — who visited the crater a week later, reported seeing “a thick column of black ash” that rose for approximately three thousand feet above the volcano and drifted away northwards towards Lake Natron. When the two climbed the cone-shaped vent, they reported seeing a continuous discharge of gas and whitish-grey ash and dust from the centre of the pit.

Volcanic activity in the mountain caused daily earth tremors in Kenya and Tanzania beginning on July 12, 2007. The latest to hit parts of Nairobi city was recorded on July 18, 2007 at 8.30pm (Kenyan Time). The strongest tremor measured 6.0 on the Richter scale. Geologists suspected that the sudden increase of tremors was indicative of the movement of magma through the Ol Doinyo Lengai. The volcano finally erupted on September 4, 2007, sending a plume of ash and steam at least 18 kilometers downwind and covering the north and west flanks in fresh lava flows. The eruption has continued intermittently into 2008, as of the end of February it was reported that the eruption appeared to be gathering strength, with a major outburst taking place on March 5. During April periods of inactivity have been followed by eruptions on April 8 and 17. Eruptive activity continued until late August 2008. A visit to the summit in September 2008 discovered that lava emission had resumed from two vents in the floor of the new crater. Visits to the crater in March/April 2009 showed that even this activity appears to have

Mount Meru is an active stratovolcano located 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the nation of Tanzania. At a height of 4,565 metres (14,977 ft), it is visible from Mt Kilimanjaro on a clear day,^[4] and is the tenth highest mountain in Africa. Much of its bulk was lost about 8,000^{[citation needed]} years ago due to an eastward volcanic blast, similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in the U.S. state of Washington. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910.^[2] The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity.

Mount Meru is the topographic centerpiece of Arusha National Park. Its fertile slopes rise above the surrounding savanna and support a forest that hosts diverse wildlife, including nearly 400 species of birds, and also monkeys and leopards.

The Marangu Route is also known as the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.” This is because Marangu is the most popular route on the mountain, and thus is considered “touristy”, and because the route is the only one that offers sleeping huts, which serve beverages like Coca-Cola, on the way.

Marangu is the easiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s ascension profile is very gradual and steady, allowing for painless trekking for most of the way. However, due to its reputation as an easy route, Marangu is often selected by unprepared, unexperienced climbers. Correspondingly, only about 35% of the people actually make it to the top.

The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended. The sleeping huts along the route are structures with a dining hall and bunk beds, equipped with mattresses and pillows. The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu’s overcrowded feeling. It is a cheaper climb as well, do to the close proximity of the gate to Moshi, the gateway town, and because it is a shorter route.

Scenically, Marangu is not a desirable route compared to all the other routes because it confines climbers to one area of the mountain, thus limiting the variety. However, Marangu has the best trail in the rainforest section of the trek. Of course, there are still great views of the Mawenzi and it’s equally spectacular for everyone at Uruhu.

Marangu is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths. It’s also attractive for those who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu’s huts offer shelter and warmth against the weather so it is a decent choice when climbing during the rainy season. Marangu is for those who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind crowds.

Day 0: Arriving at Kilimanjaro international airport you will be picked then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight, briefing will be done after arrived at hotel.

Day 1: after breakfast you will be picked at 8: 00 am and proceed on to the office for equipment check-up, all the luggage which won’t be needed for the trek will be stored in our office / Hotel At 9.15am we will depart for Momella gate. Approximately 2hrs
Momella gate is located near shamba la mbogo natural glade in Mt meru reserve, it is situated at 1,500m above sea level .Tow routs are available from Momella gate. The first route goes through the forest towards the crater floor and then through the grassland direct to Miriakamba Hut.
After all formalities, we begin trekking accompanied by armed ranger. We will ascend up to miriakamba Hut suited at 2,500m above sea level .The trekking takes approximately 3 hours .we will be walking amidst the montane forest where various species of flora and fauna can be found on this part of the mountain. There are beautifully views of Arusha national park’s various landscapes that can be seen from this trek and, weather –permitting, spectacular views of Mt Kilimanjaro can be seen.

Day 2
From Miriakamba Hut the path is steep compared to other mountains in the region .We continue our ascend on a narrow winding trail through a thick montane forest, where various species of vegetation can be seen. There are water streams that we cross before approaching the moorland zone. A good view of little Meru can be seen on a clear day , just as you approach saddle Hut.Buffalo footprints can be seen .some bird species ,and plenty of Africana Masaica ,a shrub plant that stings can also be seen on both sides of the trail .The ascend takes approximately 4 hours .After our arrival at saddle Hut (3.500m) you have the option to embark on 45 minute walk to little Meru( 3,820m)it has a meandering trail which is aided with good grass cover to give you good grip . One can see the Kenyan border from the peak of litter Meru, Ngara Nanyuki –a town that lies after the Arusha National park, as well as gorgeous views of west Mt,Kilimanjaro and Longido.

Day 3:
Our ascent to big Meru , the summit of Mt, Meru (4.566) begins at around midnight and takes us from the moorland zone to alpine desert zone .The trek will take approximately 6-7 hours .Along we will pass Rhino point as we walk around the rim of Meru crater . Conditions are cold and windy and during the rainy season ice and snow can occur in this section of the route. From the summit we return to saddle Hut breakfast and then proceed to miriakamba hut for lunch dinner and overnight (2500m)

Day 4
After breakfast proceed with your morning trekking to Momella gate with lunch en route you have two routes as option .
Route one is a straight descend to Momella gate same way as you went up -3hrs
Route two is a scenic route through the Meru crater down the montage forest ending up at Momella gate -6hrs.

You will be transferred from Momella gate to hotel, expected to be at hotel around 4pm
Dinner and overnight at hotel,

Main Features:
Park Headquartersof the easiest and most popular summit –bound trails wildlife can be seen ( mainly Sykes Monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys) Marangu trail is maintained and is furnished with sleeping and dining huts as wellas toilet and shower facilities in the main huts ( madara, Horombo and kibo) treks via this route must be booked in advance to reserve the huts trek (to the summit) requires 5 days hence cheaper than other routescrater offers stunning views of the pare and blue mountain as well as Mawenzi peak on a clear day day for acclimatization can be spending on day 3.day is spent walking to Mawenzi Tarn Hut and back to Horombo Hut.

Day 5:
Marangu gate to Mandara Hut
Ascent: 1,700 meters to 2,700 meters
Distance: 7 km

Day 6:
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Ascent: 2,700 meters to 3,700 meters

Distance: 11.8 Km

Day 7
Horombo Hut to Zebra Rocks
Ascent; 3,700 meters to 3,800 meters
Distance: 4 KM

Day 8:
Horombo Hut To kibo Hut
Ascent: 3,700 meters to 4,700 meters
Distance: 12 KM

Day 9:
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Ascent / descend: 4,700 meters to 5.895 meters then to 3,700 meters
Distance: 19 KM

Day 10:
Horombo Hut to Marangu gate
Descent: 3,700 meters to 1,700 meters
Distance: 18.8 Km

You will be picked at Marangu gate then transferred to Arusha at East Africa hotel for hot lunch and handing over certificates (kind of celebration ceremony)

The Lemosho Route is a newer route on Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches from the west. It is a difficult and long route, but one that is favored by most reputable Kilimanjaro outfitters due to its smaller crowds, scenic variety and high success rates.

A vehicle is used to bring climbers to the gate, where the trail begins in the rainforest. Lemosho trekkers have a longer distance to cover in the rainforest ecosystem than other routes, and as a result climbers do not exit the rainforest until the end of day two. This schedule means that the Lemosho Route is a longer route, usually taking seven to nine  days to complete.

Though considered a difficult route, the added days on the lower slopes of the mountain make this the best route for altitude acclimatization. The descent is down Mweka, in the south-east. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate. Scenically, Lemosho is considered the most varied and most beautiful because it begins in the rainforest, crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then combines with the Machame route to share its viewpoints around the southern circuit. Lemosho has low crowds until it combines with Machame.

Lemosho is ideal for those who place a premium on proper altitude acclimatization, who are confident in their ability to walk over steeper paths for extended periods, and want a lesser used route. However, Lemosho is also more expensive than the other routes.

Day 1 Arrival at the airport and tranfered to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Day 2 Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m, 2 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3 hours).

Day 3 The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3500m, 5 hours). This campsite could be omitted.

Day 4 A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3850m, 1.5 hours). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatisation day.

Day 5 Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after this, you descend to Barranco hut (3940m, 4 hours).

Day 6 A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000m, 3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4600m, (3 hours walking).

Day 7 An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east.

Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 8 A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and your waiting transport. Drive back to the hotel.

Day 0: Arriving at Kilimanjaro international airport you will be picked then transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight, briefing will be done after arrived at hotel.

Day 1: after breakfast you will be picked at 8: 00 am and proceed on to the office for equipment check-up, all the luggage which won

The Rongai Route is the only route that appraoches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. Rongai’s ascent profile is very similar to that of Marangu. It is one of Kilimanjaro’s easier routes. The climb to the top is gradual and steady. However, unlike Marangu, this route has low crowds and passes through remote wilderness areas. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible.

The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven to eight days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Because the starting point is far from Moshi, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate.

Scenically, Rongai is beautiful because it travels through an unspoiled rain forest and remote wilderness area. However, it is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira.

Rongai is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths, those who want to avoid traffic, and those who want to enjoy a quieter hike. It is also preferred when climbing during the rainy season because the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.

Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,800m/5,900ft) to First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft)

Estimated Distance: 11km

Elevation Change: +1189m
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast in Arusha/Moshi hotel, depart to the Rongai Gate near the Kenya border. After registering at the gate, begin your climb to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. During the first day, hike through forests where you may see and hear wildlife. Eat lunch on the trail before continuing to the first camp. Rongai ascends via the less forested northern side of the mountain.

Day 2: First Cave Camp (2,600m/8,400ft) to Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft)
Distance: 6.25km

Elevation Change: +1135m
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

During this day, view Mawenzi Peak ahead while trekking through Kilimanjaro’s moorland. The Rongai route is relatively short and steep, making for shorter hiking times.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft)
Distance: 7km

Elevation Change: +340m
Hiking Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

This day is an acclimatization day, allowing you to hike in the beginning of the day and rest in the afternoon and evening. The hike is relatively short but steep. The Mawenzi Tarn campsite is situated below Mawenzi Peak and offers stunning views of both Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,200ft) to Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft)

Distance: 7km

Elevation Change: +400m
 Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

On this day cross the lunar landscape of the saddle before arrive at the final camp. Kibo Camp is situated directly below the Kibo cone, giving you views of your final destination-Uhuru Peak.

Day 5: Kibo Camp (4,750m/15,580ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft)
Distance: 7km ascent; 23km descent

Elevation Change: +1295m -2795m

Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Wake up around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. For the next six hours, hike by the light of your flashlight. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Gilman’s Point.

The hike from Gilman’s to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately two hours. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Horombo Hut.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,200ft) to Marangu Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)

Distance: 15km

Elevation Change: -1270m
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 27 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast, finish the trek with a descent to Marangu Gate. Your last hike on Kilimanjaro is a beautiful one, passing through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Watch your step during the descent, as the trail can be slippery. Africa Insight Safaris vehicles will be waiting at Marangu Gate to take you back to Moshi or Arusha. You will be able to buy t-shirts and sodas at the gate.

The Shira Route is a difficult route that begins in the west, at Shira Gate. What is unque about Shira is that the first section of the trail is not hiked, but rather driven. Therefore, climbers using Shira will miss out on hiking up one of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones, the rain forest.

An off road vehicle transports climbers to the Shira gate, located at 11,500 feet, where the hike begins to Simba Camp. This is a sizable altitude gain for someone who slept at Moshi or Arusha on their previous night. Complications from altitude can occur due to failed acclimatization.

The route takes six days minimum to complete, although seven days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, in the south-east. Because the starting point is far from Moshi and Arusha, it is more expensive to climb this route due to the added transportation cost of getting climbers to the gate. Scenicaly, Shira is beautiful because it crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau, and then combines with the Machame route to share its viewpoints around the southern circuit. Shira has low traffic until it combines with Machame.

Shira is ideal for those who are confident in their ability to acclimatize to altitude, and to walk over steeper paths for extended periods. .

Day 1 Moshi / Arusha
Check into hotel for briefing and overnight.

Day 2 Lindorossi-Plateau (3658m)
Drive to the National Park gate at Lindorossi on West Kilimanjaro. We commence the climb walking through the montane rain forest towards the Plateau. Lunch en route. Diner and overnight at the camp site.

Day 3 Shira Hut (3926m)
After breakfast we continue walking towards the Shira Hut for lunch. The day is spent acclimatizing. A visit can be made to the Plats Cone on the ridge. Dinner and overnight at the camp site.

Day 4 Barranco Hut (3860m)
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the East passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called ‘The Sharks Tooth) shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the arrow glacier. We have now reached an altitude of (4876 m). we now continue down to the Barranco hut at an altitude of (3860 m) here we rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

Day 5 Baraffu Hut (4600m)
After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall passing through the Karanga valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue to the Barafu hut which is located at an altitude of (4600 m) here we make camp.

Rest enjoy dinner and overnight. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 6 Mweka Hut
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 7 Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent (3-4 hours) down to the Mweka Park gate and then drive back to Moshi. Overnight at hotel

Day 8
Depart Moshi for after breakfast onward journey

The Umbwe Route is the least used, least crowded route on the mountain. For good reason, it is also the most difficult route on the mountain. Umbwe is a steep, constant, straight climb to the top.

Umbwe is mostly avoided because the ascent profile does not give climbers much time to adjust to the altitude. The success rate is very low.

The route takes seven days minimum to complete, although eight to nine days is recommended. The descent is down Mweka, on the south-east side of the mountain. Umbwe is not as scenically varied as Machame, Lemosho and Shira, because the path up and down are nearby.

Umbwe route is ideal for those who want a challenging climb, and are very confident in their ability trek over consistently steep slopes. Also, Umbwe is for those who are experienced at altitude and thus are confident that the punishing schedule of Umbwe will not impede their ability to adjust to altitude. Umbwe is also for those who want a secluded hike.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (5906ft/1800m) – Bivouac (first) camp (9646ft/2940m)

Elevation change:

Hiking time: 5hours

Estimated distance:

Habitat: Montane Forest

After breakfast you will be driven to the Umbwe Gate at 5906ft/1800m, passing through village with coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Park Gate your Guide and Porters will meet you. Sign the register before you enter the park for your first step to accomplishing a life-long dream. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

Day 2: Bivouac (first) camp (9646ft/2940m) – Barranco camp (12959ft/3950m).

Elevation change:

Hiking time: 6 hours.

Estimated distance:

Habitat: Montane forest and Moorlands.

Shortly after leaving the camp, the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you – etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

Day 3: Barranco camp (12959ft/3950m) – Lava Tower (15190ft/4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (15748ft/4800m).

Elevation change:

Hiking time:

Estimated distance:

Habitat: Moorland/Semi desert.

After breakfast you will start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark on Kilimanjaro. The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru, Kilimanjaro’s little sister, punching her peak through the clouds. From Lava Tower you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier camp (15748ft/4800m). This is taxing and symptoms of altitude sickness might become noticeable. The campsite is spectacular. Vegetation has now all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared.

Day 4: Arrow Glacier (15748ft/4800m) – Crater (18700ft/5700m).

Elevation chance:

Hiking time: 5 hours.

Estimated distance: About 15 km’s

Habitat: Semi desert/ Snowfields.

Day 5: SUMMIT ATTEMPT, Crater (18700ft/5700m) – Uhuru Peak (19341ft/5895m) – Mweka (10171ft/3100m).

Elevation change:

Hiking time: 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak,7-8 hours to descend to Mweka.

Estimated distance:

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will rise around 2200hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spent on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your live. The walk to Barafu camp from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (10171ft/3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water.

Day 6: Mweka camp (10171ft/3100m) – Mweka Gate (6496ft/1980m).

Elevation change:

Hiking time: 3 hours.

Estimated distance: About 15 km’s.

Habitat: Montane Forest

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a 5-hour, scenic hike back to the Park gate. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (18652ft/5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (19341ft/5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy1.9 miles/ 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You will then drive back to Arusha for a long overdue hot shower and celebrations!!