6-Day Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

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

Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation: 1,600m to 2,900m
Distance: 11 km
Time: Approx. 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

The day begins with registration at the Umbwe Gate before setting off on a scenic trek through the dense montane forest. The narrow, winding trail follows the path of the Umbwe River, gradually ascending beneath a canopy of towering trees and lush vegetation. As the climb progresses, the forest becomes quieter and more remote. You’ll reach Umbwe Cave Camp by late afternoon, situated at around 2,900 meters, where you’ll spend your first night on the mountain surrounded by the serenity of the forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Umbwe Camp To Barranco Camp

Elevation: 2,940m to 3,970m
Distance: 6 km
Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

After leaving camp, the trail gradually ascends and the lush montane forest begins to thin out. Soon, the dramatic scenery of the mountain unfolds as the towering wall of the Western Breach comes into view, occasionally hidden by the swirling afternoon mist rising from the Great Barranco Valley. You’ll arrive at Barranco Camp by late afternoon, where you’ll spend the night beneath the imposing Barranco Wall, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,950m to 3,930m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: Approx. 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today begins with a short but exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall — a highlight of the trek that offers stunning views as you climb. Once at the top, the trail levels out and leads you across a barren landscape of alpine desert and loose scree. You’ll traverse beneath the towering icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers before descending into the Karanga Valley. Tonight, you’ll camp at Karanga Camp, nestled at around 3,930 meters, where you can rest and enjoy the dramatic mountain surroundings.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3,930m to 4,600m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: Approximately 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Leaving Karanga Camp behind, the trail leads to the junction with the Mweka descent route. From here, you continue ascending toward Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the Southern Circuit. This section of the trek offers stunning views of the summit from multiple perspectives. Upon arrival at Barafu, you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the challenging summit day ahead. From this vantage point, the majestic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo dominate the skyline, providing a breathtaking backdrop to your evening.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Barafu Camp to Summit To Mweka Camp

Elevation: 4,600 m to 5,895 m (then down to 3,100 m)
Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You’ll be awakened at 23:30 with a quick serving of tea and biscuits before we begin our trek to the summit, navigating between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We’ll head in a north-westerly direction, ascending through challenging scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most mentally and physically demanding of the trek.

At Stella Point (5,732 m), we’ll take a short rest and, if the weather allows, enjoy a breathtaking sunrise. Continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), we will reach the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. While it can be quite cold at night at these elevations, it usually warms up as the day progresses.

After summiting, we’ll descend to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch along the way.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

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

Mweka Camp To Arusha

Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.

We depart after breakfast descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

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