Umbwe Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek

Welcome to your adventure with Williamson Adventures! Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly representative will be there to greet you. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, which is situated at an elevation of 890m/2,920ft.

Once settled in, you’ll meet with your guide for a comprehensive climb briefing. This session will cover the upcoming trek, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. After the briefing, we’ll conduct an equipment check to make sure you have everything needed for a successful and safe climb. Any missing gear can be rented or purchased at our Store.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Moshi, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel, where you can rest and acclimate to the local climate.

• Distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
• Duration: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
• Altitude Gained: 1293m

Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining permits, begin the trek through rainforest scenery and windy trails. The trail follows a ridge between two deep valleys, ascending through dense montane forest to reach Umbwe Cave Camp, perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

• Distance: 4.75 km / 3 mi
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Habitat: Moorland
• Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
• Altitude Gained: 1042m

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast, emerge from the rainforest onto a steep ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. Descend slightly to Barranco Camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.

• Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
• Altitude Gained: 48m

Continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

• Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
• Altitude Gained: 628m

Continue up toward Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from different angles. Rest early in preparation for summit night.

• Distance Up: 4.86 km / 3 mi
• Duration Up: 5-7 hours
• Distance Down: 11.5 km / 7.1 mi
• Duration Down: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
• Elevation Up: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
• Altitude Gained: 1233m
• Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft
• Altitude Lost: 2789m

Start the ascent between midnight and 2 a.m. Continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, and celebrate before descending to Mweka Camp. Rest and overnight at Mweka Camp.

• Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
• Altitude Lost: 1473m

After breakfast and a ceremony of appreciation with your crew, descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. Continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will drive you back to your hotel in Moshi. Enjoy a hot shower, dinner, and this marks the end of Umbwe Route 6 Days – Kilimanjaro Trek