Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Umbwe - From Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp, the elevation ranges from 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft. The distance covered is 11 km (7 miles) and the hike takes approximately 5-7 hours. The habitat is primarily heath. The day starts with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate for registration. Following this, the journey continues through villages and coffee and banana plantations to reach Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends steeply along a forestry track winding through dense rainforest. As the path narrows and steepens, it climbs the ridge between two rivers, surrounded by towering trees. Umbwe Camp is nestled among trees and thick undergrowth.

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - From Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp, the elevation changes from 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft. The distance is 6 km (4 miles) with a hiking time of 4-5 hours. The habitat remains heath. On the second day, the trek traverses rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and moss-covered trees. As elevation increases, glimpses of Kilimanjaro become visible. The path levels out as it approaches Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends into Barranco Camp through the unique and beautiful Senecio Forest.

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - From Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, the elevation ranges from 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft. The distance is 5 km (3 miles) and the hike takes 4-5 hours. The habitat is an alpine desert. The day begins with a descent into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, followed by a climb up the steep, yet non-technical, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, the trail crosses a series of hills and valleys before descending sharply into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb leads to Karanga Camp, marking a shorter day.

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - From Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the elevation changes from 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft. The distance is 4 km (2 miles) with a hiking time of 4-5 hours. The habitat is an alpine desert. Departing from Karanga, the trail reaches the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail, continuing up to the rocky Barafu Hut. At this point, the Southern Circuit is completed, offering views of the summit from various angles. Here, the camp is set up, allowing for rest and an early dinner in preparation for the summit day. The peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this location.

Barafu Camp to Summit; Then Descend to Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - From Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, the elevation ranges from 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft. The distance is 5 km (3 miles) with a hiking time of 7-8 hours. The habitat is arctic. From Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp, the elevation changes from 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft. The distance is 12 km (7 miles) with a hiking time of 4-6 hours. The habitat is rainforest. The summit push begins very early in the morning (around midnight), marking the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time can be intense. The ascent is made in darkness, with frequent short breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak is visible. Finally, Uhuru Peak is reached, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. The descent continues directly to Mweka Hut campsite, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees; trekking poles are beneficial. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest, where mist or rain is common in the late afternoon. The evening concludes with a final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved rest.

Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

Moshi - From Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, the elevation ranges from 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft. The distance is 10 km (6 miles) with a hiking time of 3-4 hours. The habitat is rainforest. On the final day, the descent continues to Mweka Gate, where summit certificates are collected. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. From the gate, the journey continues for another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting at Mweka Village to transport everyone back to the hotel in Moshi.

• Private transportation
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• Mountain Sleeping Tents & Mattress
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Hot water for wash
• All Fees and Taxes
• Fair Guides, Cook & Porters’ Salaries

• Visas, Flights & Insurances
• Personal Trekking Gears
• Items of personal Nature
• Gratuities
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages

The Umbwe route is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. Because of the high risks involved with sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, all our Umbwe route hikes are re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request, we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Crater camp. Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplement rate will apply.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.