6-Days Umbwe Route

Arrival at the airport 

Upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro airport, you will be met by GATE’s representative who will take you to your accommodation in Moshi for an overnight stay.

• Destination: Moshi
• Accommodation: Pre-booked accommodation
• Meal plan: Not included

DAY 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Early in the morning, we drive to Umbwe Gate at the southern base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you will complete registration and obtain permits. You start your ascent and enter the rainforest almost immediately. There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy, and slippery experience.

• Hiking time: 5-7 hours
• Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
• Habitat: Montane forest
• Elevation: From 1,160m at Umbwe Gate to 2,850m at Umbwe Cave Camp

DAY 2:  Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

 Today you will continue your hike through the moorland, allowing open views as you trek through the heather. We will break for lunch at First Cave which is about 5 km away. During this trek,  you’ll have a beautiful view of Kibo and the eastern ice fields from Second Cave Camp

• Hiking time: 6-8 hours
• Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
• Habitat: moorland
• Elevation: From 2,850m at Umbwe Cave Camp to 3,950m at Barranco Camp

DAY 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s trip is short but slightly challenging. After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall. Though it may look intimidating, the Barranco wall is manageable for most trekkers and does not require technical climbing skills. The climb up the Barranco Wall usually takes about 1 to 2 hours and offers stunning views. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail undulates through valleys and ridges. The descent into the Karanga Valley is followed by a final ascent to Karanga Camp where you will have your lunch, rest and overnight.

• Hiking time: 4-5hours
• Distance: About 6 km (3.7 miles)
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Elevation: From 3,950m at Barranco Camp to 3995m at Karanga Camp

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to  Millennium Camp

Today is the most challenging and rewarding part of the Kilimanjaro trek. The trip starts from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and then descends to Millennium Camp. The ascent typically begins around midnight. You will head northwest and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb to Stella Point is often the most mentally and physically challenging part of the route. The trail is steep, with switchbacks over loose scree and rocks. The air is thin, making breathing difficult. At Stella Point (5757m), take a short rest and enjoy a magnificent sunrise if the weather permits. From Stella Point, you will likely encounter snow during the 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet). You will spend about 10 to 15 minutes at the summit depending on the weather. Don’t linger too long, as starting again in the cold and fatigue can be very difficult. Enjoy your accomplishment—it’s a day to remember forever.

You will begin the descent by retracing your steps back to Stella Point and then down to Barafu Camp. The descent is usually faster but can be tough on the knees and thighs. You will take a rest briefly at Barafu camp to get some food and continue your descent to Millenium Camp. You will arrive at Millennium Camp in the late afternoon or early evening for rest and overnight.

Important Points

• Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you stay hydrated and eat snacks along the way to maintain energy levels.
• Pacing: Take it slow and steady, especially during the summit attempt, to manage your energy and cope with the altitude.
• Weather Conditions: Be prepared for extreme cold during the ascent and varying conditions on the descent.

• Hiking time: 12-15 hours
• Distance: About 13.4 km
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
• Elevation: From 4,640m at Barafu Camp to 5895m at Uhuru Peak, to 3,79m 3,950m at Millenium Camp

DAY 7: Millenium Camp to Mweka Gate

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will start a short 4 to 5-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. Arriving at Mweka Gate marks the official end of your Kilimanjaro climb. Here, you will sign out at the park registry and receive your summit certificate—gold for Uhuru Peak and green for Stella Point. Here, you will have lunch and celebration with your mountain crew before our representative will drop you off at your pre-booked accommodation in Moshi/Arusha or at the airport to catch your flight.

• Hiking time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: About 12 km
• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
• Elevation: From 3950m at Millennium Camp to 1640 at Mweka Gate

Departure