6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

• Arrive at Umbwe Gate and complete the registration paperwork.
• Prepare your hiking gear and expedition equipment.
• Begin the trek on a gradual, inclining 4WD path that ends at a sign marked "Umbwe Trail".
• Ascend through dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path.
• Reach Umbwe Camp for a rest.

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

• Begin the trek with a steep ascent higher into the heath zone.
• Experience the rapid change in landscape to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and giant heathers.
• Follow the trail up a narrow ridge, then enjoy a flatter section as you approach Barranco Valley.
• Take in excellent views of Moshi and Kibo Peak from Barranco Valley.
• Arrive at the camping ground and explore the area in depth.

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

• Begin the day with a climb over the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall volcanic rock.
• Enjoy a well-earned lunch break at the top of the Barranco Wall, with fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru.
• Continue across ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground.
• This is a short hiking day designed to allow acclimatization.
• Take breaks as needed to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.

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

• Leave the Karanga camping ground after breakfast and head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
• Continue the ascent to Barafu Hut.
• At Barafu Hut, you will have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles.
• Make camp at Barafu Hut, rest, and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for summit day.
• Take in the views of the two summits, Kibo and Mawenzi, visible from this site.

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

• Very early in the morning, at midnight, put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit.
• Head northwest and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.
  • This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the hike.
• Stop for a short rest at Stella Point (18,600 ft) and witness the magnificent sunrise.
• Continue for one more hour to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit and celebrate reaching the roof of Africa.
  • Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.
• Descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camping ground, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
• Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest.
• Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep in the evening.

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

• Continue the descent toward Mweka Park Gate after breakfast.
• Receive your summit certificates at the gate.
  • It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles will help.
  • Wear shorts and T-shirts.
• Your vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

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