Umbwe route

Duration

Destinations

Umbwe Gate | Umbwe Cave Camp | Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp | Barafu Camp | Uhuru Peak | Mweka Camp | Mweka Gate

About this Tour

An adrenaline-fueled trekking adventure designed for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this route offers a challenging yet rewarding journey to Africa’s highest peak. The highlights of this trek include breathtaking rainforest trails, dramatic ridges, the iconic Barranco Wall, and a summit bid to Uhuru Peak, with stunning panoramic views of glaciers and the African plains.

Full Itinerary

Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport (JRO)

Arrive in Kilimanjaro International Airport and be met by one of our safari representatives. Transfer to your booked hotel in Arusha, where relaxation and rejuvenation await. Our representative will ensure a swift check-in at the hotel, allowing you to unwind. With its unique ambiance, Arusha embraces you with the promise of lifetime adventures ahead.

Meals: D / B / L

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation: 5,450 ft to 9,350 ft  | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest 
Depart from Moshi and drive to Umbwe Gate for registration. The trail ascends steeply through dense rainforest, home to various wildlife, including black and white colobus monkeys. Arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: B / L / D

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,350 ft to 13,000 ft | Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles | Habitat: Heath / Moorland 
Leave the rainforest behind as you climb through the moorland zone. The trail follows a ridge before descending into the stunning Barranco Valley. Enjoy views of the giant senecios and the towering Barranco Wall as you settle in for the night at Barranco Camp.
Meals:
B / L / D

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,000 ft to 13,250 ft | Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert 
Start with a steep climb up the iconic Barranco Wall, which requires some scrambling. After conquering the wall, the trail descends slightly before continuing to Karanga Camp. Rest and enjoy the panoramic views of Kilimanjaro.

Meals: B / L / D

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,250 ft to 15,350 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles | Habitat: Alpine Desert 
A gradual climb leads to Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit attempt. Take time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak. The summit is now within reach!

Meals: B / L / D

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak:

Elevation: 15,350 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 7-9 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp:

Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,150 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 13 km | 8 miles | Habitat: Moorland 

Begin the final ascent around midnight, climbing steep scree to Stella Point. From here, push onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Enjoy the spectacular sunrise and take photos before descending to Barafu for a short rest and lunch. Continue descending to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.

Meals: B / L / D

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,150 ft to 5,500 ft | Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest 
Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for well-deserved celebrations and rest.

Meals: B / L

What we have

The Best & Professional Guides

The Best Custom-Made Trekking Experience

Make Your Trekking a Lifetime Experience

Related this Tour

Included

  • Guides and Crew
  • Meals
  • Transport from and to the hotel
  • Bottled mineral water while on safari
  • Transfers to/from airport upon arrival/departure
  • Group Equipment
  • Climbing Permits

Excluded

  • International Flights
  • Visa Fees and Entry Requirements
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Gear
  • Gratuities and Tips
  • Optional Activities