Kilimanjaro Climbing 7 Days Umbwe Route

After arriving at the Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Later on, your Wild Wonders Expedition guide will come to brief you about the trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear.

Your journey begins at the Umbwe Gate. After completing the park formalities, you will start your trek through a dense rainforest. The path is steep and can be slippery, following a ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers. By the time you reach Umbwe Cave Camp, the Wild Wonders Expedition support crew will have your tents and dinner ready.

Distance covered: 11 km
Approximate time taken: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Today the forest thins out and transforms into heathers and moorland. You will continue up the narrow Umbwe ridge, offering spectacular views of the Kibo peak and the deep valleys on either side. You will reach Barranco Camp in the afternoon. This camp is situated in a valley below the Great Barranco Wall, providing one of the most scenic sunset spots on the mountain.

Distance covered: 6 km
Approximate time taken: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

This is a shorter day dedicated to acclimatization. You will start by scaling the "Great Barranco Wall," which requires some light scrambling but no technical equipment. Once at the top, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the southern glaciers. The trail then moves through a series of valleys to Karanga Camp. Spending the night here helps your body adjust to the altitude before the final push.

Distance covered: 5 km
Approximate time taken: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

After breakfast, you leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.

Distance covered: 4 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you begin the push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. After reaching Stella Point (5756m), you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. One hour later, you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, you descend back to Barafu for lunch and then continue down to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

Distance covered: 15 km
Approximate time taken: 12-15 hours
Habitat: Arctic/Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

On your last day, you continue the descent to Mweka Gate. The trail is through the rainforest and can be quite muddy. At the gate, you will receive your summit certificates. A Wild Wonders Expedition vehicle will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi for a long-awaited hot shower and celebration.

Distance covered: 10 km
Approximate time taken: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meal: Breakfast and lunch included

After a restful night at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. If you wish to extend your stay, Wild Wonders Expedition can organize an affordable safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.