6-Day Kilimanjaro Hike via Umbwe Route to Uhuru Peak

• Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
• Wait patiently for the permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead.
• Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife.
• At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

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

• After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest.
• Continue on a steeply ascending path along the Umbwe Ridge as it descends slightly to Barranco Camp, situated in the valley.

Temperatures begin to drop.

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

• After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease.

Overnight at Karanga Camp.

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

• Continue up toward Barafu Camp.
• Once reached, you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles.
• Enjoy an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night.

Overnight at Barafu Camp.

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

Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

• Continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead.
• With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
• Be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on, begin the ascent to Uhuru Peak; you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
• Congratulations - one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
• After photos, celebrations, and maybe a few tears of joy, we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment.
• Begin the steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for the uncooperative loose gravel and volcanic ash terrain. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain.

Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gain: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789m

• After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye.
• Continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
• From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.
• Enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

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