6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

Rising (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Stretch: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Climatic habitat: Rain Forest

Immediately after arriving at Umbwe Gate, the hikers and team complete the registration paperwork and prepare the hiking expedition gear and equipment. The trek begins on a gradual, inclining 4WD path, which ends at a sign marked "Umbwe Trail." From here, we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe Camp for rest.

Rising (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Stretch: 6 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Climatic habitat: Heath

The trek begins steeply as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here, the landscape changes rapidly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge and then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Moshi and Kibo Peak. Once at the camping ground, there will be some extra time to explore the area in depth.

Rising (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Stretch: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine desert

Our first challenge is the climb over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we enjoy a well-earned lunch break and fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We then continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground. This is a short hiking day designed to allow acclimatization.

Rising (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Stretch: 4 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the hikers and team leave Karanga camping ground and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two summits of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from this site.

Rising (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Stretch: 17 km
Hiking time: 11-14 hours
Climatic habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning, at midnight, the hikers and team put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and are rewarded with a magnificent sunrise.

From Stella Point, hikers have just one more hour before reaching the peak. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we begin our descent, continuing straight down to Mweka Hut camping ground and stopping at Barafu camping ground for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Descend (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Stretch: 10 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Climatic habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue the descent toward Mweka Park Gate, where hikers receive their summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. The driver will be waiting for the hikers at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.