7 Days Kilimanjaro Hike via Umbwe Route

START: 5,906FT / 1800M END: 9,351FT / 2850M DISTANCE: 7 MILES / 11KM TIME: 5-7 HRS CLIMATE ZONE: AFROMONTANE FOREST Your journey begins with a drive to Kilimanjaro National Park. After permit collection at Machame Gate, you proceed to Umbwe Gate. The initial hike through the forest zone is manageable but becomes steeper later in the day. Arrive at the first camp in the late afternoon, just in time for dinner.

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

START: 9,351FT / 2850M END: 12,796FT / 3900M DISTANCE: 4 MILES / 6KM TIME: 4-6 HRS CLIMATE ZONE: HEATH Day two takes you from the forest zone to the heath zone, featuring steep sections. Take it slow to acclimatize. Enjoy a picnic lunch on route and arrive at Barranco Camp in the afternoon. The camp offers views of the Barranco wall and Western breach, remnants of events from 60,000 years ago.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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

START: 12,796FT / 3900M END: 12,796FT / 3900M DISTANCE: 5 MILES / 8KM TIME: 6-8HRS CLIMATE ZONES: HEATH / ALPINE DESERT This day serves as an acclimatization opportunity. You can opt to hike up the Barranco Valley, going against the flow of other hikers, towards Lava Tower. Afterward, enjoy lunch overlooking Lava Tower at Arrow Glacier Camp before returning to Barranco Camp.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Barranco Campsite

  public camp site

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

START: 12,796FT / 3900M END: 13,108FT / 3995M DISTANCE: 3 MILES / 5KM TIME: 4-5 HRS CLIMATE ZONE: ALPINE DESERT From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels, ascend the Barranco Wall and hike to Karanga Camp. It's a relatively short day's hike with lunch at Karanga camp. Spend the afternoon relaxing and acclimatizing. In the evening, hike on a practice walk to prepare for the summit.

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

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

START: 13,108 / 3,995M END: 15,332FT / 4673M DISTANCE: 2.5 MILES / 4KM TIME: 4-5 HRS CLIMATE ZONE: ALPINE DESERT On this half-day journey, ascend to Barafu Camp. Lunch is taken in camp, providing ample time for relaxation before the summit bid. Barafu Camp presents desolate alpine desert and captivating views of Mawenzi. An early dinner prepares you for the summit night.

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

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

START: 15,332FT / 4673M END: 10,171FT / 3100M DISTANCE: 11 MILES / 18KM TIME: 14-16 HRS CLIMATE ZONES: ALPINE DESERT, ARCTIC, HEATH Hike on the summit bid just before midnight. Patience and persistence lead to Uhuru Peak (19,341ft, 5895m) by dawn. Descend via Stella Point for a relatively short final section. The descent to Mweka Camp can be challenging on the knees, so walking poles are advised. Reach Mweka Camp for your final mountain night.

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

START: 10,171FT / 3100M END: 5,381FT / 1640M DISTANCE: 6 MILES / 10KM TIME: 3-4 HRS CLIMATE ZONE: AFROMONTANE FOREST After breakfast, descend through Afromontane forest. Around midday, bid farewell to your crew and return to your hotel for a well-deserved shower. Later, a Summits Africa Representative visits to congratulate you and address your questions about your onward journey.