Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Umbwe Route to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Trek the scenic and less-traveled Umbwe Route, known for its steep and direct ascent
02 Experience diverse landscapes including dense rainforest, alpine desert, and glacial zones
03 Navigate the iconic Barranco Wall without the need for technical climbing skills
04 Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and the Southern Glaciers throughout the trek
05 Reach the summit of Africa's highest peak, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters
06 Witness unique high-altitude flora and potential wildlife encounters in the rainforest zone

Embark on an exhilarating 6-day Kilimanjaro trekking adventure via the scenic and less-traveled Umbwe Route, known for its steep, direct ascent and breathtaking landscapes. Journey through dense montane rainforest, tackle the iconic Barranco Wall without the need for technical climbing skills, and cross striking alpine desert terrain on your way to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. Along the trek, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo, Mawenzi, and the Southern Glaciers, supported by expert guidance and a professional trekking team.

Begin the summit attempt late at night between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English, Swahili

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp Through Montane Rainforest

Begin the trek at Umbwe Gate after finalizing registration procedures.
Trek through thick montane rainforest with chances to see wildlife.
Enjoy a packed bush lunch along the trail.
Navigate steep and occasionally slippery paths with caution.
Reach Umbwe Cave Camp for an overnight stay.
Distance: 11 kilometers
Trekking Time: 6 to 7 hours
Zone: Montane Rainforest
Altitude Gain: 1,050 meters

Day 02

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp and Alpine Desert Views

Depart after breakfast towards Barranco Camp.
Leave the rainforest behind and enter the low alpine desert zone.
Ascend gradually, with the increased altitude requiring a slow pace and good hydration.
Arrive at Barranco Camp with impressive views of Kibo Peak, the Southern Glaciers, and the Western Breach.
Distance: 6 kilometers
Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Zone: Montane Rainforest transitioning to Alpine Desert
Altitude Gain: 1,050 meters

Day 03

Climb the Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp

Tackle the Great Barranco Wall with caution, but without the need for technical skills.
Reach the top for excellent photo opportunities.
Proceed through a series of ascents and descents towards Karanga Camp.
Enjoy panoramic views throughout the day.
Distance: 6 kilometers
Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Zone: Moorlands
Altitude Gain: 95 meters

Day 04

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit

Continue on the Southern Circuit towards Barafu Camp.
Cross paths with climbers descending towards Mweka.
Reach Barafu Camp for an early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.
Enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks from the base camp.
Distance: 4 kilometers
Trekking Time: 4 to 5 hours
Zone: High Alpine Desert
Altitude Gain: 678 meters

Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Begin the summit attempt late at night between 11:00 PM and 12:00 AM.
Ascend slowly through steep slopes to Stella Point (5,756 meters) for a brief rest.
Continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate at the summit before beginning the challenging descent.
Descend back to Barafu Camp for a short break, then proceed to Mweka Camp for an overnight rest.
Distance: 10 kilometers to the summit and back to Barafu, approximately 11 kilometers to Mweka Camp
Trekking Time: 6 to 8 hours to the summit, 6 to 7 hours descent to Barafu, 5 to 8 hours to Mweka Camp
Zone: Glacial zone and all preceding zones
Altitude Gain: 1,222 meters
Altitude Loss: 2,795 meters

Day 06

Final Descent to Mweka Gate and Summit Certificates

Begin the final descent through lush montane forest.
Complete registration at Mweka Gate and receive official summit certificates.
A green certificate is awarded for reaching Stella Point, and a gold certificate for Uhuru Peak.
A return transfer is provided to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 10 kilometers
Trekking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Zone: Moorlands descending to Montane Forest
Altitude Loss: 1,460 meters

Where this trip takes you

Montane Rainforest, Great Barranco Wall, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mt Kilimanjaro 1 city · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel accommodation the night before and after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included
Transfer from your hotel to the starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees, and climbing permits
Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks while on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress)
Return transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport