6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Hike via the Challenging Umbwe Route

• After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hostel or hotel in Moshi and driven to the starting point at Umbwe Gate, approximately 1 hour away.
• After registration, begin your journey to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on a well-maintained trail through Montane Forest. Along the way, you'll walk through dense rainforest and coffee plantations as your guide explains some of the local flora and fauna. This is also a perfect chance to witness Black and White Colobus monkeys, as well as many different species of brightly coloured birds. The climb is steady, with a gradual incline to Umbwe Camp.

Elevation Gain: 1,600 metres / 5,200 feet

Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

• The route now takes you into semi-desert and rocky landscapes. You may even catch occasional glimpses of Kibo, the imposing summit cone of Kilimanjaro. This trek may feel a little more challenging than the previous day, as some hikers begin to experience symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Closer to camp, the trail begins to flatten out before finally descending into Barranco Camp, which lies below the imposing Barranco Wall in a beautiful, sheltered valley.

Elevation Gain: 800 metres / 2,850 feet

Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Heath

• This will be a short day of hiking to allow for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will begin ascending the Barranco Wall and hiking through glacial valleys - but don't worry, it is easier than it looks!
• You will cross a series of hills and valleys from the top of the wall before descending into Karanga Valley. After one more steep climb, you'll reach Karanga Camp, where you can relax for the afternoon before dinner and an overnight rest.

Elevation Gain: 145 meters / 456 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

• After breakfast, you will leave Karanga and head to the junction that connects to the famous Mweka Trail.
• You will then continue along the rocky ridge for 1 to 2 hours before reaching Barafu Camp, which offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit from various angles.
• Your tents will be pitched along a narrow, rocky ridge with high winds. It is therefore worth taking some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings before it gets dark. Rest for the night at Barafu Camp and prepare for the upcoming hike to the summit.

Elevation Gain: 605 metres / 1,994 feet

Hiking Time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

• This is where the hike gets tough. Just before midnight, you will venture into the night and begin your final ascent to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. Head northwest through heavy stone scree, following multiple switchbacks between the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers until you reach Stella Point (5,685m). This section is probably the most challenging part of the route and will require great physical and mental effort. Continue moving slowly and always listen to your guide.
• After a short rest at Stella Point, you will hike along the crater rim for another hour before reaching your ultimate goal - Uhuru Peak. Congratulations, you have now made it to the "Roof of Africa".
• Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you spend there, but it is important to begin your descent in good time to ensure you get enough rest back at Barafu Camp. After your rest, you'll gather the rest of your belongings and descend to Mweka Hut (3,100m), where you'll enjoy dinner and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet

Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours to Uhuru Peak; 7 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp

Habitat: Arctic conditions

• After breakfast, you will begin the easiest part of your adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro, following a scenic path through the forest to Mweka Gate. Successful hikers who made it to Stella Point and Uhuru Peak will be awarded their certificates at the gate.
• It is then time to drive back to your hotel to enjoy a shower, dinner, and celebrations with a Kilimanjaro beer.

Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet

Hiking time: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest