7 days Kilimanjaro climb via Umbwe route

Morning:

• After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Umbwe Gate (approx. 2-3 hours drive).
• Your trekking adventure begins with a warm welcome from the team of porters and guides at the gate. You will register with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities before beginning your trek.

Trek:

• Begin your Umbwe Route trek with a steady ascent through lush montane forest. The trail winds through dense vegetation, where you can spot various bird species and wildlife, including monkeys and small mammals.
• The steep climb through the forest will prepare you for the tougher sections ahead.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a packed lunch en route at a scenic stop.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at Umbwe Camp (approximately 5-7 hours of trekking), which is located at an altitude of about 2,850 meters (9,350 feet).
• Enjoy your first night on the mountain, with dinner and rest after the day's challenging hike.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Umbwe Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, depart from Umbwe Camp and continue your ascent through the forest. The trail becomes more rugged as you move out of the forest zone and into alpine meadows.
• The steepness increases as you head toward the Barranco Wall, a famous feature of the Umbwe route.

Lunch:

• A packed lunch will be served along the way, providing much-needed fuel for the climb.

Afternoon:

• Arrive at the Barranco Camp (3,950 meters/12,960 feet), located just below the Barranco Wall.
• The stunning view of the Barranco Wall and the surrounding peaks of Kilimanjaro is breathtaking. You will have the rest of the afternoon to rest and acclimatize to the altitude.

Evening:

• Dinner is served, and you will spend the night at Barranco Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Morning:

• Today is an acclimatization day, allowing you to adjust to the altitude and avoid altitude sickness. After breakfast, you will hike up to Karanga Camp (4,000 meters/13,120 feet), which is a short, moderate trek.
• The hike will involve some steep ascents and descents, which are good for acclimatization. Enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding areas as you hike.

Lunch:

• Lunch at Karanga Camp after arriving.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, descend back to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters/12,960 feet) for an overnight stay.
• This process of climbing high and sleeping low helps your body adjust to the thinning air at higher elevations.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky ascent that requires some scrambling, but it provides an incredible sense of achievement once conquered.
• Once at the top of the Barranco Wall, the terrain becomes less steep, and you’ll traverse across the alpine desert. The scenery is stunning, and you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Lunch:

• Lunch along the way or at a scenic viewpoint.

Afternoon:

• Continue your trek toward Barafu Camp (4,640 meters/15,223 feet). This is one of the highest camps on the mountain and offers views of both Kibo Peak (the summit of Kilimanjaro) and Mawenzi Peak.
• Arrive at Barafu Camp, and enjoy an early dinner.
• Rest and prepare for the summit push, which will begin around midnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp

Midnight:

• Begin your summit trek around midnight, as the trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet) requires an early start to reach the summit at sunrise. The trek is long, strenuous, and cold, so be prepared for the challenges ahead.
• You will ascend through the Saddle, the barren, rocky zone between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, and continue your climb toward Stella Point.

Sunrise:

• After reaching Stella Point (5,730 meters/18,799 feet), you will have the opportunity to witness the sunrise over the crater. From Stella Point, it is about an hour to the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro.

Summit:

• Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, take in the spectacular views and celebrate your achievement. You will have time for photos, and you can enjoy the incredible sense of accomplishment of standing at the "Roof of Africa."

Descent:

• After the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a rest, where you’ll have lunch.
• Continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet) for an overnight stay. This is a long day, but the descent is easier and faster.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp

Morning:

• After breakfast, continue your descent through the beautiful rainforest zone, heading toward Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet).
• The descent is gradual and scenic, and you will pass through lush vegetation and spot various plant species and birds along the way.

Lunch:

• Lunch at Mweka Gate after arriving.
• You will receive your certificates for completing the climb.

Afternoon:

• After lunch, you will be transferred back to Arusha (approx. 1.5-2 hours drive).
• Arrive in Arusha, where you can rest, freshen up, and reflect on your incredible journey.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha (or departure)