Your 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route adventure begins with a pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi. Here, you’ll meet your expert guide for a detailed trek briefing and gear check to ensure you have all the necessary equipment. Any missing gear can be rented at this time.

At 8:00 AM, you’ll depart Moshi for Umbwe Gate, where you’ll meet our dedicated team of porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa. After completing the registration process, you’ll begin your ascent towards Cave Bivouac Camp (Umbwe Cave Campsite). The initial trail is steep and can be slippery, winding through the dense, moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. As you ascend, the forest gradually thins, revealing landscapes of towering heathers, wildflowers, and tall grasses.

Meanwhile, our porters and cooks will move ahead to set up camp, ensuring a warm welcome upon your arrival. Rest, enjoy a nourishing meal, and prepare for the adventure ahead!

The trail continues along a scenic ridge before transitioning from dense forest to open moorlands. As you ascend, you’ll make your way to Barranco Camp, one of the most breathtaking campsites along the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route. Nestled in a valley, Barranco Camp is surrounded by towering giant Senecio and lobelias, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape. Due to its location, the sunrise arrives later here than at other camps, offering a serene and peaceful morning before the next stage of your climb.

This campsite sits at the transition between Kilimanjaro’s lush moorland and the rugged alpine desert, offering stunning views just a short distance from the valley.

Extra Day for Acclimatization: To enhance your chances of a successful summit on the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route, consider adding an extra day here. This will improve acclimatization, reduce fatigue, and increase your overall comfort during the ascent.

After breakfast, depart Barranco Camp and begin your journey toward Karanga Valley on the 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route. The day starts with a challenging 1.5-hour ascent up the Barranco Wall, the most demanding section of the day. In some areas, you may need to use your hands to assist your climb.

Once at the top, the trail evens out, allowing for a more relaxed trek across relatively flat terrain. A short yet steep descent then leads you into the lush Karanga River Valley, where you’ll set up camp and rest before continuing your ascent.

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places, you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.

At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

In the morning after breakfast, you will be trekking down to Mweka gate. The trek is a pleasant one through the lower rain-forested slopes and down to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Although you cover 9km / 5.5 miles, the trek only takes 3-4 hours. Assuming you successfully reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak you will be presented with official certificates – a green certificate for the former and a gold certificate for the latter. It is customary to tip your trekking crew before being transported back to your hotel in Moshi.

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).