6 Days Umbwe Route – Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Price

On Request

Best time

All year round

Trip Overview

The 6-Day Umbwe Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most challenging and scenic ascents ideal for seasoned climbers seeking solitude and adventure. Guided by Sandhill Adventures, this route takes you through dense rainforests, along dramatic ridges, and across alpine deserts to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Every stage of this journey combines striking natural beauty, expert guidance, and the rewarding sense of achievement that comes from conquering Kilimanjaro.

Trip Gallery

endless memory to capture

Destinations

Moshi, Umbwe Gate, Umbwe Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Millennium Camp, Mweka Gate

What to expect

challenging climbs, rapid altitude gain, excellent acclimatization, and striking transitions between rainforest, moorland, and high alpine landscapes

Day by day description

Day 0: Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Sandhill Adventures team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for check-in. Take the rest of the day to relax, meet your guides for a detailed briefing, and prepare for the climb ahead.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Altitude: 1,600 m to 2,900 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, drive to Umbwe Gate, complete the registration, and begin your trek through the lush rainforest. The trail is steep but scenic, winding through dense vegetation and along ridges that offer glimpses of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. Arrive at Umbwe Camp, surrounded by towering trees and the soothing sounds of the forest.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Altitude: 2,900 m to 3,976 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Depart after breakfast, ascending steadily through thinning forest and open moorland. As you approach Barranco Camp, enjoy magnificent views of Kibo and the towering Barranco Wall, which dominates the landscape. The camp’s setting beneath the wall offers one of the most photogenic spots on Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Altitude: 3,976 m to 3,995 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start the day with an exhilarating climb up the Barranco Wall, a memorable ascent offering dramatic panoramas across the mountain and plains below. Continue over ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest and acclimatize amid the high-alpine scenery.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Altitude: 3,995 m to 4,673 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Continue your ascent through an increasingly barren alpine landscape as you make your way to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit push. From this vantage point, enjoy views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Spend the evening resting, hydrating, and preparing mentally for your summit climb.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, Then Descend to Millennium Camp

Altitude: 4,673 m to 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 4–6 hours down
Habitat: Arctic Summit & Moorland

Summit day begins around midnight. Follow a steep trail toward Stella Point, crossing icy slopes under a starlit sky. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll stand on the Roof of Africa, witnessing an unforgettable sunrise. After taking photos and celebrating your achievement, descend to Millennium Camp for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Altitude: 3,820 m to 1,640 m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Descend through vibrant rainforest teeming with birdlife and tropical vegetation to reach Mweka Gate. Receive your official summit certificate and celebrate your successful climb with your team before returning to Moshi for relaxation or onward travel.