6-Day Umbwe Route – Kilimanjaro Trekking Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you will meet your guide for a pre-trek briefing and gear check to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a restful evening at your hotel before the trek begins.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Umbwe Camp (2,850m)

Your adventure starts at Umbwe Gate, where registration is completed before you enter the rainforest. The trail is steep and narrow, winding through thick vegetation filled with towering trees, ferns, and the sounds of wildlife. The climb is demanding, but the untouched beauty of the rainforest makes it worthwhile. After about five to six hours of trekking, you will reach Umbwe Camp, where you will rest for the night under a dense canopy of trees.

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

The trail continues with a steep ascent along the ridgeline, offering glimpses of the towering peak above. As you climb higher, the vegetation changes from rainforest to heather and moorland. After several hours of trekking, the path gradually eases, leading to Barranco Camp. This campsite, nestled in a valley below the famous Barranco Wall, offers breathtaking views of Kibo and the glaciers above. This is a crucial acclimatization point for the journey ahead.

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

The day starts with the exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a rocky yet manageable ascent that provides spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, the trail becomes easier as it winds through rolling hills and barren landscapes. The trek to Karanga Camp is relatively short, allowing time to rest and further acclimatize. This day plays a crucial role in preparing your body for the final push to the summit.

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Leaving Karanga, the route ascends steadily towards Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes increasingly harsh, with rocky terrain and a dramatic sense of isolation. As you arrive at Barafu in the afternoon, you will rest, eat, and prepare for the final ascent. An early night is essential, as the summit push begins at midnight.

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

The summit attempt begins in the early hours of the morning, with headlamps lighting the way as you make a slow but steady climb towards Stella Point. The air is thin, and the temperatures are freezing, but the determination to reach the summit keeps you moving. After reaching Stella Point, a final push takes you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witnessing the sunrise from the Roof of Africa is a moment you will never forget. After taking in the breathtaking views, you begin the descent back to Barafu for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp, where you will spend your last night on the mountain.

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) and Departure

The final descent takes you through lush rainforest as you make your way to Mweka Gate. Here, you will receive your summit certificate before being transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned shower and celebration. After some rest, you will be taken to the airport for your departure or continue with additional travel plans in Tanzania.