6 Days Umbwe Route Trekkingscaling the Roof of Africa Kilimanjaro

As the sun peeked over the horizon, our adventure to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro began. Departing from Moshi, we eagerly drove to Umbwe Gate, the starting point of our trek, which took around an hour. Excitement filled the air as we set foot on the trail, surrounded by the lush greenery of the rainforest. With our packed lunches in tow, we ventured deeper into the Montane Forest. The elevation steadily rose as we hiked, from 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft. The distance covered was 11km/7mi, and it took us about 5 to 6 hours to reach the Umbwe Cave Camp. The sights and sounds of the rainforest made the journey truly enchanting, and we knew we were embarking on a remarkable expedition.

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

After a hearty breakfast, we continued our trek, leaving the rainforest behind. The landscape transformed into open moorland as we ascended to Barranco Camp. The elevation now rose from 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft, covering a distance of 6km/4mi. The semi-desert habitat offered a stark yet captivating contrast to the previous day's scenery. It took us around 4 to 5 hours to complete this stage of the hike. The breathtaking views along the way motivated us to keep pushing forward. Our perseverance paid off as we finally reached Barranco Camp, where we enjoyed a nourishing meal before settling in for the night.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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

With the first rays of sunlight touching the camp, we embarked on a thrilling part of the journey. The Barranco Wall awaited us, and we couldn't wait to conquer it. After breakfast, we started our ascent, climbing up to Karanga Valley and the Mweka Trail junction

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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

We took some time to rest and prepare ourselves for the impending summit day. The elevation increased from 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft, covering a distance of 4km/2mi. The hike to Barafu Camp was relatively short, taking us around 3 to 4 hours. The Alpine Desert greeted us once again, and we marveled at the stunning vistas surrounding us. During this crucial period of acclimatization, we savored our meals and shared stories, building a strong sense of camaraderie among the hikers. Our guides provided valuable insights and support, instilling confidence in us for the challenging ascent ahead.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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

The most awaited day had arrived - the summit day. With stars still twinkling in the sky, we set out in the early hours to begin the final ascent. Our destination was Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5895m/19,340ft. As the first light of dawn painted the sky, we were overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and determination. The elevation gain from Barafu Camp to the summit was considerable, but the breathtaking sunrise over the vast landscapes made every step worthwhile. After reaching the summit and relishing the triumphant moment, we descended to Mweka Camp, which was at 3090m/10,150ft. The journey down covered a distance of 13km/8mi, and it took us around 5 to 6 hours. The terrain shifted to stone scree and ice-capped summit, adding a thrilling element to the descent. Despite the fatigue, our spirits soared, knowing that we had achieved something extraordinary

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

On the final day of our epic adventure, we bid farewell to the mountains and began our descent to Mweka Park Gate. The elevation dropped from 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft, and the distance covered was 10km/6mi. The hike took us around 3 to 4 hours, and we found ourselves back in the welcoming embrace of the forest. At the park gate, we received well-deserved summit certificates, a testament to our determination and perseverance. With a sense of achievement, we headed back to Moshi, where a warm hotel awaited us, providing comfort and a chance to reflect on the incredible journey we had just completed.