6-Days of Trekking Umbwe Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you'll be greeted by a representative from Machokodo Tanzania Tours and transferred to your hotel. The hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including superb rooms, friendly staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. Later in the evening, our managers will hold a briefing to ensure you're well-prepared for the climb.

For private tour packages, shared airport transfers are included for your group, but extra charges may apply for individual transfers. To avoid additional costs, it's recommended to coordinate your group's arrival and departure times.

Your guide and mountain support team will arrive at your hotel in the morning. They will conduct introductions and a final equipment check before driving you to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. This gate marks the beginning of your trek, situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters (5,904 feet) above sea level. Here, the chief guide will handle permits and registration for search and rescue services.

The first day of your trek is dedicated to reaching Umbwe Camp, where you will spend your first night camping. Climbing up to 2,850 meters (9,348 feet) involves a considerable altitude gain, so it's important to find a suitable pace for the entire group and maintain it. Since this section of the Umbwe route passes through the rainforest, there's a high chance of encountering rain showers, so remember to bring your raincoat! Your support team will have the camp set up and dinner prepared by the time you arrive.

Please note: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it's important to follow these instructions:

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
•  Drink at least 4 liters of bottled water daily, in small, frequent intervals
• Consider using high-altitude aid medicine to alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Our managers will provide more details along with your itinerary, but we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand regarding any allergies or health concerns.

At night, you may experience discomfort due to acclimatization to the high altitude. Reduced oxygen intake during sleep may lead to symptoms such as headaches. Pay attention to your body and inform your guide of any signs of altitude sickness.

Trekking Time: 5–7 hours

Distance: 11 km

This day starts early with a hearty breakfast before your group tackles the ascent of Barranco Wall. We advise leaving camp early to avoid congestion along the route, which could slow your progress. Climbing the gorge wall is relatively straightforward and usually takes about an hour. Once you've conquered the climb, take a break and snap some photos with Kibo volcano in the background.

Following that, you'll embark on a more challenging hike to Karanga Camp, featuring numerous uphill and downhill sections. But fear not, our experienced guides will set a suitable pace for the group. Upon reaching the camp, you'll enjoy a warm lunch. Later in the day, you'll undertake an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, ascending 200 meters before descending back to Karanga Camp.

Please keep in mind: The acclimatization hike is a gentle trek with a slight increase in altitude designed to aid in acclimatization. It's essential to take these hikes seriously, as they enhance your chances of summiting Kilimanjaro successfully and protect you from altitude sickness.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 5 km

In the morning, following breakfast, your trek to Barafu Summit Camp (4,673 m /15,327 f) will commence, marking the starting point for the night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Our team will have already set up the camp for you upon arrival, complete with tents and sleeping bags, allowing you to unwind immediately. After taking some time to recuperate, an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m /15,974 f) will be undertaken before returning to Barafu Camp, where a hot dinner awaits. It's advisable to dedicate the remainder of the day to rest and sleep in preparation for the night's summit.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 6 km

The group leaves Barafu Camp at around midnight. This night you will climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m /19,336 f). Although the trek itself is not difficult, the high altitude means that even regular physical activity feels strenuous. For the final summit, we pair every two climbers with a personal guide whose responsibility it is to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you may choose to walk to one of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. The group will then return to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest before the descent to the Millennium Camp at 3,950 m /12,956 f.

Please note that while descent brings relief from high altitude, it is also where most accidents and injuries (as much as 90%) happen. It is easy to avoid falling and possibly breaking a limb, as well as damaging your toenails, if you just watch your step.

Trekking time: 8-12 hours

Distance: 15 km

Millennium Camp is located within a lush tropical rainforest. As you wake up, you'll sense relief from the decreased altitude and the gratification of summiting. Following a hearty breakfast, you'll make your way towards the park's exit at Mweka Gate. Upon completing your descent, the entire group will gather to celebrate your achievement, inviting you to share your thoughts on the climb in the guestbook. Finally, we'll present you with commemorative certificates at our office before arranging your transfer back to the hotel.

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 12 km

Relax at the hotel and then later transfer to the airport.

Please note: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. If you have an evening flight and require a late check-out, you can extend your stay at the hotel for an additional fee.