Skip to content

6 Days Umbwe Route

DAY 1: UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP

  • Distance: 10km
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest

Start your day by leaving the hotel and being driven to Umbwe gate. After registration, the porters and guides will prepare for the climb. The first day’s destination is Umbwe Cave Camp, which is reached through a steep and potentially slippery trail. Experience the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest, with the forest gradually thinning to reveal heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers

DAY 2: UMBWE CAVE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

  • Distance: 7km
  • Hiking Time: 6 hours (approx.)
  • Habitat: Moorland

Begin your hike towards Barranco Camp after breakfast. This day involves walking on a steep forest ridge, followed by a flat section close to Barranco. Take caution while walking slowly to avoid altitude-related issues. As the path becomes rockier and the vegetation changes, you’ll steadily climb before a short downhill descent to reach Barranco Camp.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP

  • Distance: 5km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Embark on a steep climb below the Heim Glacier, offering breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro. Proceed with a challenging ascent up the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a descent into the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. Conclude the day with a steep climb to Karanga Camp.

DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

  • Distance: 4km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert

Leave Karanga after breakfast and cross the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, where you’ll rest, have dinner, and prepare for the summit day. Enjoy the spectacular view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks from Barafu.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA

  • Distance: 5km ascent, 11km descent
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 6-8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Start early for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater, passing the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers. The final section before the rim may be snow-covered. Reach Stella Point on the rim, followed by an additional hour to Uhuru Peak. Capture memorable photos before descending to Barafu Hut for rest and lunch. Continue past Millennium Camp, descending to Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone. If energy permits, visit the ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields. Enjoy a final dinner and a well-deserved rest.

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE (1800M)

  • Distance: 5km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

After breakfast, descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, continue for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha

BOOK THIS TOUR

    CREATE TAILOR MADE SAFARI

    Customize your dream holiday today

    ×