6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route

Today has no planned activities and is only an arrival day for you to reach your base lodge in time for a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide.

Walking Distance: About 10 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest

Meal plan: Lunch, Dinner

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to Umbwe Gate, the starting point of your Kilimanjaro adventure. After registration, the trail begins immediately with a steep ascent through the dense rainforest.

This lower part of the trail is shaded by towering trees and alive with the sounds of exotic birds and monkeys. The air is humid, and the path can be muddy, but the surroundings are stunning — giant ferns, vines, and moss-covered trunks give it a primal, untouched feel.

As you gain altitude quickly, the vegetation thins slightly and the ridge narrows. You’ll arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp, a small forest clearing nestled among trees. Tents are set up and a warm dinner is served under the stars.

Walking Distance: About 6 km’s | Habitat: Moorland

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail today becomes rockier and steeper as you leave the thick rainforest behind and enter the heath zone. Vegetation becomes sparse, with large lobelias and senecios replacing the jungle canopy.

The trail climbs along a narrow ridge with dramatic drops on either side before it merges with the Machame Route. You’ll descend slightly into the Barranco Valley, where Barranco Camp sits beneath the towering Barranco Wall and overlooks the southern glaciers. The camp has a lively energy as climbers from different routes converge here. Expect a beautiful sunset and cooler temperatures.

Walking Distance: About 5 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you begin with the scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep, hands-on section that rewards you with panoramic views over the Karanga Valley and beyond. Though challenging, it’s a favorite moment for many trekkers.

Once at the top, the trail follows undulating ridges and crosses several streams and valleys. You'll arrive at Karanga Camp in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for rest or short acclimatization hikes. The campsite is open and often windy but offers clear views of the summit dome and surrounding glaciers.

Walking Distance: About 5 km’s | Habitat: Alpine desert

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The climb from Karanga to Barafu is short but steady, ascending over barren alpine desert — a stark, rocky landscape with little vegetation. You’ll reach Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push, by early afternoon.

Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp lives up to its name — cold, wind-swept, and perched on a narrow ridge. After an early dinner, you’ll prepare your gear and rest in your tent. Your summit attempt begins just before midnight.

Walking Distance: 5 km’s ascent - 12 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice
capped summit

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim. From there, it’s a final push along a gentle slope to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Take your summit photos, soak in the surreal moment, then begin your descent. You'll return to Barafu for rest and brunch, then continue downhill to Mweka Camp, where the air is thick with oxygen and surrounded by forest again.

Walking Distance: About 10 km’s

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Your final day on the mountain is a gentle descent through lush montane forest. The path can be slippery, especially if it’s rained, but the trail is alive with bird calls and the rustling of wildlife.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll sign out and receive your climbing certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi, where you can finally take a well-earned shower and celebrate your achievement.