Umbwe 6 days hike

Day 0: Arrival

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a representative from Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade will greet you. After a brief introduction, they will transport you to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, you'll have a briefing with the guide, who will ensure you are prepared to start the climb.

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel

Time From JRO to Moshi: 1 hour

Day 1: Hike from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

In the morning, a guide and a mountain support team will meet you at the hotel to get ready for the journey. You will then travel by vehicle to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park: Umbwe Gate (1,800 m). After quickly handling the formalities of obtaining climbing permits and weighing the porters' luggage, you will begin your trek to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 m). The route passes through the rainforest, where tropical showers are likely, so we advise bringing spare clothes and raincoats. Climbing up to 2,850 m involves a long trek with a significant altitude gain, so find a comfortable pace and maintain it. As this section of the Umbwe route goes through the rainforest with a chance of rain showers, remember to bring your raincoat. Your support crew will have the camp and dinner ready by the time you arrive.

Change in Elevation: Umbwe Gate (1,800 m) — Umbwe Camp (2,850 m)

Hiking distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

Hiking duration: 6–7 hours

Day 2: Hike from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Start the day with an early wakeup and breakfast before beginning the trek to Barranco Camp. The rainforest will soon transition to brush, and if the skies are clear, you'll catch your first glimpse of Meru Volcano. The trek on the Umbwe route for this day is of moderate length, and around midday, you'll arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m), situated within a large volcanic fault. Lunch will be served here, and you'll have time to relax before undertaking an acclimatization hike to aid in adapting to the altitude.

Elevation Change: Umbwe Camp (2,850 m) to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking duration: 4–5 hours

Day 3: Hike from Barranco Camp to Karanga

On this day, it is advisable to start a bit later to avoid crowding on the ascent of Barranco Wall. Although the Wall appears intimidating due to its height and steepness, the climb itself is quite manageable, taking only about an hour. The summit offers a fantastic photo opportunity with Kibo Peak as the backdrop at an elevation of 4,200 meters, serving as our acclimatization point. The remainder of the day involves a series of ascents and descents, with your guides selecting the best route for each climber. After a lunch break at Karanga Camp, you can enjoy an afternoon rest before dinner and an overnight stay.

Elevation Change: Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Hiking distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours

Day 4: Hiking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you head to Barafu Base Camp (4,673 m). Once you arrive, you'll receive a hot lunch and have time to rest. It's recommended to sleep for the remainder of the day to relax your muscles and recuperate before the summit attempt. Dinner will be served early to ensure you get adequate rest, as you'll start around midnight. The guide will give you all the necessary information about the summit attempt to ensure you're ready for the hike.

Elevation Change Karanga Camp (4,035 m) to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)

Hiking distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)

Hiking duration: 3–4 hrs.

Day 5: Ascend to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

The adventure kicks at night from Barafu Camp (4,673 m) as you begin the ascent to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Although the climb is technically simple, the high altitude poses the biggest challenge. Each pair of climbers will have a personal guide to monitor their physical and mental condition during the ascent. Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you will spend a few minutes there based on the guide's instructions, after which you will return to Barafu Camp. Following a 1.5-hour rest, you will continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).

Elevation Change: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Hiking distance: 17.2 km (10.7 miles)

Hiking duration: 10 to 14 hours

Day 6: Descending from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

The camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of the height and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate (1,640 m). After your descent the whole crew will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions and gratitude's. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.

Elevation Change: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m)

Hiking distance: 10 km

Hiking duration: 3 to 4.5 hours

Accommodation: Ameg Lodge

Alternative Accommodation: Ardhi Africa or Maridadi Hotel