Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 m to 2,850 m
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a drive to Umbwe Gate, where you’ll register and meet your mountain crew. The trail immediately plunges into dense rainforest, following a narrow, steep path that winds through giant fig trees, mossy rocks, and under thick canopy. This is one of the most challenging starts among all routes—steep, fast, and rugged.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 2,850 m to 3,950 m
• Vegetation Zone: Moorland

You leave the forest behind and ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The path continues steeply along a sharp ridge, offering increasingly dramatic views of the valleys below. Eventually, the trail merges with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, located in a beautiful valley below the imposing Barranco Wall.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 3,950 m to 4,035 m
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

The day begins with a thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep scramble that requires focus but is non-technical. Once at the top, the trail gently ascends and descends across rocky terrain with panoramic views of glaciers and distant plains. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, perfectly positioned for acclimatization.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Elevation Gain: 4,035 m to 4,673 m
• Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, you ascend steadily toward Barafu Camp, the final stop before your summit attempt. The trail crosses a stark alpine desert, with little vegetation but incredible views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. You’ll arrive at Barafu in the early afternoon, rest, and prepare gear for the summit push.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp

• Distance: 5 km ascent + 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
• Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
• Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Moorland

Around midnight, you’ll begin your summit attempt under the stars. The steep, cold ascent to Stella Point is the most demanding section. After reaching the crater rim, continue around to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Barafu for a short rest, then continue the long descent to Mweka Camp through changing landscapes.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi/Arusha

• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Elevation Loss: 3,100 m to 1,640 m
• Vegetation Zone: Rainforest

After a final breakfast on the mountain, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is often wet and slippery, so trekking poles are useful. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your summit certificate and be transferred back to your hotel for a warm shower and celebration.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch