Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Moshi

6 Days Round trip from Moshi Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek from Umbwe Gate through dense rainforest to Umbwe Cave Camp
02 Enjoy scenic views over Barranco valleys and the mountain's ice cap
03 Climb Barranco Wall and cross ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp
04 Push up the steep trail to Barafu Camp near the Kibo glaciers
05 Make a midnight summit ascent to Uhuru Peak for sunrise views

Embark on a challenging 6-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe Route, led by experienced guides and rewarded with breathtaking scenery and camaraderie. This steep and demanding route requires cautious pacing for proper altitude acclimatization as you move from dense rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and the summit snows. Along the way, you will trek through Barranco and Karanga before making a midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak for sunrise views. The route can also be combined with other routes for increased summit success, while the strenuous yet scenic Western Breach Route remains an option reopened with caution after a past incident.

Then, after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows, you will reach Kilimanjaro's true summit, Uhuru Peak.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hotel Transfer to Umbwe Gate and Trek to Umbwe Cave Campsite

Pick up from your hotel by vehicle and drive to Umbwe Gate.
After completing the gate registration procedures, begin the trek through the rainforest to Umbwe Cave Campsite, where all tents will already be set up for you. Stop here for dinner and an overnight stay. Today, you will walk across ridges and valleys through a really thick forest.

Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 2850m.

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Montane forest.

Day 02

Umbwe Cave Campsite to Barranco Hut Campsite

After breakfast, trek through the remaining forest into the moorland and heath zone. Along the way, enjoy wonderful views of the Barranco valleys and the ice cap on top of the mountain. Then arrive at Barranco Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 2850m to 3950m

Distance: 9 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane forest and heather

Day 03

Barranco Wall Climb and Trek to Karanga Campsite

Today will be a shorter walking day. In the late morning, start climbing the Barranco Wall and reach 4200m for acclimatization, then continue crossing ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite for a hot lunch.
After lunch, take a short rest and then do another acclimatization trek up the scree slopes towards the Southern Ice Field before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 3950m to 3900m

Distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Day 04

Karanga Campsite to Barafu Campsite

Today, the trek up to Barafu Ridge Campsite is tough because of the altitude. The walking hours are fewer because the trail is steep, so it requires a slow pace to avoid fatigue as well as high altitude sickness.
You will walk across alpine desert with strong, cold winds blowing, as there are no trees around and you are getting closer to the Kibo glaciers. You will have lunch and an early dinner, then rest until midnight when you begin the summit climb.

Elevation: 3900m to 4620m

Distance: 5 km.

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 05

Midnight Summit Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Hut

The day starts around midnight with a light breakfast, followed by the final preparations for your summit ascent. The goal is to climb before dawn so that you can reach Uhuru Peak shortly before or after sunrise.
Leave for the peak at 12:00 am, switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861m between 4 and 5 am. At this point, you will have views of the fabled crater and its icecaps in front of you, along with the spectacular surrounding area.
Then, after 1 hour of hiking along the Kibo crater rim near the celebrated snows, you will reach Kilimanjaro's true summit, Uhuru Peak. Here, you will spend some time taking photos.
After your summit activities are done, descend back to Barafu Huts Campsite, have lunch, rest, collect your equipment, and continue walking down through the moorland and heath zone to Mweka Huts Campsite for dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10-12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice

Day 06

Descent from Mweka Hut Campsite to Mweka Gate

Today is your last day on the mountain, so you will descend to Mweka Park Gate, walking through the Montane forest. This descent will take 3-4 hours.
At the gate, you will sign out and get ready to board the vehicle for the transfer back to your hotel in Moshi for certificate presentation and a well-deserved celebration.

Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest

Where this trip takes you

Umbwe Gate, Barranco Wall, Kibo crater rim, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced mountain guides
Guides, porters, cook salaries, and park fees
Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a twin-sharing basis)
Sleeping mattress
Emergency oxygen cylinder
All meals while on the mountain
Quality mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate

What's Not Included

Tanzania visa
International and domestic flights
Hotel (available as an optional add-on)
Transfers (available as an optional add-on)
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc. (available for rent)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)

What to bring

Preparing for a Kilimanjaro climb requires careful consideration of the gear and equipment needed to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Clothing:

Moisture-wicking base layers: tops and bottoms to help regulate body temperature and manage sweat
Insulating layers: fleece jackets, down jackets, or synthetic insulated jackets to keep warm at higher altitudes
Waterproof and windproof jacket: protection against rain, snow, and wind
Hiking pants: lightweight, quick-drying pants for trekking
Convertible pants: pants that can be converted into shorts for variable weather conditions
Synthetic or wool socks: several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to prevent blisters
Hiking boots: sturdy, waterproof boots with ankle support and good traction
Gaiters: to keep snow, rocks, and debris out of your boots
Sun hat and warm hat: protection from the sun during the day and warmth at night
Gloves: lightweight gloves for hiking and warmer gloves or mittens for colder temperatures
Buff or neck gaiter: this versatile accessory protects the neck and face from sun, wind, and cold

Gear:

Daypack: a comfortable backpack for carrying essentials during daily hikes
Sleeping bag: rated for cold temperatures (0°F to -10°F or lower) to stay warm at night
Sleeping pad: insulated sleeping pad for cushioning and insulation from the ground
Trekking poles: adjustable poles for stability and to reduce knee strain during descents
Headlamp or flashlight: essential for navigating in the dark and for nighttime use
Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses with high-quality lenses to shield eyes from glare and snow reflection
Water bottles or hydration system: insulated water bottles or a hydration reservoir to stay hydrated
Water purification: water purification tablets or a filtration system for refilling water along the trail
Duffel or dry bag: pack gear for porters to carry between campsites
Toiletries: including biodegradable soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, and toilet paper
Personal first-aid kit: including basic medications, blister treatment, and any personal medications

Miscellaneous:

Passport and permits: required documents for entering Tanzania and climbing Kilimanjaro
Cash: for tipping guides, porters, and other expenses
Camera or smartphone: for capturing memories of the journey
Sunscreen: high SPF sunscreen to protect from sunburn at high altitudes
Lip balm with SPF: to prevent chapped lips in dry and windy conditions
Snacks: high-energy snacks like nuts, trail mix, and energy bars for on-the-go fuel
Notebook and pen: for journaling or taking notes along the journey

Optional:

Portable battery charger: to recharge electronics like cameras or smartphones
Portable oxygen: in case of altitude sickness, especially for those prone to it
Trekking towel: quick-drying and compact towel for personal hygiene
Trekking snacks: favourite snacks for extra energy during long hikes

Know before you go

Supplements: Off-season supplement = USD 75
Charges apply for solo trekkers starting a new departure in March, April, May, and November. This does not apply if you join an existing group, and it does not apply if other trekkers also join your new group.

Logistics