Embark on an unforgettable 6-day adventure with our private climb of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route. Tailor your journey to fit your preferred travel dates and personal preferences. Our expert guides will lead you every step of the way to Africa’s highest peak, ensuring a memorable and successful ascent. Let us help you reach the summit of this iconic mountain!

DAY 1: UMBWE GATE (1,800M/5,905FT) TO CAVE BIVOUAC CAMP (2,850M/9,350FT)

At 8 AM, depart from Moshi for Umbwe Gate, where you'll meet our team of porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you on your journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Upon arrival at the gate, we'll handle the registration process and make final preparations for the trek.

Your first day’s hike will take you to Cave Bivouac Camp, located approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail begins with a steep ascent and may be slippery in some sections. You’ll traverse through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest, where moss-covered trees gradually give way to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers as you climb.

Our porters and cooks will advance ahead to set up camp, ensuring everything is ready for your arrival.

- **Elevation Gain:** 1,050 meters / 3,445 feet

- **Hiking Time:** 4 to 6 hours

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 2: CAVE BIVOUAC (2,850M/9,350FT) TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,950M/12,960FT)

Today's trek begins by following the ridge as you leave the forest behind and enter open moorlands. The trail leads you to Barranco Camp, which is renowned for its stunning scenery. Surrounded by towering giant senecios and lobelias, Barranco Camp is considered one of the most picturesque campsites on the Umbwe Route. Due to its location in a valley, sunrise at Barranco Camp is later compared to other camps.

- **Total Elevation Gain:** 1,100 meters / 3,610 feet

- **Hiking Time:** 5 to 7 hours

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP (3,950M/12,960FT) TO KARANGA VALLEY (4,200M/13,780FT)

After breakfast, depart Barranco Camp for Karanga Valley. The day starts with a challenging 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall, which is the most strenuous part of the day. You may need to use your hands to help with the climb in some sections. Once you reach the top, the terrain becomes relatively flat as you hike across the plateau before descending steeply into the lush Karanga River Valley.

- **Elevation Gain:** 250 meters / 820 feet

- **Distance:** 7 kilometers / 4.3 miles

- **Hiking Time:** 3 to 5 hours

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 4: KARANGA VALLEY (4,200M/13,780FT) TO BARAFU CAMP (4,600M/15,100FT)

After breakfast, set out on the hike to Barafu Camp. Along the way, you'll pass several impressive glaciers on Kibo, including the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. You’ll also cross the junction where the descent route (Mweka) connects with the Machame Trail.

As you trek through the alpine desert, where vegetation is sparse, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Arrive at Barafu Camp and prepare for an early night, as you'll need to wake before midnight for the summit climb.

- **Elevation Gain:** 400 meters / 1,320 feet

- **Hiking Time:** 3 to 5 hours

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP (4,600M/15,100FT) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895M/19,340FT) & DESCENT TO MWEKA CAMP (3,100M/10,170FT)

Around midnight, start your final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Guided by your headlamp, you’ll climb for approximately six hours. The initial section of the trail is extremely steep, making this the most challenging part of the trek. After reaching the crater rim at Stella Point, the path to Uhuru Peak becomes a gradual climb, though the high altitude can make it long and exhausting. Expect to spend about an hour hiking along the crater rim to the summit.

At Uhuru Peak, take time to capture memorable photos with your guide and group. Then, begin your descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down, enjoy spectacular views of the mountain, the crater, clouds, and glaciers.

After breakfast at Barafu Camp, take a short rest before continuing the descent. The journey to Mweka Camp will take approximately three to five hours, with another four hours required to reach your final destination.

- **Elevation Gain:** 1,295 meters / 4,240 feet

- **Elevation Loss:** 2,795 meters / 9,170 feet

- **Hiking Time:**

- 6 hours to Stella Point

- 1 hour from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak

- 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu Camp

- 4 hours to Mweka Camp

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP (3,100M/10,170FT) TO MWEKA GATE (1,500M/4,920FT)

After breakfast, conclude your trek with a descent through the lush forest to Mweka Gate. Be prepared for potentially slippery conditions if it has rained. Upon reaching the lower station of Mweka Gate, our vehicles will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi.

- **Elevation Loss:** 1,600 meters / 5,250 feet

- **Hiking Time:** 4 hours

- **Meals Included:** Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner