Umbwe is the toughest route of Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it is short, it approaches the Kilimanjaro more directly. It is a good trail for experienced mountain climbers. This 6-day itinerary will take you to Uhuru Peak. You will descend through the Mweka Trail.

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Our mountain guide will be waiting for you at the airport. After you clear the customs, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. If you arrive early in Moshi, you can discuss more details with your guide.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

After breakfast, we leave the hotel for Machame Gate. Your guide will finish the paperwork. We will then drive further to Umbwe Gate. We enjoy views of the villages, coffee, and banana plantations. We then begin our hike through the rainforest. The trail is steep as we wind up the thick forest and climb the ridge between two rivers. When we arrive at Umbwe Camp, we relax, dine, and sleep overnight.

• Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 3: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, we hike through a tree-covered rocky trail. You will enjoy the views of Kilimanjaro as we hike up the steep trail. The route will turn flat as we approach Barranco Valley. We will pass the Umbwe ridge and descend to Barranco Camp through Senecio Forest. We will then relax at Barranco Camp, enjoy a hot dinner, and sleep overnight.

• Elevation: 9,514ft to 13,044ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today, we begin the hike into a gully to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. We continue hiking up a cliff. Afterward, we pass through hills and valleys before descending dramatically into Karanga Valley. A further push will get us to Karanga. You will bathe, eat a hot dinner, and relax overnight.

• Elevation: 13,044ft to 13,106ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After a buffet breakfast, we will continue our push for the summit until we meet the junction that connects to the Mweka Trail. We will then hike through a rocky section and finally reach the Barafu Camp. The hike is short to allow enough preparations for the summit attempt. You will enjoy the views of the summit from many angles. You will be served an early dinner. We advise you to sleep early to relax before the final and much-awaited trek.

• Elevation: 13,106ft to 15,331ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

The hike will begin at 00:30. You will be awakened at 23:30, to prepare all necessary gear. After an energy-boosting hot breakfast, we will start the hike. This is the toughest part of the climb. We will pass Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers in the dark. We will reach the Stella Point (18,900 ft) at sunrise. Another push will get us on the ‘roof of Africa.’

After viewing the peak for some time, we will start descending. Our first stop is at Barafu Camp where we will eat lunch. After lunch, we continue the hike to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft, then down to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 5 km ascent/ 12 km descent
• Hiking time: 7-8 hours ascent & 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, we finish the last part. The rainforest zone may be muddy. That is where the advantage of gaiters and trekking poles comes. You will use them to lose gravel. After collecting your certificates, we will hike to Mweka village to meet with a vehicle to take you to your hotel.

• Elevation: 10,065ft to 5,380ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

End of the program