Mweka Camp – Final Night on Mount Kilimanjaro Before Descent
Mweka Camp is the last overnight stop for most Kilimanjaro trekkers. Learn about its altitude, facilities, and why it’s essential for safe descent after the summit.
Mweka Camp – Your Final Night on Kilimanjaro
After the triumphant push to Uhuru Peak, the descent begins. For many climbers on Kilimanjaro’s southern routes, including the Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe Routes, the final overnight stop before exiting the mountain is Mweka Camp, nestled at 3,100 meters (10,170 feet). This peaceful forest site marks the beginning of your re-entry into the lush, green world below.
The Descent to Mweka Camp
After a long summit day that begins in the dark at Barafu Camp and reaches the roof of Africa at sunrise, climbers descend rapidly back to Barafu for a break and then continue down to Mweka Camp. Though it’s a challenging downhill trek, the drop in altitude is essential to aid recovery from the thin air of high elevation.
By the time you reach Mweka Camp, the landscape has completely transformed from glaciers and barren slopes to vibrant montane forest filled with birdsong, mist, and moss-draped trees.
What to Expect at Mweka Camp
Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
Terrain: Dense montane forest with cooler, damp air
Facilities: Designated camping areas, ranger stations, and toilet facilities
Mweka Camp is often bustling, as many climbers converge here for their final night on the mountain. While the energy is high, the feeling is also bittersweet; your adventure is nearly at an end.
Why Mweka Camp is Important
Health & Safety: The lower altitude significantly reduces the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) after the summit push.
Rest & Reflection: A good night’s sleep at this altitude helps the body recover from the demands of high elevation.
Celebratory Atmosphere: This is the night many trekkers share stories, thank their mountain crew, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal before the final walk to Mweka Gate.
Final Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
The last section of the journey begins early the next morning. A 3–4 hour trek through increasingly dense forest brings you to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,380 feet), where climbers sign out of the park and receive their summit certificates.
Along the way, you may spot blue monkeys, colorful birds, and signs of rainforest life that seem far removed from the alpine world you’ve just left behind.
Routes That Use Mweka Camp
These southern routes converge toward Mweka Gate and typically include Mweka Camp as the final overnight site.
A Word from Hike Kilimanjaro
At Hike Kilimanjaro, our professional guides ensure that your final descent to Mweka Camp is safe, smooth, and celebratory. Whether you’re feeling tired, joyful, or overwhelmed, Mweka Camp is the perfect place to reflect on your Kilimanjaro success and rest one last night on the mountain.
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