6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek with Christmas summit

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Ascend through dense rainforest on the challenging Umbwe Route
• 02 Cross the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest above Barranco Valley
• 03 Complete Kilimanjaro's Southern Circuit with views of Mawenzi and Kibo
• 04 Reach Uhuru Peak on Christmas Day for a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi
• 05 Descend through the upper forest to Mweka after your summit success

Embark on a 6-day Christmas trek to Mount Kilimanjaro via the challenging Umbwe Route. Ascend through lush rainforest, cross rocky high-altitude terrain, and pass unique flora as you make your way toward Africa's highest peak. Summit Uhuru Peak on Christmas Day and witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi from near Stella Point. This rewarding journey offers unforgettable views and a true test of endurance.

Summit Uhuru Peak on Christmas Day and witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi from near Stella Point.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi / Arusha to Umbwe Gate and Umbwe Cave Camp

• The day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate, where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track that winds through the dense rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched among trees and thick undergrowth.

2

Day 02

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

• The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

3

Day 03

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via the Great Barranco Wall

• We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. We cross a series of hills and valleys from the top of the Barranco Wall until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb leads us up to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

4

Day 04

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit

• We leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.

5

Day 05

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

• We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours, taking frequent but short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
• From the summit, we descend and continue straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

6

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi / Arusha

• On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Guide
• Park fees
• Tax
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Gate transfer
• Crew wages
• Fair and sustainable salary crew wages
• Environment fees
• During the climb, you will sleep in huts
• 4 breakfasts
• 5 lunches
• 5 dinners
• Drinking water
• Porters
• Cook

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry services
• Tips to the mountain crew

Know before you go

Hiking starts from 20th Dec to 27th December, so you can be on top of Mount Kilimanjaro on 25th December, Christmas Day.

If you are still wondering what to do over the festive season, why not spend your Christmas on Mount Kilimanjaro? Mountain climbing can be an exhilarating experience and is a perfect adventure for you and your best friend or spouse.

Kilimanjaro, especially, is one of a kind. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Also known as the Roof of Africa, the mountain is quite

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.