Our driver will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport for pick up and transferred to your hotel either Parkview Inn or Weruweru River lodge in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at your arranged Hotel
Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Elevation Gain:1,050 meters, 3,445 feet
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the
next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate
while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s
destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be
slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest
will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and
cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through
open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite
on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the
sun rises later than at the other camps.
Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
Distance: 7 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the
Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to
aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but
steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
Distance: 6 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as
well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four,
hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert
with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after
finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp
(3,100m/10,170ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next
six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is
very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult.
The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour.
Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to
Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.At
Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go
before reaching Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
Hiking time: 4 hours
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery
following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
FOR EVERY DETAIL ABOUT THESE ITINERARIES OR FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM ONE, PLEASE CONTACT US THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE. WE WILL MAKE A TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY THAT CAN INCLUDE NOT ONLY THE SAFARI BUT ALSO TRANSFERS, ACCOMMODATION IN TOWN BEFORE/AFTER TOURS, INTERNAL FLIGHTS, EXTENSION TO ZANZIBAR, ETC.
The Lemosho Route is a newer route on Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches from the west. It is a difficult and long route, but one that is favored by most reputable Kilimanjaro outfitters due to its smaller crowds, scenic variety and high success rates.
This is a region of incredible natural beauty with a great range of landscape and terrain. Furthermore, all the game viewing areas offer a selection of excellent accommodation options - a winning combination!