7 Days Ascend to Mt Kilimanjaro Hiking via Umbwe Route

Our journey begins at Umbwe Gate, the starting point for our Kilimanjaro adventure. We traverse picturesque villages, passing coffee and banana plantations. The trail leads us on a steep ascent through the rainforest, along a narrow path between two rivers. Our destination, Umbwe Camp, is nestled amidst trees and undergrowth, providing a serene experience. Elevation: Starts at 5,249 feet, hikes to 9,514 feet. Distance: 11 kilometers. Hiking Time: Challenging 5-7 hours. Habitat: Transitions to heath. Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner. Accommodation: Camping at Umbwe Camp. Room Plan: Double occupancy tents.

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

Day two brings a shift in terrain, as we encounter rockier paths with sparse undergrowth and moss-covered trees. As we continue to gain elevation, tantalizing glimpses of the mighty Kilimanjaro come into view. The path levels out as we approach Barranco Valley, offering a respite from the earlier ascent. Along the way, we venture through the unique and captivating Senecio Forest. Elevation: We start at 9,514 feet and ascend to 13,044 feet. Distance: The day's journey covers a distance of 6 kilometers. Hiking Time: Plan for 4-5 hours of hiking. Habitat: The habitat remains heath. Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided to refuel our bodies. Accommodation: We camp at Barranco Camp for the night. Room Plan: Just like the previous night, double occupancy tents are provided for accommodation.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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

Today is an extra day dedicated to acclimatization. Taking this day to acclimatize is a wise choice as it eases the physical toll and enhances your adjustment to the high altitude. Meal Plan: Enjoy your meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at Barranco Camp. Accommodation: Continue to stay in the comfort of Barranco Camp. Room Plan: Double occupancy tents ensure that two people share each tent for this additional day.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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

Our journey on day four begins by descending into a ravine, leading us to the base of the imposing Great Barranco Wall. We then undertake a steep but non-technical hike of nearly 900 feet to reach the top of the Barranco Wall. After conquering this challenge, we traverse a series of hills and valleys until we make a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. Another steep hike follows, leading us to Karanga Camp. Elevation: Start at 13,044 feet and reach 13,106 feet. Distance: Cover a distance of 5 kilometers today. Hiking Time: Expect 4-5 hours of hiking. Habitat: The habitat transforms into an alpine desert. Meal Plan: All your meals are provided, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Accommodation: Spend the night camping at Karanga Camp. Room Plan: As before, double occupancy tents provide a comfortable night's rest.

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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

Leaving Karanga Camp, we follow the trail that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue our ascent, eventually reaching the rocky section that leads to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have successfully completed the Southern Circuit, providing us with breathtaking views of the summit from various angles. We set up camp at Barafu, rest, and enjoy an early dinner, preparing ourselves both mentally and physically for the upcoming summit day. From this vantage point, we can marvel at the majestic peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Elevation: Start at 13,106 feet and reach 15,331 feet. Distance: Cover a distance of 4 kilometers. Hiking Time: Plan for 4-5 hours of hiking. Habitat: We continue through the alpine desert. Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served. Accommodation: Camp at Barafu Camp. Room Plan: Double occupancy tents ensure a comfortable stay for two people in each tent.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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

On the sixth day, we embark on the challenging ascent to the summit, starting around midnight. Enduring extreme winds and cold at high elevation, we ascend in darkness, briefly stopping near Stella Point at 18,900 feet to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak at 19,341 feet, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Afterward, we descend to Mweka campsite, with a lunch break at Barafu Camp. The rocky trail can be tough on the knees, so hiking poles help. Mweka Camp, in the upper forest, may have mist or rain in the late afternoon. We enjoy our final dinner before resting. Descend from 19,341 feet to 10,065 feet, covering 12 kilometers in 4-6 hours. The habitat transitions back to the rainforest. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and accommodation is in double occupancy tents at Mweka Camp.

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, we continue our descent, eventually reaching Mweka Gate where we collect our well-earned summit certificates. The lower elevations may present wet and muddy.