Mweka

This is a STEEP and quick way up Kilimanjaro.  It should only be taken by those in excellent physical condition who know they will have little problem acclimatizing.  It is however an excellent way to descend.

THIS ROUTE HAS RECENTLY BEEN MADE FOR DECENT ONLY.

Itinerary

Day 1

From an early morning pick up at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi we will drive past the College of Wildlife Management (1400 m) and continue on (driving or hiking, depending on the track) along the old logging track to about 1700 m. This can be very slippery and difficult. After a two hours walk from the College, the track becomes a path following a gully.  Up the path we will go along the ridge to about 1/2 km above the dense forest, where you will find the Mweka Huts/Camp.

Day 2

From Mweka we will leave the forest behind us and continue up the gradually dryer ridge to the west of the lovely southeast valley to Barafu Hut/Camp. Barafu affords impressive view of the land below. 

Day 3

From Barafu an early morning rise to ascend directly to the rim of Kibo Crater. The trail is very steep and covered in energy zapping sand.  It leads towards the Rebmann Glacier (4870 m) where you pass a cliff and go into the gap between Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers.  We will arrive at the rim just west of Stella Point. It is about 1 hour onward to Uhuru Peak. Be careful in your descent along the dusty, sandy trail back to Barafu and on to Mweka.

Day 4

A leisurely hike back to the trailhead and return to your hotel by dinner.

Distances

Mweka College to Mweka Huts: 6-8 hrs
Mweka Huts to Barafu Huts: 6-8 hrs
Barafu Huts to Kibo Rim: 6 hrs, 1 hr more to Uhuru Peak.

Huts/Camps

Mweka Huts - 3000 m. 2 unfurnished uniports (round metal huts) sleep 8 each. Water below the huts. Barafu Huts: 4600 m. 2 unfurnished uniports used for cooking and porter/guide accommodation, sleep 8 each. Water must be packed in.

The uniports are old and not been maintained well by the park service.  They are primitive metal structures and are used by the porters/guides for accommodations.   They also serve as the cooking area.

Guests sleep in tents which we provide.  The only equipment you will need is your own sleeping bag.  We normally use 2-person tents, but please let us know if other arrangements are needed.

Pricing Information

All prices include all park fees, salaries of guides/porters/cook, all meals on the mountain, equipment and transfer to/from Arusha or Moshi. Discounts can also be arranged for larger groups.  Not included:  tips and items of a personal nature.