Descending from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp on the Umbwe Route via Stella Point and stopping at Barafu Camp for a lunch break and rest is a critical part of your Mount Kilimanjaro descent. Here's a detailed description of this descent and what you can expect at Mweka Camp:
Descent from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp via Stella Point and Barafu:
Stella Point: After successfully reaching Uhuru Peak, you'll begin your descent toward Stella Point. The path initially involves navigating rocky and icy terrain at high altitude. Stella Point is located on the crater rim and offers breathtaking views of the summit's ice fields and glaciers. This is an excellent spot for photographs and taking in the surrounding scenery.
Descent to Barafu: From Stella Point, you'll continue your descent to Barafu Camp. This part of the descent is relatively gradual and less physically demanding compared to the ascent to the summit. It usually takes around 1-2 hours to reach Barafu Camp from Stella Point. At Barafu Camp, you'll have the opportunity to rest, enjoy a meal, and collect your belongings before continuing the descent to Mweka Camp.
Descent to Mweka Camp: After your break at Barafu Camp, you'll continue descending along the Mweka Route. The trail takes you through alpine desert and moorland terrain. This is a longer descent, lasting approximately 4-6 hours. As you descend, you'll notice the landscape gradually changing from rocky and barren to more vegetated, indicating your entry into the heath and moorland zone.
Mweka Camp:
Mweka Camp is your final campsite before reaching the Mweka Gate, where your Kilimanjaro trek concludes. Here's what you can expect at Mweka Camp:
Altitude: Mweka Camp is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level. This is a significant drop from the summit, and you'll notice the air becoming denser as you descend.
Amenities: Mweka Camp generally provides basic amenities, including tents for sleeping, dining facilities, and toilet facilities. However, amenities may be simpler compared to higher camps on the mountain.
Weather: Due to its lower altitude, Mweka Camp experiences significantly warmer temperatures than the higher camps. You can expect temperatures to range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Rainfall is more common as you descend into the rainforest zone.
Flora and Fauna: Mweka Camp is located within the rainforest zone. Here, you'll encounter lush vegetation, including dense mosses, ferns, and various tree species. You may also hear the calls of birds and potentially spot small mammals like monkeys.
Descent: The descent from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate is generally straightforward. You'll hike through the lush rainforest, and the trail can be muddy and slippery at times. Proper hiking boots are essential for this part of the descent.
In summary, the descent from Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp via Stella Point and Barafu provides a gradual transition from the high-altitude summit to the lush rainforest. Mweka Camp offers a warmer and more comfortable climate, allowing you to experience the unique flora and fauna of the rainforest. The descent is less physically demanding than the ascent to the summit, making it a rewarding conclusion to your Kilimanjaro journey.