Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak via Barranco

7 Days Round trip from Moshi Hard pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek through rainforest from Umbwe Gate on Kilimanjaro's steep Umbwe Route
02 Cross open moorland to Barranco Camp on the mountain's dramatic southern side
03 Climb the steep Barranco Wall en route to Karanga Camp
04 Complete the South Circuit to Barafu Camp with summit views from different angles
05 Watch a magnificent sunrise near Stella Point before reaching Uhuru Peak
06 Stand on Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa

Embark on a challenging yet rewarding 7-day journey to summit Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route. Led by experienced guides, this expedition promises breathtaking scenery, camaraderie, and the ultimate achievement of standing atop Africa's highest peak.

At Stella Point, stop for a short rest and be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Moshi to Umbwe Cave Camp through the Rainforest

Drive from Moshi to Umbwe Gate, about 1 hour away.
Commence the climb through the rainforest with a packed lunch en route.

Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 02

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, leave the forest glades and follow an ascending path across the open moorland to Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 03

Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp

Extra day for acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort and amplify your acclimatization.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 0km/0mi
Hiking Time: 0 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via Barranco Wall

After breakfast, leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continue up to Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, between midnight and 2 am, continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers.
Head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point, stop for a short rest and be rewarded with one of the most magnificent sunrises you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, begin the descent by continuing straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel on the way down. Arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy your last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast, continue the descent 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 enough to wear, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy.
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Where this trip takes you

Umbwe Gate rainforest, Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley, Stella Point sunrise, Uhuru Peak summit

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Moshi 2 cities · 7 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, or if other trekkers also join your new group.

Logistics