The Umbwe Route

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

• Elevation: 1,650 m (5,415 ft) to 2,940 m (9,646 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~6-7 km / 3.7-4.3 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4-6 hours of hiking

Kick off your Kilimanjaro adventure at Umbwe Gate, where you’ll check in and take your first steps into the wild. The trail dives straight into a dense, vibrant rainforest, alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. It’s a steady climb, but the lush greenery keeps your spirits high as you make your way to Umbwe Cave Camp. Nestled at 2,940 meters, this campsite offers a cozy spot to rest under the forest canopy after your first day’s trek.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

• Elevation: 2,940 m (9,646 ft) to 3,960 m (12,992 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~9-10 km / 5.6-6.2 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 6-8 hours of hiking

Day two ramps up the challenge as you push through the last stretches of rainforest, climbing steeply toward the moorland zone. The trail feels relentless at times, but the payoff comes as you join the Southern Circuit and roll into Barranco Camp. Perched at 3,960 meters, this spot delivers killer views of the Barranco Wall looming ahead and the mountain’s rugged beauty unfolding around you—perfect motivation for what’s to come.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley Camp

• Elevation: 3,960 m (12,992 ft) to 4,035 m (13,238 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~5-6 km / 3.1-3.7 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours of hiking

Get ready to conquer the Great Barranco Wall today—a steep, rocky scramble that’s as thrilling as it is tough. Hands and feet get a workout, but the panoramic views from the top make every grunt worth it. After the wall, you’ll traverse the stark alpine desert, winding through a surreal landscape to Karanga Valley Camp at 4,035 meters. Tucked in a scenic valley, it’s a peaceful spot to recharge with the summit in sight.

Day 4: Karanga Valley Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 4,035 m (13,238 ft) to 4,673 m (15,331 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~4-5 km / 2.5-3.1 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 3-4 hours of hiking

Today’s trek is short but sweet, taking you up through barren, rocky terrain to Barafu Camp, your launchpad for the summit. Sitting at 4,673 meters, this high-altitude base camp offers jaw-dropping views of Kilimanjaro’s peak and glaciers glinting in the distance. The climb’s steep, but the brevity gives you plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and mentally gear up for the big summit push starting at midnight.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Millennium Camp

• Elevation: 4,673 m (15,331 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,820 m (12,533 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~5 km / 3.1 miles to summit, ~10-12 km / 6.2-7.5 miles down to Millennium)
• Duration: Approximately 11-15 hours of hiking

Summit day kicks off in the dead of night—think midnight headlamps and grit. The ascent to Uhuru Peak is a lung-busting haul, but reaching 5,895 meters just as the sun cracks the horizon is pure magic. After soaking in the top-of-Africa vibes, you’ll head back down to Barafu Camp for a quick breather, then keep descending to Millennium Camp at 3,820 meters. It’s a long, epic day, but crashing in camp feels like a victory lap.

Day 6: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 3,820 m (12,533 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
• Distance: Not specified (typically ~9-10 km / 5.6-6.2 miles)
• Duration: Approximately 4-6 hours of hiking

Your final day is a chill descent through the rainforest, a welcome shift from the high-altitude grind. The trail to Mweka Gate winds past towering trees and chirping wildlife, giving you time to reflect on the wild ride. At 1,640 meters, you’ll sign out, snag your summit certificate, and hop a ride back to Moshi or Arusha—exhausted, proud, and ready to tell the tale.

This itinerary follows the challenging Umbwe Route, offering stunning scenery and a unique wilderness experience. It’s essential to be well-prepared physically and mentally for this demanding trek, as it involves steep ascents and descents at high altitude.