6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route

This 6-day Umbwe route is the ultimate challenge for Kilimanjaro climbers, featuring steep ascents and rugged terrain. Adventurers choosing this path seek an intense, less-traveled experience leading to the majestic summit. With breathtaking, untouched landscapes, adequate preparation and acclimatization are paramount for success. Expert guides and porters are essential for a safe and fulfilling Kilimanjaro ascent via the 6-day Umbwe route.

Day-by-day itinerary for the 6-day Kilimanjaro hiking on the Umbwe route

The best 6 days Umbwe route, with a detailed day-by-day itinerary: Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp, 11 km; Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp, 6 km; Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp; Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barranco Camp; Day 5: Barafu Camp to summit down to Mweka Camp; and Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, 10 km.

Day 0: Arrive in Tanzania

After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be picked up by our tour guide at the hotel in Moshi town. You will meet with our professional and skilled mountain guides for a briefing of the whole hiking safari and all necessary equipment for summiting to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe route. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

After waking up, you will have breakfast early in the morning. Mountain guides will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Umbwe Gate, where you will finish up your registration and issue the permit for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with all necessary summit gear. You will start ascending to Umbwe camp via dense forest on a steeper slope and mud path. There you can get lunch, dinner, and rest overnight.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

After waking up, you will have breakfast early in the morning, then you will start ascending with tour guides into the heath zone, where you will experience quickly changing vegetation, rocky outcrops, and giant heathers. Then you will continue climbing to Barranco Valley, where there is a narrow ridge. Barranco Valley offers a great view of Kibo Peak and Moshi Town. You will take lunch, dinner, and rest overnight.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3,900 m to 3995 m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Traverse through scenic valleys and ridges, enjoying spectacular views of the southern ice fields. Reach Karanga Camp, situated amidst stunning alpine desert landscapes. Take in the awe-inspiring surroundings and prepare for the next day's ascent.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3995 m to 4,673 m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Early in the morning, after breakfast, you will continue hiking and leave Karanga Camp via scree with a wide view and attractive dry landscape to Barafu Camp. Barafu Point provides views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak. At Barafu Camp, you will eat dinner and rest while preparing your body with all the necessary equipment for the summit.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Distance: 6 km up and 13 km down
Elevation: 4700m to 5895 m and down to 3090 m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

The day of triumph arrives as you embark on the final ascent to the summit. Leave Barafu Camp in the midnight hours and make your way towards Uhuru Peak. Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the African landscape and savor the surreal feeling of standing atop the "Roof of Africa." Descend to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest

After an early breakfast, you will continue descending to Mweka Gate, where you can receive your summiting certificate. Then you will be derived with a travel agency by vehicles from Mweka Gate to the best hotel in Moshi Town for celebrating your win to reach the top of the roof of Africa, enjoying meals, resting, and staying overnight. The next day you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport to return to your home country.

This 6-day Umbwe route package include the following

• Park fees
• Camp fees
• Rescue fees
• Transportation to & from the mountain gate
• Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain

This package not include the following

• Both National and International flights
• Medical insurance
• Tips to mountain crew
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry Services
• A doctor for the group