6 Days Umbwe Route – Mount Kilimanjaro

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Here, your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed briefing and final gear check before your trek begins. Take the evening to relax and prepare for the days ahead.

Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 10.3 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast, drive to Machame Gate for registration, then proceed to the lesser-used Umbwe Gate. The trail begins in dense rainforest, climbing steadily along a ridge between two deep river gorges. Expect a challenging start as the path ascends quickly, but the views and forest atmosphere are unforgettable. Tonight’s camp is nestled in the thick forest near the Umbwe Caves.
Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp

Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 6.3 km
Habitat: Moorland
As you leave the forest, the vegetation gives way to moorland and rocky terrain. The trail continues steeply along a dramatic ridge with incredible views of the valleys below and Kibo Peak ahead. Eventually, you descend into the Barranco Valley, where your camp rests beneath the looming Barranco Wall. The scenery here is among the most iconic on the mountain.
Overnight at Barranco Camp

Hiking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert
Today starts with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall—a challenging yet rewarding section that reveals sweeping glacier views. The trail then undulates across valleys and ridges before descending into the Karanga Valley. After crossing the valley floor, you climb to the Karanga Camp for rest and acclimatization.
Overnight at Karanga Camp

Hiking Time: 4 hours
Distance: 3.4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A shorter but steeper ascent brings you to Barafu Camp, perched on an exposed ridge with views of the summit route ahead. The landscape is stark and windswept—true alpine desert. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the final ascent. An early dinner and early bedtime are essential tonight.
Overnight at Barafu Camp

Hiking Time: 7–8 hours to Uhuru Peak; 6–8 hours to Mweka Camp
Distance: 4.5 km ascent, 10.8 km descent
Habitat: Arctic to Forest
You’ll begin your summit push just before midnight. Climbing by headlamp through scree and cold winds, you’ll reach Stella Point for a breathtaking sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Overnight at Mweka Camp

Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Distance: 8.5 km
Habitat: Forest
Following a hearty breakfast, begin your final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. After signing out and receiving your summit certificates, you’ll be met by our driver and transferred back to Arusha. Enjoy a hot shower, a good meal, and a well-earned rest.
Overnight at Hotel or depart as scheduled