Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

6 Days Round trip from R76H+2VW Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Enjoy the magnificent views of the Barranco valleys and the ice cap on top of Kilimanjaro
02 Hike through the Karanga Valley and witness its natural beauty and views
03 Explore the alpine desert and get close to Kibo Glaciers
04 Reach Uhuru Peak near sunrise on the summit day
05 Trek through rainforest, moorland, heath, and Montana forest on one climb

Embark on a 6-day trek to Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route, a scenic climb with impressive rock formations and stunning views along the way. Trek through rainforest, moorland, heath, and alpine desert as you make your way toward Uhuru Peak. Along the route, enjoy magnificent views of the Barranco valleys, the ice cap on top of Kilimanjaro, and the Kibo Glaciers. The journey ends with a descent through the Montana forest, offering beautiful views of the mountain's vegetation.

Embark on a 6-day trek to Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route, a scenic climb with impressive rock formations and stunning views along the way.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Umbwe Gate and Trek to Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 2850m, Distance: 11 km, Hiking time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montana forest.
Pick up from your hotel by vehicle and drive to Umbwe Gate. After completing the check-in procedures at the gate, begin the trek through the rainforest to Umbwe Cave Camp, where all the tents will already be set up. Today's hike takes you through ridges and valleys into a dense forest before dinner and an overnight stay at camp.

Day 02

Trek from Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 2850m to 3950m, Distance: 6 km, Hiking time: 4 hours, Habitat: Montana forest and heather.
After breakfast, trek through the remaining forest into the moorland and heath area, enjoying magnificent views of the Barranco valleys and the ice cap on top of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Barranco Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Climb Barranco Wall and Continue to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3950m to 3900m, Distance: 6 km, Hiking time: 4 hours, Habitat: Moorland.
Today is a short hiking day. In the late morning, begin climbing the Barranco Wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization, then continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp for a hot lunch. After lunch, take a short break and continue acclimatization by hiking the slopes of the Ruler toward the southern ice field, then return to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04

Ascend Through Alpine Desert to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3900m to 4620m, Distance: 4 km, Hiking time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Today's trek to Barafu Ridge Camp is challenging because of the altitude. The walking time is short but steep, so it is necessary to walk slowly to avoid fatigue and altitude sickness. Hike through the alpine desert with a strong cold wind, as there are no trees, and get close to the Kibo Glaciers. Have an early lunch and dinner around 5:00 PM, then rest until midnight before beginning the ascent toward the summit of Uhuru Peak.

Day 05

Midnight Summit Attempt to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m, Distance: 15 km, Hiking time: 10-12 hours, Habitat: Desert and ice.
The hike to Uhuru Peak begins around midnight with a light breakfast and final preparations for the summit climb. The goal is to depart before sunrise and reach Uhuru Peak just before or after sunrise. Leave for the top at 12:00 a.m., climb up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. From here, enjoy views of the legendary crater, its polar caps, and its spectacular surroundings. After about an hour's hike along the rim of Kibo Crater near the snow, reach the true summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, where you will spend some time taking photos.
After your summit activities, descend back to Barafu Huts Camp for lunch and a short rest, gather your gear, and continue trekking through the moorland and heathland to Mweka Huts Camp. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Mweka Hut Camp.

Day 06

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

Elevation: 3100m to 1700m, Distance: 9 km, Descending time: 4 hours, Habitat: Montana forest.
After breakfast, descend through the Montana forest to Mweka Park Gate on your final day on the mountain. The descent takes about 4 hours. After checking out at the gate, prepare to board the vehicle for your transfer back to Moshi or Arusha.

Where this trip takes you

Umbwe Cave Camp, Barranco valleys, Kibo Glaciers, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from R76H+2VW 3 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation to and from your selected route
Transfer from the airport or bus station in Moshi/Arusha on arrival, and return to the airport or bus station after the climb
Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
Government climbing taxes
Climbing permits
All hot meals prepared by our cook while on the mountain
Guides, porters, and cook salaries
Enough porters to carry your luggage
Safety equipment
Emergency oxygen
Hot drinks at every meal
Water provided on the climb: mineral water for the first day and boiled water every day
Personal summit certificate signed by the National Park and your guide