Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain: 1,650 meters (5,413 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 5-7 hours

Itinerary Overview: The adventure begins with a drive from Moshi or Arusha to Umbwe Gate (1,600 meters/5,249 feet). After completing the registration formalities and meeting your guides and porters, the trek starts with a steep climb through dense rainforest. The path is narrow and winding, with lush vegetation and the sounds of birds and other wildlife filling the air. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch along the trail before reaching Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters/9,350 feet) by late afternoon. The camp is set in a clearing in the forest, and after setting up camp, dinner is served, followed by a restful night under the stars.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 1,150 meters (3,773 feet)
Habitat: Moorland
Duration: 4-6 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, the trek resumes with a steep climb, leaving the rainforest and entering the moorland zone. The path becomes rockier and less vegetated as you ascend. You’ll pass through a valley with stunning views of Kibo and the surrounding landscape. A packed lunch will be enjoyed en route. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950 meters/12,960 feet), set in a scenic valley with the imposing Barranco Wall in the background. After setting up camp, dinner is served, and you’ll have a night of rest to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
Altitude Gain: 260 meters (853 feet)
Altitude Loss: 150 meters (492 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 4-5 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a challenging but rewarding climb that requires some scrambling. The climb offers spectacular views of the Heim Glacier and the surrounding landscape. Once at the top, the trail undulates through the alpine desert, offering a mix of rocky paths and barren terrain. You’ll enjoy a packed lunch along the way before descending to Karanga Camp (4,035 meters/13,235 feet). This camp provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and stunning views of the southern glaciers. Dinner and rest follow at Karanga Camp.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude Gain: 605 meters (1,985 feet)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll embark on a shorter but steep hike to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters/15,223 feet). The landscape becomes increasingly stark and windswept, with only hardy plants surviving in this harsh environment. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp by early afternoon, allowing plenty of time to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit attempt. A hot lunch is served at camp, followed by an early dinner and rest. You’ll be briefed on the final ascent, which begins around midnight.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance to Uhuru Peak: 5 km (3 miles)
Distance to Mweka Camp: 12 km (7 miles)
Altitude Gain to Uhuru Peak: 1,255 meters (4,117 feet)
Altitude Loss to Mweka Camp: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Duration: 12-16 hours

Itinerary Overview: The summit attempt begins around midnight. The trail to Stella Point is steep and involves navigating through scree and rocky terrain. Upon reaching Stella Point (5,739 meters/18,828 feet) at sunrise, you’ll take a short rest before the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters/19,341 feet), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit and taking photos, you’ll begin the descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and brunch. The descent continues to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters/10,170 feet) through the moorland and rainforest zones. Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
Altitude Loss: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
Habitat: Rainforest
Duration: 3-4 hours

Itinerary Overview: After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters/5,380 feet). This final leg of the trek is relatively easy and offers a chance to enjoy the lush surroundings. At Mweka Gate, you’ll complete registration and receive your summit certificates. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebration.

Additional Tips for a Successful Trek

1. Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial. Follow the itinerary and take the optional acclimatization hikes seriously.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with acclimatization.
3. Pace Yourself: Walk slowly and steadily. “Pole pole” (slowly, slowly) is the mantra for Kilimanjaro.
4. Proper Gear: Ensure you have the right gear, including warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a suitable sleeping bag.
5. Nutrition: Eat well and often. Your body needs fuel to manage the physical exertion and altitude.
6. Mental Preparation: The summit night is physically and mentally challenging. Stay positive and focused on your goal.