Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking

Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking | Umbwe Route

• 7 Days | 6 Nights
• Kilimanjaro National Park

The Umbwe route on Mount Kilimanjaro is the most challenging due to the fast ascent to high altitude, which does not allow for proper acclimatization.

Despite the low traffic on this particular trail, the success rate is also notably low. This can be attributed to the strenuous nature of the route, which presents significant challenges that only hikers who are capable of adapting quickly to altitude can overcome. As such, this trail is best suited for experienced hikers who are familiar with high-altitude environments and have the necessary skill set to tackle this arduous journey.The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. 

Itinerary Plan

Day 0: Arrival – Pre-trek Briefing
If you have chosen to use our airport transfer service, we will collect you from Kilimanjaro Airport and take you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Your guide will meet you at the hotel for a pre-trek briefing, which is scheduled for the day after your arrival. We recommend that you arrive at least one day before the trek begins. During the briefing, we will discuss the trek and review your equipment. If you require any additional equipment, we can arrange for it to be rented from our store.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Umbwe Gate for registration and entry procedures. The trek begins on one of Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most direct routes. The trail climbs through dense vegetation and forest, offering a quiet and less crowded experience compared to other routes. After approximately 5–7 hours of hiking covering 11km (7 miles), you will arrive at Umbwe Camp for dinner and overnight.
Habitat: Heath
Hiking Time: 5–7 hrs
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Elevation: 5,249 ft – 9,514 ft

Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
Today you will continue ascending through the rugged landscape toward Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic camps on the mountain. The trail offers impressive views and passes through the heath zone. After approximately 4–5 hours of hiking covering 6km (4 miles), you will arrive at Barranco Camp where you will enjoy dinner and overnight beneath the stunning Barranco Wall.
Habitat: Heath
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Elevation: 9,514 ft – 13,044 ft

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you begin the day with the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable scramble with breathtaking views. After reaching the top, the trail continues across ridges and valleys until you reach Karanga Camp. This trek takes approximately 4–5 hours and covers 5km (3 miles).
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Elevation: 13,044 ft – 13,106 ft

Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Today you continue ascending to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky as you enter the alpine desert zone. Upon arrival, you will rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit climb. The hike takes about 4–5 hours and covers 4km (2 miles).
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Hiking Time: 4–5 hrs
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Elevation: 13,106 ft – 15,331 ft

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. You will begin your summit ascent around midnight, trekking through steep volcanic terrain to reach Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos at the summit, you will descend back down to Mweka Camp (10,065 ft) for dinner and overnight. This is a long day but the highlight of the entire climb.
Habitat: Arctic / Rain Forest
Hiking Time: 7–8 hrs up / 4–6 hrs down
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (to Uhuru Peak) + 12 km / 7 miles (to Mweka Camp)
Elevation: 15,331 ft – 19,341 ft – 10,065 ft

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
After breakfast, you will descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (5,380 ft). The trail is scenic and refreshing, though it may be slippery depending on weather conditions. Upon arrival, you will sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi/Arusha. The trek takes approximately 3–4 hours and covers 10km (6 miles).
Habitat: Rain Forest
Hiking Time: 3–4 hrs
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Elevation: 10,065 ft – 5,380 ft

Inclusions and Exclusions