Itinerary

1. Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

   • Elevation: 1,200m to 2,850m
   • Distance: 11 km
   • Hiking Time: 6 hours
   • Habitat: Montane Forest
   • Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up and a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate. After registration, you will trek through lush rainforest, passing towering trees and wildlife like Colobus monkeys. As you ascend, the views of Kibo Peak come into sight. After a steep ridge climb, you will reach the Umbwe Cave Camp, where you can relax and explore the nearby cave before settling in for the night.

2. Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

   • Elevation: 2,850m to 3,950m
   • Distance: 6 km
   • Hiking Time: 4 hours
   • Habitat: Montane Forest & Heather
   • After breakfast, the trail leaves the rainforest behind, transitioning into moss-covered trees and heathland. You will follow a steep ridge offering stunning views, then descend into the Barranco Valley. This picturesque location is near the Barranco Wall, and Barranco Camp sits at nearly 4,000m. Enjoy dinner and rest beneath the dramatic cliffs of the Barranco Wall.

3. Day 3: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp

   • Distance: 10 km
   • Hiking Time: 8 hours
   • After breakfast, begin the challenging ascent up the Great Barranco Wall, a non-technical but demanding climb offering incredible views of Kibo’s southern glaciers. Descend into the Karanga Valley for a short acclimatization stop before continuing the climb along a rugged ridge to Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp serves as your base camp for the summit push. After an early dinner, rest up for the midnight trek to Uhuru Peak.

4. Day 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   • Elevation: 4,620m to 5,895m to 3,100m
   • Distance: 15 km
   • Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
   • Habitat: Alpine Desert & Ice
   • The summit attempt begins at midnight with a steep ascent through scree and snow under the headlamp’s glow. After hours of determination, reach Stella Point (5,756m), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa, before pushing on to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on the continent. After celebrating your summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue the descent to Mweka Camp, where you’ll stay overnight.

5. Day 5: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

   • Elevation: 3,100m to 1,700m
   • Distance: 9 km
   • Descending Time: 4 hours
   • Habitat: Montane Forest
   • On the final day, descend through the lush montane forest, completing your trek at Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificate, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro experience.