Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through dense rainforest, rockier terrain, and the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest
02 Climb the Great Barranco Wall and follow Kilimanjaro's Southern Circuit
03 Take in summit views from Barafu Camp with Mawenzi and Kibo in sight
04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa
05 Witness a magnificent sunrise near Stella Point over Mawenzi Peak

On this 6-day trek to Mount Kilimanjaro from Umbwe, you'll experience the stunning natural beauty of Tanzania as you climb through dense rainforest, rockier high-altitude terrain, and the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest. The route leads to Barafu Camp, where the Southern Circuit offers summit views from many angles, before the final overnight push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Along the way, you'll face the mental and physical challenge of summit day, witness a magnificent sunrise near Stella Point over Mawenzi Peak, and descend through the upper and lower forest to collect your summit certificate.

Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you will ever see coming over Mawenzi Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Drive to Umbwe Gate and Trek to 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 up 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.

Day 02

Climb Through Moorland 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 begin to appear. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

Day 03

Scale the Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

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.

Day 04

Follow the Southern Circuit to Barafu Camp

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 the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend 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, and the wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while 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 rocky trail can be challenging 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.

Day 06

Descend to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or 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 to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.