7-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Climb the steep and scenic Umbwe Wall
• 02 Cross the Karanga Valley and enjoy panoramic views
• 03 Ascend to Barafu Camp to prepare for the summit push
• 04 Conquer Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa
• 05 Descend through the beautiful Mweka Forest

Embark on the challenging Umbwe Route on Mount Kilimanjaro with this comprehensive 7-day trek. Travel through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, as you take on steep climbs, scenic valleys, and breathtaking views. With time built in for acclimatization, this route is designed to improve your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Challenging

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Trek from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

• Begin the trek at Umbwe Gate (1,600m).
• Climb steadily through rainforest terrain.
• Reach Umbwe Cave Camp and rest.

2

Day 02

Ascend to Barranco Camp via the Umbwe Wall

• Ascend through moorland and rocky paths.
• Cross the challenging Umbwe Wall.
• Arrive at Barranco Camp for an overnight stay.

3

Day 03

Cross Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley

• Descend the Barranco Wall carefully.
• Trek across the Karanga Valley.
• Settle at Karanga Camp to acclimatize.

4

Day 04

Climb to Barafu Camp for summit preparations

• Climb steep terrain toward Barafu Camp.
• Prepare for the final summit push.

5

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and descend to Mweka Camp

• Start the summit climb very early, around midnight.
• Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
• Descend to Barafu Camp for rest and refreshments.
• Continue descending to Mweka Camp for an overnight stay.

6

Day 06

Descend through forest to Mweka Gate

• Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate.
• Complete the trek and receive summit certificates.

7

Day 07

Rest and onward transfer day

• Rest at your accommodation or prepare for onward travel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Park fees and camping fees
• Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
• Camping equipment (tents, dining tent, chairs, and tables)
• Meals and drinking water during the trek
• Emergency oxygen and a first aid kit
• Transfers to and from the mountain

What's Not Included

• Flights and visas
• Travel insurance
• Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles)
• Tips for the crew
• Additional hotel accommodations before and after the trek

What to bring

• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
• Insulated down jacket
• Thermal base layers
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support
• Sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -15°C
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Trekking poles
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Daypack (30-40 liters) and duffel bag

Know before you go

• Requires excellent physical fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience.
• Rapid ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness; proper acclimatization is crucial.
• Not recommended for first-time trekkers.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Arusha, Tanzania

Tour start

R76H+2VW, Umbwe, Tanzania

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.