6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Umbwe Route

Embark on a 6-day trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route. Enjoy the stunning views of the sunrise from the summit of Uhuru Peak.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on a 6-day trek via the Umbwe Route. Enjoy the challenge of the most difficult route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Join the Machame route at Barranco camp on the second day.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Begin with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. Transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as you climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Follow rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As you gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Descend into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, cross a series of hills and valleys until you descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads you to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here, make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (around midnight), begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. Ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.