6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Umbwe Route

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Umbwe Gate (1800m/5905ft) to Umbwe Cave (2850m/9350ft)

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins at 8:00 AM, departing from Moshi and heading to Umbwe Gate, where you'll meet the dedicated team of guides, porters, and cooks who will accompany you on this six-day journey to Uhuru Peak – the Roof of Africa.

Upon arrival at the gate, you’ll take a moment to rest while we handle the registration process and the crew finalizes preparations. Once everything is set, your trek officially begins.

Today’s goal is to reach Cave Bivouac Camp, nestled deep within the forest and approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail ascends steeply through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest, where moss-draped trees, ferns, and vibrant birdlife create an enchanting atmosphere.

As you gain altitude, the dense rainforest gradually gives way to a more open landscape of heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Meanwhile, our porters and cooks will move ahead to ensure camp is set up and your hot meal is ready upon arrival.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Umbwe Cave (2850m/9350ft) to Barranco Camp (3950m/12960ft)

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Cave Bivouac Camp and continue your ascent toward Barranco Camp. The trail becomes steeper and more rugged as you climb along a narrow ridge, offering increasingly dramatic views of the forest canopy below and the towering cliffs above.

Today’s hike takes you out of the forest and into the moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more open and rocky, with giant groundsels and lobelias scattered across the terrain. The altitude becomes more noticeable today, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace and stay hydrated.

As you approach Barranco Camp (3,950 meters), you'll descend slightly into the picturesque Barranco Valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and surreal vegetation. This camp is one of the most scenic on the mountain,

This day is key for acclimatization, as you gain significant elevation before descending slightly to sleep at a lower altitude. Meanwhile, our team will have camp set up and a warm meal prepared for your arrival.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Barranco Camp (3950m/12960ft) to Karanga Valley (4200m/13780ft)

Your day begins with a warm breakfast and breathtaking morning views from Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic spots on Mount Kilimanjaro. Today’s trek starts with one of the most memorable and challenging sections of the climb — the Barranco Wall.

From the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail winds through rolling hills and alpine valleys, crossing several small streams along the way. You’ll pass through a surreal landscape dotted with giant senecio trees, alien-like flora that thrive in this high-altitude environment.

After about 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters), perched on a ridge with wide views of the mountain and plains below. This is a shorter day, designed to support proper acclimatization and give your body time to adjust to the increasing altitude.

The afternoon is free for rest and exploration around camp, followed by a hot meal, as you prepare mentally and physically for the climb to Barafu Base Camp the following day.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Karanga Valley (4200m/13780ft) to Barafu Camp (4600m/15100ft)

After a restful night at Karanga Camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on a gradual but steady climb to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before your summit attempt.

Today’s trail winds through a stark and dramatic alpine desert, with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming in the distance. Though the distance is relatively short, the high altitude can make the trek feel more demanding, so a slow and steady pace is crucial.

You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp (4,673 meters) by early afternoon, giving you plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit push. From camp, you’ll have an awe-inspiring view of the summit ridge and the vast expanse of the Tanzanian plains far below.

After an early dinner, it’s time to get some sleep — you’ll be waking just before midnight to begin your ascent to Uhuru Peak under the stars.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+5 Photos

+4 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Barafu Camp (4600m/15100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895m/19340ft) to Mweka Camp (3100m/10170ft)

Your summit day begins in the stillness of the night. Just before midnight, after a light snack and some tea, you’ll begin the final ascent toward Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).

The trail to the summit is steep, cold, and demanding, with switchbacks winding through loose volcanic scree under a blanket of stars. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb, but also the most rewarding.

After 6 to 8 hours of steady trekking, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,756 meters), located on the crater rim. From here, it’s about another hour along a gentler slope to Uhuru Peak, the true summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

As the sun rises over the African plains, you'll stand on the Roof of Africa — a powerful and emotional moment that will stay with you forever.

After a short rest at the summit, you'll begin your descent back to Barafu Camp, where you'll take a break and enjoy a warm meal. Then, continue descending for several hours down.

Main Destination:

Mt Kilimanjaro Summit

Accommodation:

Budget camping

• On Mt Kilimanjaro

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mweka Camp (3100m/10170ft) to Mweka Gate (1500m/4920ft)

After your last night on the mountain and a well-earned rest, you’ll enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Mweka Camp before beginning your final descent through the lush montane rainforest.

The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially if it has rained, so take your time and use your trekking poles for support. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and richer in oxygen, and the sounds of birds and forest life return to welcome you back.

After about 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Mweka Gate (1,640 meters), where you’ll sign out of the park and receive your summit certificates — a proud reminder of your incredible accomplishment.

From the gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi. There, you’ll have the chance to shower, rest, and celebrate the end of a life-changing adventure to the Roof of Africa.

Congratulations — you’ve conquered Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route!

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.