6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Sunrise

The day begins with a 1-hour drive to Machame Gate, where registration formalities will be completed. 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.

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 Campsite through the strange but beautiful Senecio forest.

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 steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.

On this day, you will have a hot lunch at Karanga Camp. After a short rest, you will go for acclimatization and walk to the scree slopes toward the Southern Ice Fields. This will increase our chance of reaching Freedom Point and Uhuru Peak.

After a late breakfast, we leave Karanga Camp and 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 night. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position. We will wake up at midnight for hot drinks and ascend to the summit.

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 while taking frequent but short breaks.

Near Stella Point (18,900 ft.), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to 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 now descend, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; 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.

After breakfast, we will descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.