Umbwe Gate (1614m) – Umbwe Cave camp (2850m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 6 Hours

Distance: Approximately 10.3 km

Habitat: Forest (Montane)

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Machame gate for registration. From there, you’ll be transferred to the Umbwe Gate (1641m), passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is humid, and the path is often muddy. The route starts on a forestry track winding through the natural rainforest, then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, surrounded by huge trees. The path offers spectacular views of deep gorges and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering in the distance. The camp is nestled among large trees and thick undergrowth. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m).

Umbwe Cave camp (2850m) – Barranco camp (3985m) Hiking time: 6 hours

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 6.3 km

Habitat: Moorland

Shortly after leaving the camp, the forest starts to thin and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth, and moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow but spectacular ridge. As you gain altitude, you’ll catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead, etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley.

From the Umbwe ridge, the route descends slightly to Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, offering a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

Barranco camp (3985m) – Karanga Camp (4040m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 6 km

Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert

After a night at the Great Barranco Wall (an imposing sight at first), you’ll make your way up this impressive obstacle, which usually turns out to be easier than anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll appreciate the beauty of Kilimanjaro. The route then descends through the Karanga Valley over ridges and valleys, joining the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. The last water stop is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at Karanga camp.

Karanga camp (4040m) – Barafu camp (4681m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 4 hours

Distance: Approximately 3.4km

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast at Karanga camp, turn left up the ridge and ascend 640m towards Barafu Camp. ‘Barafu’ means ‘ice’ in Swahili, and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area.

Exposed to constant gales, tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge.

Familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid accidents.

The summit is 1214m higher, and you’ll start your final ascent attempt the same night. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles, and thermal clothing. Replace your headlamp and camera batteries, and have spares available. To prevent freezing, carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed early to get some rest.

Summit attempt, Barafu camp (4681m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3090m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp

Distance: Approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You’ll wake up around 23:20, and after some tea and biscuits, you’ll head into the night.

You’ll ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim in a north-westerly direction.

For many climbers, the 6-hour walk to Stella Point is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the route.

At Stella Point (5739m), you’ll take a short rest and be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting).

From Stella Point, you’ll usually encounter snow on the 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

The time spent on the summit depends on the weather conditions.

Don’t stay too long, as it will be difficult to get going again due to the cold and fatigue.

Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life!

The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes about 3 hours.

You’ll have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear before heading down to Mweka hut (3090m).

The route is not difficult and descends through rock and scree into the moorland and eventually into the forest.

The camp is in the upper forest, and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.

Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

Mweka camp (3090m) – Mweka Gate (1641m)

Mount Kilimanjaro - Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours

Habitat: Forest

Distance: Approximately 8.5 km

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it’s a short 4 to 6-hour scenic hike back to the Park gate. Some hikers experience knee problems, which could make the descent longer than planned.

It’s strongly recommended not to tip your porters until you and all your gear have safely reached the gate. Visit the tips page for more info.

At Mweka gate, sign your name and details in a register. Successful climbers receive their summit certificates here. Those who reached Stella Point (5739m) get green certificates, and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

From the Mweka Gate, continue down into Mweka village, usually a muddy 3 km (1-hour) hike. In the village, you’ll be served a delicious hot lunch! After lunch, drive back to Moshi for a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!

• All park entry and camping fees included
• Three hot meals daily on the mountain
• Professional guides, cook, and porter support
• Full board accommodation in Moshi for 2 nights
• Comprehensive government taxes and 18% VAT covered
• Round-trip transfers from Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi
• Transport to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
• Safe drinking water and hot washing water provided
• Quality four-season mountain tents and double-layered sleeping mats
• Emergency first aid kit and rescue fees
• Access to portable oxygen tanks and oximeter

• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Tips for guides, porters and cook