7 Days Most Kilimanjaro Hiking Umbwe Route

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Kilimanjaro International Airport. We'll whisk you away to the charming town of Arusha or Moshi, the renowned gateway to majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Rest and recharge in comfort at a well-appointed Base Hotel in Moshi, where half-board accommodation awaits you. Your adventure awaits!

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Kilimanjaro White House Hotel

  budget 2 star lodge

❮

❯

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Dinner, Drinking water

Elevation: 2940m (9500ft) | Distance: 8km | Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Montana Forest Your second day of adventure leads you into the mystical embrace of the Montana Forest. This enchanting wilderness, adorned with ancient trees, ferns, and mosses, enjoys a constant, life-nourishing rainfall throughout the year. Expect to encounter a vibrant tapestry of wildlife, from elusive bushbuck and duikers to playful monkeys. The air resonates with the melodious symphony of diverse bird species. The journey begins with a gentle ascent for the first three hours, allowing you to acclimate to the surroundings. As you proceed, the trail gradually steepens, offering a thrilling challenge for the last two hours of your hike. Your night's camp awaits in a tranquil clearing along the trail, where the magic of the Montana Forest will be your backdrop. Activities: Hiking

Destination: Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Cave Camp

Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Campsite

  public camp site

❮

❯

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

Elevation: 3860m (12800ft) | Distance: 8km | Hiking time: 6-7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert As you set forth on the third day's journey, bid farewell to the lush embrace of the forest, for you are now entering the realm of the giant heath. The trail, following a ridge, steadily ascends through this unique terrain. Gradually, the ridge sharpens, evolving into a dramatic knife-edge with sheer drops on either side. The heathland diminishes in stature as you ascend, offering breathtaking panoramas of Kilimanjaro's southern flank and the distant silhouette of Mount Meru, which lies some 50 miles away. The wildlife accompanying your hike undergoes a transformation with the shifting vegetation. Listen for the distant calls of jackals and look to the skies, where the majestic lammergeyer soars gracefully overhead. As evening approaches, you'll find yourself at Barranco Camp, perched high above the Barranco Valley.

Destination: Umbwe Cave Camp To Barranco Camp

Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Campsite

  public camp site

❮

❯

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

Elevation: 3860m to 4000m (12700ft to 13800ft) | Distance: 7km | Hiking time: 4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert Today presents a thrilling challenge as you tackle the iconic Barranco Wall, a towering 950-ft barrier of volcanic rock on the eastern side of the valley. While it may seem imposing, fear not, for its ascent is surprisingly manageable, offering an exhilarating start to your day. As you ascend, pause to relish the magnificent vistas that unfold before you, a reward well worth the hike. After conquering the Barranco Wall, your journey continues along the base of Kibo Peak, which looms over your left shoulder, a constant companion on your adventure. Descending into the Karanga Valley, you'll find respite at Karanga Camp for the night. Here, you'll recharge your energy, preparing for the demanding ascent to Barafu Hut, the next chapter in your Kilimanjaro expedition. Activities: Hiking

Destination: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Accommodation: Karanga Campsite

  public camp site

❮

❯

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

Elevation: 4600m (15100ft) | Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: 7km | Habitat: Alpine Desert Leaving the comforts of Karanga Camp behind, your journey presses onward, ascending a moraine ridge at a deliberate and measured pace. This leg of the adventure offers breathtaking vistas of the southern glaciers and the sinuous glacial valleys that gracefully wind their way down the mountain's slopes. As you approach Barafu Camp, the terrain becomes notably steeper, requiring a patient and cautious approach. Like the days preceding, this stage is about taking it slow and steady. By the time the sun reaches its zenith, you'll have reached Barafu Camp, allowing ample time for rest and preparation. In the evening, your guide will provide essential briefings and insights, preparing you mentally and physically for the final and most exhilarating ascent yet. Activities: Hiking

Destination: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Accommodation: Barafu Campsite

  public camp site

❮

❯

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

Elevation: 4600m to 5895m, and down to 3100m (15100ft to 19300ft, and down to 10200ft) | Distance: 7km ascent/23km descent | Hiking time: 6-8 hours ascent/7-8 hours descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit In the heart of the night, under a moonlit sky, your ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit commences, typically between midnight and 2 am. You'll tread a northwestern path, navigating through challenging stone scree amidst the awe-inspiring Redman and Razzle glaciers. The journey to Stella Point on the crater rim is a formidable test, demanding the utmost mental and physical fortitude. At Stella Point (5685m/18652ft), a brief rest is your reward, accompanied by the most breathtaking sunrise imaginable, weather permitting. As you move beyond Stella Point, you may encounter snow during the one-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. This is the zenith of Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent. Swifter hikers may witness the sunrise from this lofty vantage point.

Destination: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Accommodation: Mweka Campsite

  public camp site

❮

❯

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

Elevation: 3100m to 1830m (10200ft to 6000ft) | Distance: 15km | Hiking time: 5 hours | Habitat: Forest Following a hearty breakfast, your descent continues, leading you through the forested beauty of Mweka Camp down to the Mweka Park Gate. Here, you'll receive well-earned summit certificates as a testament to your incredible accomplishment. As you descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become wet and muddy, but this presents a different charm of its own. Gaiters and hiking poles will prove valuable in navigating these conditions. Shedding the layers you needed at higher altitudes, you'll likely find that shorts and t-shirts provide ample comfort, but it's wise to keep your rain gear and warmer clothing close at hand. At Mweka Gate, your memorable journey on Mount Kilimanjaro concludes. Here, our dedicated driver will be waiting to transfer you, marking the end of an extraordinary adventure.