6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m)
Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–7 hours | Zone: Rainforest
Begin your trek at Umbwe Gate, where you register and start your steep climb through dense rainforest. The trail quickly gains elevation, winding through thick undergrowth, giant trees, and moss-covered rocks. It’s a physically demanding day, but you’ll be rewarded with solitude and lush scenery.
- Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Distance: 6 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Zone: Heath/Moorland
Climb sharply out of the forest and into heath and moorland zones. The trail narrows and becomes steeper as you approach Barranco Camp, located in a stunning valley below the imposing Barranco Wall. This day provides your first panoramic views of the Southern Icefields of Kibo.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km | Time: 4–5 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert
Ascend the Barranco Wall in the morning—a thrilling scramble with dramatic views. Continue through alpine valleys and rocky ridges toward Karanga Camp. This is a key acclimatization stop that prepares your body for the summit push.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Distance: 4 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is shorter but takes you to Barafu Camp, your final base before summit night. You’ll arrive early enough to rest and hydrate. After an early dinner, you’ll get a few hours of sleep before beginning your midnight summit push.
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 17 km | Time: 12–14 hours | Zone: Arctic to Rainforest
Your summit attempt begins at midnight under starlight. After a slow, steady climb, reach Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate briefly at the summit before descending to Barafu Camp for rest, and then continue down to Mweka Camp through shifting terrain.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Return to Arusha or Moshi
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hours | Zone: Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Your driver will transfer you back to Arusha or Moshi for a hot shower, celebration, and relaxation.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
BOOK THIS TOUR
What is included
- All park fees (entry, camping, rescue, conservation, VAT)
- Professional mountain guides, assistant guides, porters, and cook
- Salaries and park insurance for the trekking crew
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water and hot drinks during the trek
- Accommodation in tents (or mountain huts for Marangu route)
- Private mess tent with tables and chairs (if camping route)
- Quality mountain tents (double occupancy, 4-season rated)
- Sleeping mats
- Emergency oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
- Pulse oximeter monitoring for altitude acclimatization
- Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro gate
- 2 nights accommodation in Moshi or Arusha (before and after trek)
- Briefing session and equipment check before the climb
- Rescue fees (Kilimanjaro National Park rescue services)
What is excluded
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fees
- Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Travel insurance (mandatory and must cover high-altitude trekking)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook (highly recommended, customary)
- Meals not listed before or after the trek
- Optional extras (portable toilet, extra porter, single tent supplement)
- Hotel upgrades or extra nights outside standard itinerary
- Laundry services and personal items
- Alcoholic beverages or snacks