6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the charming town of Moshi. There, you’ll meet your experienced guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek. They’ll also conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the essential mountain gear for your adventure. If any gear is missing, don’t worry—you’ll have the option to rent it on this day.

Meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring you’re well-fueled for the exciting journey ahead. 🌄🥾

At 8 a.m., embark on your Kilimanjaro adventure by leaving Moshi for the Umbwe Gate. Here, you’ll meet our dedicated team of porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you over the next six days on your journey to Uhuru Peak, the majestic roof of Africa. Upon arrival, take a moment at the gate while we complete the necessary climb registration, and our porters and guides make their final preparations.

Your First day destination Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in certain sections. As you hike, you’ll pass through the enchanting moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Later in the hike, the forest will thin out, revealing heathers, tall grasses, and vibrant wildflowers. Ahead of your arrival, our diligent porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp, ensuring everything is ready for your stay.

Key Details:

Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters (3,445 feet)
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, fueling your journey toward the summit. 🌄🥾

Following the ridge, the initial section of the trail leads away from the forest. As you continue, you’ll traverse open moorlands until you arrive at Barranco Camp. This campsite is widely acclaimed for its breathtaking scenery on the Umbwe Trail, surrounded by towering senecios and lobelias. Due to its location in a valley, the sun rises later here compared to other camps.

Key Details:

Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,610 feet)
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, ensuring you’re well-nourished for the next leg of your journey. 🌄🥾

Begin your day at Barranco Camp, fueled by a hearty breakfast. The initial challenge awaits: a 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall—the toughest part of the day. In certain sections, you might even need to use your hands to aid your ascent. Once you conquer the wall, the terrain levels out, and you’ll enjoy a relatively easy hike. Finally, prepare for a short but steep descent into the lush green embrace of the Karanga River Valley.

Here are the key details:

Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet)
Distance: 7 kilometers
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
This leg of the journey offers breathtaking views and a mix of challenging and serene moments. Enjoy the adventure! 🏔️🥾🌿

Embark on your journey from breakfast to Barafu Camp, where adventure awaits. Along the way, feast your eyes on several of Kibo’s majestic glaciers and the junction that links the descent route (Mweka) with the Machame trail. On day four, you’ll traverse the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers—a thrilling experience.

Despite the alpine desert terrain with sparse vegetation, Barafu Camp rewards you with breathtaking vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. As the sun sets, savor your dinner and rest up, for you’ll rise before midnight to begin your summit ascent.

Here are the key details for this leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure:

Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,320 feet)
Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Remember, the final push to the summit awaits—so recharge and prepare for an unforgettable climb! 🏔️🌟🥾

Embark on your final ascent to Uhuru Peak, commencing around midnight. Illuminate your path with the glow of your headlamp as you trek for the next six hours. Brace yourself—the climb to the crater rim is the most demanding segment of the entire journey. The trail is steep, and your determination will be tested until you reach Stella Point.

From Stella Point, the path to Uhuru Peak unfolds as a gradual climb. While not particularly challenging in terms of terrain, the high altitude makes it a long and exhausting hike. Allocate approximately an hour for the hike along the crater rim. Upon reaching Uhuru, capture the moment with photos of your guide and fellow climbers at the peak. Then, prepare for the descent toward Mweka Camp. As you descend from Uhuru, savor the vistas of the mountain, the crater, drifting clouds, and majestic glaciers.

Back at Barafu Camp, replenish your energy with breakfast and a brief respite. But don’t rest too long—you still have another three to five hours ahead before reaching Mweka Camp.

Here are the key details for this crucial leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure:

Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet)
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Hiking Time:
6 hours to the rim
1 hour to Uhuru
3 to 4 hours back to Barafu
4 hours to Mweka
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Summon your determination, embrace the challenge, and let the grandeur of Kilimanjaro inspire you! 🏔️🌄🥾

Conclude your trek with a forest hike to Mweka Gate after a satisfying breakfast. Be cautious—the trail might be slippery due to recent rain. At the lower station of Mweka Gate, our waiting vehicles will transport you back to Moshi.

Here are the key details for this final leg of your Kilimanjaro adventure:

Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet)
Hiking Time: Approximately 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Reflect on your remarkable journey as you return to Moshi. Safe travels! 🌳🚶‍♂️🚗

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

Meals: Breakfast Included