6 Days Umbwe Route

DAY 1

UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAVE: 9.6KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND
Departing from Moshi, we are traveling to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently await the issuance of our permits while observing the busy operations as numerous crews prepare for the forthcoming journey. Enjoy the scenic rainforest landscape and winding trails as your guide provides information about the local flora, fauna, and wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail may be muddy and quite slippery. We strongly recommend the use of gaiters and trekking poles. The trail follows a ridge between two deep valleys ascending through the dense montane forest. The campsite is situated among towering trees and abundant undergrowth.

Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
Altitude Gained: 1293m

DAY 2

UMBWE CAVE – BARRANCO CAMP: 4.75KM/3MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND
After a restful night’s sleep and a substantial breakfast, we exit the rainforest and proceed along a steeply ascending path, following the Umbwe ridge as it gently descends to Barranco Camp situated in the valley. Temperatures commence to drop.

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
Altitude Gained: 1042m

DAY 3

BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Following breakfast, the excursion proceeds along a steep ridge ascending the challenging Barranco Wall towards the Karanga Valley, where it meets the Mweka Trail. This day offers a remarkable opportunity to observe the team’s strength, agility, and prowess as they swiftly traverse the wall with apparent ease. The night is spent at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude Gained: 48m

DAY 4

KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT
We proceed towards Barafu Camp, and upon arrival, you will have completed the South Circuit, which provides a diverse array of stunning vistas of the summit from multiple perspectives. An early dinner and rest are recommended as preparations are made for the summit night. Overnight accommodation will be at Barafu Camp.

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Altitude Gained: 628m

DAY 5

BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.1MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Excitement is mounting as the morning approaches, marked by an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This segment of the trek represents the most mentally and physically demanding portion.

We continue our journey towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, maintaining warmth and concentration on the remarkable sense of achievement that awaits us. Proceeding in a series of switchbacks in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through substantial scree terrain towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your brief respite here. Hikers with greater speed may have the opportunity to observe the sunrise from the summit. From this point onward, throughout your remaining one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, it is probable that you will encounter snow continuously.

Congratulations! You have successfully reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and across the entire continent of Africa. This accomplishment is commendable and reflects exceptional dedication and perseverance.

Following photographs, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy, we pause momentarily to appreciate this remarkable achievement. We then commence our challenging descent to Mweka Camp, making a stop at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest.

We strongly recommend the utilization of gaiters and trekking poles when navigating difficult terrain characterized by loose gravel and volcanic ash. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your final evening on the mountain. Accommodation for the night will be at Mweka Camp.

Elevation increased from 4,662 meters (15,295 feet) to 5895 meters (19,341 feet). The altitude gained during this ascent was 1,233 meters. The descent was to 3,106 meters (10,190 feet), with an altitude Loss of 2789 meters.

DAY 6

MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Following breakfast and a sincere ceremony of gratitude and team cohesion with your crew, it is now time to bid farewell. We proceed with our descent towards the Mweka Park Gate to obtain your summit certificates. Given the significantly warmer weather, the terrain has become wet, muddy, and steep, and therefore, we strongly advise the use of Gaiters and trekking poles.

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village from the gate to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 30-minute journey. Please enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude Lost: 1473m