Trip Overview
Embark on an exhilarating and challenging journey with Best Northern Tours & Safaris as you tackle the steep slopes of the Umbwe Route, known as the most challenging path up Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek is designed for experienced climbers seeking a tough but rewarding journey to the highest peak in Africa.
Day by Day
You’ll begin your journey with a drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. Following registration, we set foot into the rainforest. It’s a steep, steady incline up to the Umbwe Cave Camp, where you’ll spend the first night under the African sky. The trekking distance is approximately 11 km, taking 5 to 7 hours.
The second day’s trek leads you through a steep, rocky path to Barranco Camp. The path gradually flattens as you approach Barranco Camp, which offers a stunning panorama of Heim Glacier. The trekking distance is approximately 6 km, taking 4 to 5 hours.
The day begins with the challenge of the Barranco Wall, followed by a descent into the Karanga Valley and finally, a steep climb up to Karanga Camp. The trekking distance is approximately 5 km, taking about 4 to 5 hours.
From Karanga Camp, we trek to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to Barafu Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,673m. It’s a gradual climb and the trekking distance is approximately 4 km, taking about 4 hours.
At midnight, we start the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The walk to the summit is strenuous and will test your determination. After spending a few moments at the summit, we descend to Mweka Camp. The trekking distance is approximately 5 km ascent and 12 km descent, taking 7 to 8 hours to reach the summit and 4 to 6 hours to descend to Mweka Camp.
After breakfast, we descend to Mweka Gate where you’ll receive your summit certificates. From here, it’s a short drive back to Moshi. The trekking distance is approximately 10 km, taking 3 to 4 hours.
End of tour
Activities & Transportation
Activities include trekking through various climatic zones, from rainforest to alpine desert to the arctic zone at the peak. Transportation to and from the trailhead is provided in private vehicles.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodations on the mountain are in tented camps. All camping equipment, excluding sleeping bags, is provided. Meals are prepared by our experienced mountain cooks and include a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, suitable for high-altitude trekking.
While this trek is designed for experienced climbers, the success rate is lower than other routes due to the rapid ascent. Adequate preparation, training, and acclimatization are essential.
Tour Features
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
