Safari Escort
6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro Trek

6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Umbwe Route

Safari Escort trip

Trip Overview

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro over 6 days on the Umbwe route, following the actual camp sequence toward the summit.

The 6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek Umbwe Route follows the Umbwe Route through Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and Mweka Camp. The day-by-day ascent allows the landscape to change from lower forest to open moorland and high alpine terrain before the summit stage.

The itinerary is built around daily trekking, mountain-camp or hut overnights, and the final summit attempt, followed by the documented descent route to the finishing gate.

A memorable mountain journey is about the full route as much as reaching the summit. Explore the daily walking stages, overnight camps and changes in altitude below, then speak with our team about acclimatisation, packing and the pace best suited to your experience and travel window.

One trail, many landscapes, one step at a time
Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the cloudsMount Kilimanjaro
Trekkers climbing through high-altitude terrain on KilimanjaroHigh-Altitude Trekking
Trekkers on a high mountain trail below KilimanjaroKilimanjaro Trail
Trekkers on the snowy upper slopes of Mount KilimanjaroSummit Landscape
Moments along the route
Trip Highlights

Your Journey Highlights

  • Trekking from Moshi to Umbwe Gate and to Umbwe Cave CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Trekking from Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Trekking from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descending to Mweka CampContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.
  • Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to MoshiContinue along the mountain route at a measured pace, moving through changing terrain and preparing carefully for the next stage.

Your Itinerary

Day 01

Trekking from Moshi to Umbwe Gate and to Umbwe Cave Camp

  • Elevation: 1,000m/3,280ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, a short drive will take you from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, where you'll complete park registration and officially begin your trek. The trail winds through lush rainforest, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna along the way. Dinner will be served amidst the tranquility of the forest, setting the stage for the days ahead.

Accommodation

Umbwe Cave Camp

Your overnight stop is Umbwe Cave Camp. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain camping
Representative mountain-camping photograph; it may not show this exact overnight campsite.
Day 02

Trekking from Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

  • Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,960m/13,000ft
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

As you climb, the scenery changes from lush forest to open moorland, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro's towering peaks. Here, you'll rest and recharge for the adventures to come. The mountain team will set a measured pace that suits the terrain and supports steady acclimatization throughout the day. Regular pauses allow time for water, snacks and changing weather layers while the guide monitors trail conditions and group wellbeing. As the landscape changes, your guide will explain the route ahead and the natural features around you. Reaching the day’s destination is approached calmly, with safety and consistency taking priority over speed.

Accommodation

Barranco Camp

Barranco Camp occupies a dramatic basin beneath Kilimanjaro’s Barranco Wall on the mountain’s southern circuit. Trekkers sleep in expedition tents supported by their guide, cook and porter team, with intentionally simple campsite facilities. The surrounding valley, giant groundsels and close view of the wall make this one of the route’s most distinctive overnight settings. Its lower sleeping elevation after a higher acclimatization walk also supports the climb-high, sleep-low rhythm used on longer routes.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain campsite
Day 03

Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to 4,035m/13,106ft
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Along the way, you'll navigate steep ridges and valleys, with breathtaking vistas unfolding at every turn. The mountain team will set a measured pace that suits the terrain and supports steady acclimatization throughout the day. Regular pauses allow time for water, snacks and changing weather layers while the guide monitors trail conditions and group wellbeing. As the landscape changes, your guide will explain the route ahead and the natural features around you. Reaching the day’s destination is approached calmly, with safety and consistency taking priority over speed.

Accommodation

Karanga Camp

Karanga Camp is a designated Kilimanjaro campsite above the Karanga Valley on the mountain’s southern circuit. Trekkers sleep in expedition tents and rely on their mountain crew for meals, water management and camp organization. The relatively short stage from Barranco allows time to recover after crossing the Barranco Wall and to continue acclimatizing before Barafu. Its purpose in the itinerary is therefore strategic: it breaks the ascent into a safer, better-paced progression toward summit base.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain campsite
Day 04

Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

  • Elevation: 4,035m/13,106ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Despite the challenging terrain, the camaraderie among your fellow trekkers and the promise of reaching new heights keeps you motivated. The mountain team will set a measured pace that suits the terrain and supports steady acclimatization throughout the day. Regular pauses allow time for water, snacks and changing weather layers while the guide monitors trail conditions and group wellbeing. As the landscape changes, your guide will explain the route ahead and the natural features around you. Reaching the day’s destination is approached calmly, with safety and consistency taking priority over speed.

Accommodation

Barafu Camp

Your overnight stop is Barafu Camp. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain camping
Photograph of the named mountain hut or campsite.
Day 05

Trekking from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descending to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft, then down to 3,100m/10,170ft
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the culmination of your journey as you embark on the exhilarating trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Beginning in the darkness of night, you'll navigate steep switchbacks and icy terrain under the guidance of your experienced guides. As the sun rises over the horizon, you'll reach Stella Point before continuing to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you'll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views and a profound sense of accomplishment.

Accommodation

Mweka Camp

Your overnight stop is Mweka Camp. Rest and prepare for the next stage with the support of your trekking crew. The facilities and conditions reflect the mountain route and altitude.

LocationMount KilimanjaroStay styleMountain camping
Photograph of the named mountain hut or campsite.
Day 06

Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

  • Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,650m/5,413ft
  • Activity: Trekking & Transfer
  • Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Your final day on the mountain begins with a leisurely descent through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Mweka Gate. Along the way, you'll savor the sights and sounds of the forest, reflecting on the incredible journey you've undertaken. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you'll bid farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to Moshi.

Plan your safari
Your Tour Package

Included & Excluded

Included

Included in the published itinerary

  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
Not included

Additional costs

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Sleeping bag
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs
  • Travel insurance
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Before you go

Trip Questions,
Simply Answered

Ask our travel team

6 days / 5 nights. The day-by-day itinerary shows where each overnight falls. Check arrival and departure flight times before arranging onward travel, and ask us if you would prefer a slower pace or an extra night.

From $1,890 per person. Ask for a quote for your dates and group size. The final quote depends on travel dates, group size, room choice and any flights or extras. Request a written breakdown of park fees, accommodation, meals, transfers and exclusions before you book.

Steep & Scenic – Challenging start through dense rainforest., Quiet & Remote – Fewer trekkers in the early days., Diverse Landscapes – From jungle to alpine desert. Use the day-by-day route above to see the order of visits. Ask for estimated road or flight times between stops for your chosen dates; that is often more useful than counting destinations alone.

Ask our team for the confirmed accommodation plan. Exact properties and room types depend on availability. Ask us to confirm each stay, its location, meal plan and any proposed alternative in writing before paying a deposit.