Overview

This Join a Group Mount is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this Join a Group Mount with us

First, every Join a Group Mount we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Take on the ultimate adventure with our 5-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Umbwe Route. This route is one of the steepest, most challenging and least crowded ways to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The peak is also the highest point in Africa. Because of this, we designed it for experienced hikers and physically fit climbers. On the way up, you pass dense rainforest, dramatic ridges, alpine desert and glaciers. Then you reach the summit of Africa's Highest Mountain.

The Umbwe Route is also famous for its spectacular scenery and remote wilderness. Unlike the more popular trails, it attracts fewer climbers, so you enjoy a peaceful trek surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. However, the ascent is steeper and the acclimatization period shorter than on other routes. In return, it rewards adventurous trekkers with incredible views and a true wilderness experience.

Route and support on the mountain

During your climb, you first join the Machame Route near Barranco Camp. Then you continue through Karanga Camp and Barafu Camp. Finally, you reach Uhuru Peak before you descend via the Mweka Route. Throughout the expedition, our professional mountain guides, experienced cooks and dedicated porters support you. They also provide delicious meals, quality camping equipment and daily health monitoring.

At Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, your safety, comfort and summit success are our highest priorities. So we combine local expertise, quality service and personal attention to create an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.

Itinerary

Day 01 :

Arusha / Moshi – Umbwe Gate – Barranco Camp

Your adventure begins with a pickup from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Then you drive to Umbwe Gate (1,800 m) for registration. Next, you start trekking through the lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, steep forest trails lead past giant trees, colorful birds, ferns and unique wildlife.

At first, the Umbwe Route climbs rapidly through dense forest. Later, it opens onto dramatic ridges with breathtaking views of valleys and towering cliffs. Finally, you continue to Barranco Camp (3,960 m) below the famous Barranco Wall. It is one of the most scenic camps on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 7–9 Hours

Distance: 11 km

Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 02 :

Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you tackle the famous Barranco Wall. This exciting climb is non-technical, yet it rewards you with magnificent views of glaciers, volcanic valleys and Kibo Peak. Next, you continue through the alpine desert to Karanga Camp for a short rest and lunch.

Afterwards, you climb on to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), your summit base camp. During the afternoon, you prepare your equipment while your mountain guides give a detailed summit briefing. Then enjoy an early dinner and rest before the midnight climb.

Hiking Time: 7–8 Hours

Distance: 9 km

Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 03 :

Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Around midnight, you begin your summit ascent beneath a spectacular African sky full of stars. First, you climb steadily toward Stella Point (5,739 m). Then you reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on the African continent.

Here you celebrate your incredible achievement while the sun rises above the clouds. After you capture some unforgettable photographs, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Later, you continue to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your overnight stay.

So this is the most demanding and rewarding day of the entire expedition.

Hiking Time: 12–15 Hours

Distance: 17 km

Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 04 :

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi (Recovery Day)

After breakfast, you descend through the beautiful rainforest to Mweka Gate. Along the way, you also enjoy your final views of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Once at the gate, you receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate. Then you celebrate your successful climb with your mountain team.

Afterwards, we transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. There, a well-deserved hot shower, comfortable accommodation and time to relax await you after your incredible adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Optional upgrade available)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 05 :

Departure – Airport Transfer

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Then we transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport (ARK) or your hotel in Arusha. If your schedule allows, you may also choose optional activities before departure. For example, you can add a Materuni Waterfalls Tour, Chemka Hot Springs or a Coffee Plantation Tour. A Wildlife Safari is also possible.

Finally, you leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

Meals: Breakfast