6-Day - Umbwe Route

The Kilimanjaro adventure begins at Umbwe Gate after leaving the hotel at 8am. The initial hike on the Umbwe Route, renowned for its steep and challenging ascent, covers approximately 11 kilometers and takes about 5-7 hours. Starting at an elevation of 1,800 meters, you will ascend rapidly through Kilimanjaro’s dense, lush rainforests and moss-covered cloud forests. The trail, which can be slippery, eventually opens up to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers as the forest thins. You will gain an altitude of 1,200 meters, ending the day at Umbwe Cave Camp, situated around 3,000 meters. Here, you’ll spend the night preparing for the trek ahead.

Distance: 11km |5-7hrs | Cloud Forest
Elevation: 1,800m/5,900 to 3,000m/9,850ft
Altitude gained: 1,200m

After breakfast, the trekker will begin the ascent to Barranco Camp, traversing through the moorland zone with a picnic lunch box in hand. This day involves a steep, rugged climb through the ridge of valleys on both sides, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s iconic formations. The hike covers a distance of 6 kilometers and takes approximately 4-6 hours. The altitude gained will be 950 meters, starting from 3,000 meters (9,850 feet) and reaching an elevation of 3,950 meters (12,960 feet) at Barranco Camp. This campsite, situated at approximately 3,960 meters, provides an excellent vantage point for the Barranco Wall, a notable highlight of the route. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Barranco Camp.

Distance: 6km |4-6hrs | moorland
Elevation: 3,000m/9,850ft to 3,950m/12,960ft
Altitude gained: 950m

The day’s trek involves a steep yet short 4.5 km climb from Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,000m), gaining an altitude of 50m over 3-4 hours. After breakfast, you’ll begin with an exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, traversing scree terrain and passing beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Upon reaching Karanga Camp, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch, rest, and take a walk to acclimatize.

Distance: 4.5km |3-4hrs | scree terrain
Elevation: 3,950m/12,960ft to 4,000m/13,120ft
Altitude gained: 50m

At midnight, you’ll begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa which takes approximately 6-7 hours, covering 4.86km and gaining 1295m in altitude. The trail is challenging and steep moreover, the ascent is might be made more difficult by the cold and thin air at high altitudes if not well dressed, as dawn approaches, climbers are rewarded with stunning views of the sunrise near Stella Point (weather permitting) as they also stop for a short rest. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Also, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Finally, the team will arrive at Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! The views from Uhuru Peak are breathtaking. Have your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family. The weather will dictate how long you can stay at the summit, generally around 5-15 minutes

Distance: 86km |6-7hrs | Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4,662m (15,295ft) to 5895m/19,340ft
Altitude gained: 1295m

Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

After reaching the summit, trekkers will descend for about 3 hours to Barafu Camp, where they will enjoy a hearty breakfast and rest for a few hours. Following this break, they will have a hot lunch before continuing their descent. The trek takes them from the stark beauty of the alpine desert through the heath and moorland zones, and finally into the lush edge of the rainforest at Mweka Camp, which sits at around 3,080m. Covering a total distance of 11.5km and losing 2795m in altitude, trekkers will experience diverse habitats, from the barren, rocky summit to the vibrant greenery of the rainforest. Along the way, they will be able to take in stunning views, observe unique flora and fauna, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment and relief that comes with completing this challenging journey.

Distance: 5km |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 5895m/19,340ft to 3,080m / 10,105ft
Altitude Lost: 2,815m

After breakfast, the team and trekker will embark on a 3-4 hour scenic hike through the rainforest, descending 1400 meters over 9.1 kilometers to Mweka Gate (1,640m). Along the way, it is possible to encounter wet and muddy conditions, so gaiters and trekking poles can be helpful, while rain gear and warmer clothing should be kept handy. Upon arrival at the gate, the trekker will register for clearance and receive your summit certificates: green for Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Following a hot lunch at the gate and a general goodbye to the crew, a vehicle will transport the trekkers back to Moshi for a a cup of hot coffee. Later, continue to Arusha, where they can relax and spend the rest of the evening.

Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Rainforest

Elevation: 3,080m / 10,105ft to 1,640m/5,380ft

Altitude lost: 1,460m