6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Umbwe Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arusha/Moshi - Umbwe Gate

Elevation (m): 915/1,387 to 1,800–2,800
Elevation (ft): 3,000/4,921 to 5,905–9,190
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

The day begins with an early briefing and breakfast, followed by about an hour’s drive from Moshi or Arusha to Umbwe Village (1,490 m / 4,890 ft). Here, your trekking team will organize gear, supplies, and lunch packs before you start hiking. The climb begins at the Umbwe Gate, located just above the village, where a gradual vehicle track leads for roughly an hour to the trailhead sign marking the start of the steep Umbwe path. From there, the adventure truly begins as you ascend through thick montane forest filled with rubber and giant fig trees. The route quickly becomes steep, with sections requiring you to scramble over roots and rocks. The day ends at Umbwe Camp, tucked within the forest near a few small caves, where a warm dinner will be served to welcome you after a challenging first day.

Main Destination:

Foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation (m): 2,800 – 3,900
Elevation (ft): 9,190 – 12,800
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Semi-Desert

The day begins early with a warm cup of tea or coffee before breakfast. The trail quickly steepens as you ascend through thinning forest, passing through heather and Giant Erica vegetation. As the air becomes drier, the ridge narrows sharply, offering dramatic drops on both sides. With luck, clear skies may reveal the striking view of Uhuru Peak rising ahead. After a lunch break, the route enters a surreal landscape filled with towering giant groundsels (Senecio kilimanjari) — a unique high-altitude garden that’s among Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable natural sights.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (m): 3,900 – 4,200
Elevation (ft): 12,800 – 13,780
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the trail leads up a steep ridge toward the famous Barranco Wall—a dramatic rock face that appears intimidating but is surprisingly manageable to climb. Once you reach the top, just below the Heim Glacier, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers gleaming in the sunlight. From here, the route descends into the verdant Karanga Valley, where the Karanga Camp sits nestled amid rolling slopes. Looking east, the rugged Mawenzi Peaks pierce the horizon. After a hearty lunch, the afternoon is yours to rest or take short walks nearby. Though this stage is relatively short, it plays a crucial role in helping your body acclimatize before the summit ascent begins.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (m): 4,200 – 4,550
Elevation (ft): 13,780 – 14,930
Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

The morning begins with a gradual climb eastward, crossing several ridges and valleys before linking up with the Mweka Route, which will later serve as your descent path. Turning toward the mountain, you continue ascending through a stark, rocky landscape until reaching Barafu Camp, where a hot lunch awaits. Karanga Valley marks the final water point along the trail—Barafu, despite meaning “ice” in Swahili, has no available water supply.

At Barafu Camp, tents are set up on a narrow, wind-exposed ridge, so it’s wise to get familiar with your surroundings before nightfall. As you rest, prepare your gear and warm clothing for the upcoming summit attempt, and stay well-hydrated. After an early dinner, turn in early for a short but important night’s sleep before your summit push begins.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation (m): 4,550–5,895–3,100
Distance: 7 km up, 23 km down
Hiking Time: 8 hrs up, 7–8 hrs down
Habitat: Scree & seasonal snow

Summit day begins around 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits. You climb six hours through steep scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point (5,685 m), pausing briefly for sunrise. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa’s highest point, possibly encountering snow on the final stretch. After celebrating the summit, descend about three hours back to Barafu Camp for rest and a hot meal—a day climbers remember for life.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation (m): 3,100 – 1,980 – 890 / 1,387
Elevation (ft): 10,170 – 6,500 – 2,920 / 4,921
Distance: 15 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 3-hour hike down through forest to Mweka Gate. Wait to tip your porters until all your gear has safely arrived, then show appreciation at the gate. Here, climbers register and receive their summit certificates—green for those reaching Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. From the gate, continue about 3 km (1 hour) to Mweka Village, possibly navigating muddy paths if vehicles cannot pass, before returning to Arusha at your own accommodation hotel.

Main Destination:

Mweka Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.