6-Day Umbwe Route – Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania!

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly team will meet and transfer you to your comfortable hotel in Moshi. Nestled at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Moshi offers a stunning introduction to your adventure. After checking in, relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings as we conduct a detailed trek briefing and gear check. This is your chance to ask questions and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel (bed & breakfast)
• Activities: Trek briefing, gear check

Starting Altitude: Umbwe Gate (1,600m/5,249ft)
Ending Altitude: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Begin your adventure with a drive to Umbwe Gate for registration. The trail ascends steeply through lush rainforest, where you’ll encounter towering trees, vines, and a variety of wildlife. The challenging climb is rewarded with serene surroundings and stunning views as you arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp for your first night on the mountain.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Ending Altitude: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959ft)
Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. Today’s climb rewards you with dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and towering peaks. You’ll pass the striking Barranco Wall before arriving at Barranco Camp, set in a stunning valley beneath the iconic southern glaciers of Kibo.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,959ft)
Ending Altitude: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Begin the day with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble offering breathtaking views. From the top, the trail descends into the Karanga Valley before ascending again to Barafu Camp. This is your base camp for the summit push, so get some rest and prepare for the most challenging part of your climb.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
Summit Altitude: Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. With determination and support from your team, climb steep switchbacks to Stella Point, and continue to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating your achievement and capturing unforgettable photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tented)

Starting Altitude: Mweka Camp (3,067m/10,062ft)
Ending Altitude: Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

The final day takes you through the lush rainforest as you descend to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll receive your well-deserved summit certificate. From the gate, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi, where you can rest, celebrate, and reflect on your incredible achievement.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Moshi Hotel