6 Days Umbwe Route

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,600m) to Umbwe Camp (2,850m)

• Hiking Distance: 11 km (5–7 hours)
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete park registration. The trek starts with a steep climb through the dense rainforest, navigating tree roots and narrow paths. As you ascend, enjoy lush vegetation, giant ferns, and the sounds of wildlife.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Umbwe Camp, perched on a ridge between two deep valleys. Settle in, enjoy a hearty meal, and rest for the next day’s adventure.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

• Hiking Distance: 6 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Moorland

Leave the rainforest behind as you enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged, with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and glaciers in the distance.

By midday, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, located beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. Here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, relax, and acclimatize for the upcoming climb.

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

• Hiking Distance: 5 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, one of the most thrilling and technical sections of the trek. Though steep, the climb is manageable with handholds and experienced guides assisting you.

After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail levels out into the Karanga Valley, with short ascents and descents. By afternoon, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll enjoy rest, acclimatization, and stunning sunset views.

Day 4: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

• Hiking Distance: 4 km (4–5 hours)
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The journey to Barafu Camp is a steady climb through the alpine desert, characterized by barren landscapes and strong winds. Arriving early at Barafu, you’ll have time to rest, rehydrate, and prepare your gear for the summit attempt.

You’ll have an early dinner and try to get some sleep before the midnight summit push.

Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

• Hiking Distance: 15 km (10–14 hours)
• Habitat: Arctic (summit), Moorland (descent)

Midnight Summit Push!

At around midnight, you’ll begin the final 6-7 hour climb to Uhuru Peak, trekking through the cold, dark night under a sky full of stars.

Upon reaching Stella Point (5,739m), take a brief rest before pushing the final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises over the glaciers, you’ll experience an unforgettable moment of achievement.

Celebrate with photos at the summit before beginning the descent.

After a short break at Barafu Camp, you’ll continue the descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll have a warm meal and a much-needed rest.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,630m)

• Hiking Distance: 10 km (3–4 hours)
• Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, trek through the lush rainforest on the final descent to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your Kilimanjaro climbing certificate as a symbol of your incredible achievement.

A private transfer will take you back to Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb!