6 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Climbing

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Later in the day, you will have a detailed trek briefing with your mountain guide, equipment check, and time to organize rental gear if needed. Excess luggage can be safely stored at the hotel.
An additional rest day prior to the trek is highly recommended.

Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp (BLD)

After breakfast, drive to the Umbwe Gate (approx. 30 minutes) to begin your ascent through dense rainforest. The trail is steep and scenic, offering a true wilderness experience.

• Elevation: 1,660m (5,450ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)

• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp (BLD)

The trail ascends steeply onto the Shira Plateau before traversing eastward beneath the Southern Icefields of Kibo. You will pass the Lava Tower (4,650m), an important acclimatization point, before descending into Barranco Valley.

• Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 4,000m (13,000ft)

• Distance: 6 km (4 miles)

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (BLD)

After breakfast, climb the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering spectacular views. Continue to Karanga Valley, which connects with the Mweka Trail.

• Elevation: 4,000m (13,000ft) to 4,050m (13,250ft)

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (BLD)

Ascend gradually to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which provides panoramic views of the summit. The afternoon is dedicated to rest and preparation for summit night.

• Elevation: 4,050m (13,250ft) to 4,700m (15,350ft)

• Distance: 4 km (2 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (BLD)

Depart around midnight for the summit push. Ascend through scree and glaciers to Stella Point, then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for lunch before continuing to Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 4,700m (15,350ft) to 5,895m (19,340ft), down to 3,090m (10,150ft)

• Distance: 5 km (3 miles) ascent / 13 km (8 miles) descent

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up / 5–6 hours down

• Habitat: Scree slopes and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha (B)

Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. Continue to Mweka Village and transfer back to your hotel in Arusha.

• Elevation: 3,090m (10,150ft) to 1,680m (5,500ft)

• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 8: Departure from Arusha (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport or meet your guide if continuing on a safari.

Meals: Breakfast