Umbwe Route 5-Day Kilimanjaro Climb

Day 2 is a critical day as you ascend further into the heart of Kilimanjaro. From Umbwe Cave Camp, you'll embark on a 6–7-hour trek, passing through varied landscapes as you make your way to Barranco Camp. Along the route, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding valleys. The terrain is tough, but the changing scenery keeps the trek interesting. The highlight of the day is climbing the famous Barranco Wall, a steep, rocky section that requires careful navigation but offers a thrilling challenge. Once at Barranco Camp, located at 3,950 meters, you’ll have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy a hot meal. The evening provides a perfect opportunity to soak in the view of Kibo Peak as you prepare for another day of climbing.

This day involves a long and challenging trek, as you ascend from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp. After breakfast, you’ll begin by navigating the rocky, steep Barranco Wall, which offers a fantastic sense of achievement once you reach the top. From there, the hike continues with several ups and downs across the rugged landscape, providing expansive views of valleys and ridges below. The 6-kilometer journey will take around 3-4 hours, with a gradual rise in altitude as you approach Karanga Camp. Along the way, you'll witness the striking contrasts of the alpine desert and the lush landscapes surrounding you. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, you’ll have a hearty lunch and continue to Barafu Camp for a rest before a nutritious dinner will be served early in the evening, and you will try to get as much rest as possible before the challenging climb to Uhuru Peak that awaits.

Today is the most challenging day of the climb. You will wake up in the middle of the night, enjoy a light snack or tea, and begin your summit attempt toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This section of the climb is difficult and involves a steep, strenuous ascent, with freezing temperatures, high winds, and low oxygen levels. But don’t let this discourage you—the goal is within reach! You’ll pass Stella Point at 5,756 meters and then continue the final push to Uhuru Peak, reaching the summit after several hours. The sunrise from the summit is an awe-inspiring reward for your efforts. Once at the top, you’ll take photos to commemorate your success before descending to Barafu Camp for rest and lunch. Afterwards, you’ll begin your descent to Mweka Camp.

The final day of your climb takes you from Mweka Camp, located at 3,100 meters, to the Mweka Gate, approximately 10 kilometers away. The descent will take around 2-3 hours through the rainforests, providing a refreshing contrast to the barren alpine zone you’ve just crossed. As you approach the gate, you'll reflect on your incredible journey. Once you reach the gate, you’ll sign out and receive your hard-earned summit certificate. Afterward, your guide will take you to a nearby location for a celebratory lunch with the climbing team. This is a perfect moment to bask in the satisfaction of completing one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your life. After lunch, you'll return to your hotel for a well-deserved shower and rest, and prepare for your onward travel.