6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Experience Kilimanjaro's most challenging ascent on the steep Umbwe Route
• 02 Immerse yourself in dense montane rainforest with rich wildlife and unique vegetation
• 03 Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from striking ridgelines
• 04 Ascend to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, and witness stunning ice-capped landscapes

Embark on an unforgettable 6-day adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route. Experience the thrill of steep ascents, breathtaking landscapes, and diverse ecosystems as you trek through dense rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert. This challenging climb leads to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where stunning ice-capped scenery and panoramic views await.

Using headlamps, you'll ascend the steep scree slopes towards Stella Point (5,861m), where you'll be rewarded with the first sunrise views.

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 No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Moshi or Arusha to Umbwe Gate and Umbwe Cave Camp

• Elevation: 1,200m to 1,700m to 2,850m
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from your Moshi or Arusha hotel, followed by a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate. After completing registration, begin your trek through lush rainforest, crossing ridges and valleys. Keep an eye out for colobus monkeys and unique vegetation along the way. Reach Umbwe Cave Camp, where your tents will be set up. Enjoy dinner and a restful overnight stay.

2

Day 02

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 2,850m to 3,950m
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest & Heather
• After breakfast, continue through the forest zone, which gradually transitions into moorland and heath. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Barranco Valley and the ice-capped peak of Kilimanjaro. Arrive at Barranco Camp, where you'll meet other trekkers on the Machame and Lemosho Routes. Relax with dinner and an overnight stay at camp.

3

Day 03

Barranco Wall and Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 3,950m to 3,900m
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Today's hike is short but challenging. Start by conquering the famous Barranco Wall (4,200m), a thrilling ascent that rewards you with stunning views. The trail then crosses ridges and valleys before leading you to Karanga Camp. After lunch and rest, you have the option of an acclimatization hike to help prepare for the summit. Dinner and overnight stay at Karanga Camp.

4

Day 04

Karanga Camp to Barafu Base Camp

• Elevation: 3,900m to 4,620m
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• The trek to Barafu Camp is short but steep. The alpine desert landscape, marked by strong winds and little vegetation, creates a dramatic environment. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, enjoy lunch, an early dinner, and time to rest before your midnight summit push.

5

Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 4,620m to 5,895m to 3,100m
• Distance: 15 km
• Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
• Habitat: Arctic & Moorland
• Your summit attempt begins at midnight, after a light meal. Using headlamps, you'll ascend the steep scree slopes towards Stella Point (5,861m), where you'll be rewarded with the first sunrise views. The final push takes you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. The descent continues to Mweka Camp, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Final Descent to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi or Arusha

• Elevation: 3,100m to 1,700m
• Distance: 9 km
• Hiking Time: 4 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• After breakfast, begin your final descent through lush montane forest to Mweka Gate. Once you arrive, sign out and receive your Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha, completing your unforgettable journey.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• All transfers to and from the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
• Professional, experienced, and licensed mountain guides
• Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
• Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (twin-sharing basis)
• Sleeping mattress for added comfort
• Emergency oxygen cylinder available for high-altitude emergencies
• All meals provided while on the mountain
• Quality mess tents equipped with tables and chairs
• Large portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
• Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
• Conservation fees included as part of park fees
• Camping or hut fees covered under park fees
• Rescue fees included in the park fees
• 18% VAT (charged by the Government)
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate awarded upon successful completion

What's Not Included

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

Know before you go

• The Umbwe Route is physically and mentally demanding, requiring focus and determination.
• Summit night is challenging but rewarding, so break the climb into small steps and stay focused.
• Trust your guides and support team to help you reach Uhuru Peak safely.
• Limited acclimatization time increases the risk of altitude sickness on the Umbwe Route.
• Hike slowly ('pole pole'), stay hydrated, and follow your guide's instructions to minimize altitude sickness.
• Acclimatization hikes before the climb or altitude medication may be recommended (consult your doctor).
• A high fitness level is required for the Umbwe Route, making it suitable for experienced hikers only.
• Previous high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended.
• Train with cardio, endurance, and strength exercises at least 2 months before the climb.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Tour start

Moshi, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.