6 Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb

Highlights

• Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp - (Elevation gain: 1,600 m/5,249 ft, Distance: 11 km, Hiking time: 5-7 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Heather). Your climb begins with a drive to Umbwe Gate, followed by an ascent through dense rainforest, where you’ll encounter towering fig trees and possibly spot black-and-white colobus monkeys. As the trail steepens near the Umbwe River, the climb becomes more demanding. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys.
• Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp – (Elevation gain: 930 m/3,051 ft, Distance: 6 km, Hiking time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). Today, you leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone, surrounded by rocky terrain and valleys. You’ll pass moss-covered trees known as goatee lichen. The trail becomes steeper along the Umbwe Route Ridge before leveling off near Barranco Valley. After completing the hike, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved rest and dinner.
• Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barranco Wall – (Elevation gain: 120 m/393.7 ft, Elevation loss: 200 m/656.1 ft, Distance: 5 km, Hiking time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Moorland). After breakfast, you’ll hike to the famous Barranco Wall, a highlight of the climb with stunning views of Kibo Volcano and Mount Meru. After reaching the top of the wall, the trail continues with ascents and descents to Karanga Camp. Following lunch, an optional acclimatization hike to Barafu Camp will further prepare your body for higher altitudes.
• Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp – (Elevation gain: 620 m/2,034 ft , Distance: 5 km, Hiking time: 3-4 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Alpine Desert). Today’s trek to Barafu Camp marks the starting point for your summit attempt. After arriving at the camp around midday, you’ll find your tents ready. Enjoy a hot meal and rest for the remainder of the day, conserving energy for the midnight ascent.
• Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Millennium Camp – (Elevation gain: 1,225 m/4,017 ft, Elevation loss: 2,075 m/6,808 ft, Distance: 17 km, Hiking time: 8-14 hours, Difficulty: Difficult , Zone: Arctic). The summit push begins around midnight. Though the path is well-marked, the altitude presents a significant challenge. With a guide-to-climber ratio of 1:2, you’ll be closely monitored. After reaching Gilman’s Point, the final stretch to Uhuru Peak is relatively manageable. Celebrate your achievement with a breathtaking sunrise at Africa’s highest point. Descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest before continuing to Millennium Camp.
• Day 6: Millennium Camp – Mweka Gate - (Elevation loss: 1,450 m/4,757 ft, Distance: 12 km, Hiking time: 4-5 hours, Difficulty: Medium, Zone: Rainforest). On your final day, trek through lush rainforest to the Mweka Gate. Reunite with your group to celebrate your success before your guide transports you back to the hotel, where you can relax and recover.