6 Days Umbwe Route

Day 1: Arrival in Moshi

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly Genet Expeditions representative will warmly welcome you. We will then transfer you to your hotel in Moshi, where you can relax and prepare for the upcoming adventure. In the evening, you will have a pre-climb briefing with our experienced team, who will provide you with essential information and answer any questions you may have. Rest well, as an unforgettable journey awaits you.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Umbwe Camp (2,940m)

After an energizing breakfast, we will drive to the Umbwe Gate, the starting point of our expedition. Here, you will complete registration formalities and meet the rest of your climbing team, including our knowledgeable guides and porters. As we begin our trek, we enter the dense and lush rainforest. The trail is steep, offering a challenging but rewarding start to our journey. Amidst the verdant surroundings, we ascend steadily, and after a few hours of trekking, we reach Umbwe Camp, where we will set up camp for the night.

• Elevation gain: 1,140m
• Distance: Approx. 10km
• Overnight camping at Umbwe Camp

Day 3: Umbwe Camp (2,940m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

After a nourishing breakfast, we continue our ascent through the enchanting forest. The trail becomes steeper as we leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone. As we hike, the vegetation thins out, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. We traverse the Umbwe Ridge, with magnificent sights of the Western Breach and the glaciers on Kibo Peak. After a challenging but exhilarating day, we reach Barranco Camp, nestled in the picturesque Great Barranco Valley.

• Elevation gain: 1,020m
• Distance: Approx. 6km
• Overnight camping at Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

Today’s adventure begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall. With the assistance of our experienced guides, we conquer this rocky obstacle, enjoying breathtaking views as our reward. From the top of the wall, we continue our trek through the alpine desert, surrounded by the rugged beauty of Kilimanjaro. Our journey takes us through valleys and across ridges, until we reach Karanga Camp. Here, we rest, recharge, and prepare ourselves for the final push towards the summit.

• Elevation gain: 75m
• Distance: Approx. 5km
• Overnight camping at Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on our trek to Barafu Camp, also known as the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail gradually ascends, taking us through a stark and arid landscape. As we approach Barafu Camp, we are met with unparalleled views of Mawenzi Peak and the vastness of the plains below. This is our final camp before the summit, and we spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the challenging ascent ahead.

• Elevation gain: 605m
• Distance: Approx. 4km
• Overnight camping at Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for – the summit day. We wake up before midnight and begin our ascent under the starry sky, illuminated only by our headlamps. The trail is steep and demanding, but your determination and the support of our experienced guides will keep you going. Step by step, we make our way towards Stella Point (5,756m) on the crater rim. From here, we continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. As the sun rises, the magnificent sight of the glaciers and the vast expanse of the African continent unfold before us. After celebrating our achievement, we begin our descent to Mweka Camp, located at 3,100 meters.

• Elevation gain: 1,255m (to Uhuru Peak)
• Elevation loss: 2,795m (to Mweka Camp)
• Distance: Approx. 18km
• Overnight camping at Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi

On our final day, we descend through the lush rainforest, accompanied by the songs of birds and the whispers of nature. The air is filled with a sense of accomplishment as we make our way towards Mweka Gate. Upon reaching the gate, we complete the necessary formalities and receive our well-deserved certificates of achievement. Our team will be waiting to congratulate you on your successful climb before driving you back to Moshi. Relax, reflect on your incredible journey, and celebrate your remarkable accomplishment.

Day 8: Departure

After a restful night in your hotel in Moshi, take your time to savor a delicious breakfast. Reflect on the incredible journey you have just experienced, the challenges you have overcome, and the memories you have created. Our Genet Expeditions team will arrange for your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport based on your departure schedule. As you bid farewell to Tanzania, carry with you the triumph of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro and the memories of an adventure that will stay with you forever.