A Rewarding Physical Feat
If you’re ready for an intense physical challenge in an unforgettable setting, choose the Umbwe Route. It’s the best of the short Kilimanjaro routes, offering a hike through Arusha National Park before the climb, an intense nighttime summit bid, and a rock scramble up the Barranco Wall. This one’s best suited to those with multi-day trekking or high-altitude experience.


Elevation and Trek Hours

Review Your Itinerary
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Arrival DayArrive into Tanzania
A staff member will greet you at the airport and escort you to your lodge, nestled in the hills outside Arusha.
Overnight:
Rivertrees Country Inn
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Acclimatization DayArusha National Park
Spend a full day exploring Arusha National Park on scenic acclimatization hikes. You’ll have a chance to spot unique wildlife.
Overnight:
Rivertrees Country Inn
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Trek Day 1Begin Trek to Umbwe Cave Camp
After lunch at the trailhead, you’ll begin your climb. Hike steep trails through lush rainforest on your way to your first mountain camp.
Overnight:
Umbwe Cave Camp (9,350′)
Hours trekking:
6–7
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Trek Day 2Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
Trek past waterfalls and giant groundsel trees into the Great Barranco Valley. On clear nights, you may be able to glimpse Uhuru Peak from your camp.
Overnight:
Barranco Camp (12,795′)
Hours trekking:
6–7
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Trek Day 3Barranco to Karanga Camp
A steep rock scramble up the Barranco Wall brings you to the rolling ridges of Karanga Valley. Kilimanjaro’s famous glaciers loom in the distance.
Overnight:
Karanga Camp (13,107′)
Hours trekking:
4–5
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Trek Day 4Karanga to Barafu Camp
Hike at a steady incline over barren, rocky landscapes reminiscent of the surface of the moon.
Overnight:
Barafu Camp (15,331′)
Hours trekking:
2–3
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Trek Day 5Barafu to Summit | Millennium Camp
Wake before midnight to begin your challenging summit bid. Stop on the way to watch the sun rise over Mawenzi. Take time to celebrate your achievement and capture some memorable summit photos before descending to tonight’s camp.
Overnight:
Millennium Camp (12,959′)
Hours trekking:
8–10 ascent to summit | 4–7 descent to camp
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Trek Day 6 | DepartureMweka Gate | Return Home
Hike back through dense rainforest to Mweka Gate where you’ll enjoy a farewell lunch with your group. Enjoy a hot shower and rest in a day room in Arusha before your evening flight home.
Overnight:
Planet Lodge
Hours trekking:
4–6


photo: Carey Wagner
Add-On
Personal Porter
Strong, friendly, encouraging, and kind, personal porters can lighten your load as you trek to Uhuru Peak. Dedicated solely to your trekking needs, your personal porter carries your daypack all the way up and down the mountain. That’s 10–20 pounds off your back, which adds up over the course of a weeklong trek at altitude. Once you’ve booked your trek, ask us about working with a personal porter.