6 Days Summit Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Hiking Challenge

Total Distance: 9.6km Hiking Time (approx.): 5-7 hours Start your hike at Umbwe Gate, the closest point from Moshi town. Sign in at the National Park and begin with a steep uphill walk on a 4WD track through the rainforest. Keep an eye out for Black and White Colobus and blue monkeys, and the Kilimanjaro Impatiens flower (found only here). After about 2 hours, the real trail starts, and you'll spend the rest of the day scrambling up over tree roots. Despite the challenges, the beauty of the forest will captivate you. Reach Umbwe Cave Camp for a well-deserved hot dinner and rest.

Destination: Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Cave Camp

Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Total Distance: 4.75km Hiking Time (approx.): 4-6 hours Today's journey leads through one of the most scenic areas on the mountain. Walk along a ridge with steep ravines of Lonzo and Umbwe streams on either side. Experience forest, heathland, and moorland before reaching Barranco Camp on the edge of the alpine desert ecosystem. The ever-changing landscapes are truly awe-inspiring. After lunch, the path becomes rockier, and a short downhill takes you to Barranco Camp, where you'll meet other hikers from different routes (Lemosho, Machame, and Umbwe).

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Distance: 6.6km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Today is a shorter day, allowing you to adjust and take on a little challenge as you start by hiking the 'breakfast rock' from the camp. It offers a fantastic view of Kibo peak and its glaciers, as well as Mt Meru in the other direction. The day involves some ups and downs until you reach the last water point on the Machame route. Afterward, head to Karanga Camp, where you can relax until dinner and overnight.

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Distance: 3.9km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Today's trek will get steadily steeper as you approach Barafu Camp. Along the way, you'll pass volcanic rocks from past volcano explosions and enjoy the scenic landscape. Arrive at Barafu Camp around 1 pm for a hot lunch, rest, and prepare for the summit night. Though it can be hot during the day, the camp lives up to its name, 'ice camp,' when the sun sets.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Total Distance: 10.8km Hiking Time: Summit- Barafu Camp (2-3 hours), Barafu Camp- Mweka Camp (4-5 hours) Descend from Summit to Barafu Camp, where you'll have a short break and breakfast, and a chance to rest. Then continue down to Mweka Camp, passing through desert to moorland terrain Summit Night: Your guide will wake you up around 11 pm (timing may vary). The final ascent to the summit begins at a slower pace to adjust to the high altitude. Reach Stella Point at 5735m, and in about 45 minutes, you'll stand at Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Cherish the memorable sunrise and celebrate with your guide. Reach Mweka Camp around 5 pm for dinner and overnight stay.

Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

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Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking water

Total Distance: 8.5km Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Trek through montane forest, similar to the first day, until you reach Mweka Gate. Sign out and exit Kilimanjaro National Park. Our company transport will pick you up and take you back to our office for certificate presentation before returning to your hotel to rest.