The Mweka Route is the primary descending route used by climbers after summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. It offers a beautiful, direct trail through the lush rainforest and is the standard descent path for climbers who ascend via Lemosho, Machame, Umbwe, or Londorosi routes.
The Mweka Gate is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Moshi town, and the drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on road conditions. The gate lies at an elevation of 1,640 meters (5,380 feet), much lower than the summit and high camps, allowing climbers to recover in thicker oxygen-rich air after descending from extreme altitudes.
Mweka is positioned on the southern slope of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the summit at Uhuru Peak, climbers descend southeast through Barafu Camp (or sometimes via Millenium Camp), making their way down the Mweka Trail and eventually exiting the mountain at Mweka Gate.
This route is not used for ascending, due to its steeper path and direct nature, which does not allow proper acclimatization for climbers going up. Instead, it provides a quick and safe descent after the summit. In addition to being the primary descent route, Mweka is also used by tour companies for logistical support. When necessary, supplies such as fresh food, gas, or emergency gear are transported up the route to higher camps. This access is vital for long or challenging treks, especially during unpredictable weather or extended expeditions.
The descent down Mweka Route takes you from the Alpine Desert back into the lush Montane Forest, where the air becomes warmer and more humid. The steep trail is often slippery, especially in the rainforest zone, and trekking poles are highly recommended for support.
From Barafu Camp (4,673 m / 15,330 ft) or Millenium Camp (3,820 m / 12,530 ft), trekkers descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m / 10,170 ft), and then continue down to Mweka Gate (1,640 m / 5,380 ft) – an elevation drop of over 3,000 meters in two days.