Kilimanjaro Hiking Via Umbwe Route & Materuni Day Tour

Around 30 -40 minutes outside of Moshi are Materuni waterfalls. As this trip is so close by it is ideal for those people with limited time but who would still like to see some of the nature and beauty that this region of Tanzania has to offer. These falls are pretty impressive at 150 meters high and definitely a sight worth seeing. From Materuni Village we will walk some 30 -40 minutes to the waterfall. The walk itself is extremely interesting, as you will see some smaller waterfalls and lots of waterways which are part of the irrigation system of the local farmers who grow coffee, bananas and many other fruits and vegetables.

Coffee Tour Materuni village produces many perishable goods including yam, sugar, maize and beans. However, the main crop that is grown is coffee. In the village you will be able to learn about the process from which coffee is grown, to when it is finally poured, steaming hot into the cup. You will pick you own coffee, remove the cover and then with coffee that has been previously dried out, crush it into coffee granules. After experiencing the complete coffee production process you will be able to enjoy your very own, satisfying and rewarding cup of fresh coffee. You will also learn how the Chagga tribe lives, such as their home set-up, the types of food they cook and eat and how they rear their animals.

The day begins with a drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, where you'll check in with the Park Service, weigh your bags and meet your porters. From there, you'll start your climb through the rainforest foothills of Kilimanjaro for 5 to 7 hours to reach Umbwe Cave Camp.

(2850 meters / 9350 feet)

Distance: ~10.5km / 6 miles

Trekking time: 5-7 hours

Today the landscape shifts from rainforest to mountain heaths as vegetation gives way to large rock outcroppings. You'll follow the narrow Umbwe Ridge into the Barranco Valley, where the Umbwe Route begins to merge with the Machame Route before ending the day at the Barranco Camp. You'll rest in the shadow of Kibo summit before climbing the famous Barranco Wall in the morning.

(3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)

Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles

Trekking time: 4-6 hours

The day starts with a challenging climb up the steep Barranco Wall. This includes some scrambling, but is not a technical climb. Remember to use your hands and look where you step and you'll be over the wall and dropping into the Karanga Valley before lunch. You'll follow the circuit across the valley to Karanga Camp, resting at 4000m.

(4000 meters / 13,123 feet)

Distance: 9 km / 5 miles

Trekking time: 5-8 hours

Day 5 is a shorter climb as you make your way to Barafu High Camp and prepare for your assault on Uhuru Peak. You'll arrive in camp early, and have some time to rest and prepare for your ascent that night. Pack your headlamp, water, and other essentials and get a few hours' sleep, you'll be back on the trail by midnight for the fabled climb to Kilimanjaro's summit.

(4645 meters / 14,240 feet)

distance: 3.5 km / 2 miles

Trekking time: 3-4 hours

Today's the day. You'll leave Barafu High Camp at midnight and begin your night climb to the Roof of Africa. This stretch will push you, as your body is tired and the climb keeps going through the night. Keep a steady pace and listen to your guides as you make it through the final stage of the climb.

Standing at Uhuru Peak, watching the sun rise and the clouds run below you, you'll be glad you kept pushing.After a brief rest and a few photos from the peak you'll be back on the trail. Descending is faster and easier, but you have a ways to go today. Going down you will head back to Barafu Hut for a short nap and snacks before continuing down to Mweka camp (3068m/10,065feet) for the night.

(5,895 meters / 19,340 feet)

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles ascent, 12 km / 7 miles descent

Trekking time: 10-16 hours

From Mweka campsite it is a half-day descent through the forest to Mweka gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night, enjoy a hot shower and have a final farewell dinner with your guides.

(1640 meters / 5380 feet)

Distance: ~9km / 6 miles

Trekking time: 4-6 hours

Our packages include departure day services. Enjoy breakfast and a morning sightseeing in the city or join us for Safaris. If you are returning home our driver will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to catch your flight home.