Umbwe Route via Barafu Camp

Day 1: Umbwe Cave camp (1614 m) – Umbwe Forest camp (2850m)

Six hours ascending from the Machame Gate, move to the Umbwe Gate (1641 m) above the village of Umbwe, with coffee and banana plantation. The air is humid, and the roads are often muddy. The trail first follows a winding forest trail through a natural rainforest. The narrow and steep ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers with large trees will bring you to a forested campsite, with some caves nearby.

The trail offers spectacular views of the deep canyons. The camp is located between large trees and dense undergrowth. Enjoy a hot dinner at Umbwe Cave Camp.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave camp (2850m) – Barranco camp (3985m)

Shortly after leaving the camp, continue steeply through the forest. Soon the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, moss-covered trees, and drier air. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge with a fabulous view of Uhuru Peak. As you gain higher altitude, encounter glimpses of Kilimanjaro, etched against the blue sky. After 6 hours of trekking and scrambling, you approach Barranco camp.

The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, with numerous tiny waterfalls around the camp, fed by streams coming down the Great Barranco Valley.

Day 3: Barranco camp (3985m) – Karanga Camp (4040m)

After spending a night at the wonderful Barranco Wall, trek to Karanga Valley Camp, between Barranco and Barafu Camps.

Climb the steep Barranco Wall and make your way up this impressive obstacle. In the end, it normally turns out to be easier than expected. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, appreciate beautiful Kilimanjaro. Kibo’s glaciers loom on your left and the jagged peaks of Mawenzi protrude into the African sky under 17,000 feet straight ahead.

After 3-4 hours the route heads down through the Karanga Valley over the middle ridges and valleys it joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit and the last water stop on the route, as there is no water available at Barafu camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the amazing Karanga camp.

Day 4: Karanga camp (4040m) – Barafu camp (4681m)

After breakfast at Karanga camp, the trail turns steadily uphill towards Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.”

Barafu Camp is located on a small flat surface with exposed ridges and acts as a base camp that peaks at midnight. The closer you get to the Barafu Camp, the cooler the temperature and the lighter the scenery. It is a very bleak and inhospitable area to spend the night.

The summit further rises 1214 m and begins its last ascent attempt. Prepare your equipment, climbing poles, and thermal clothing for climbing activities. This includes replacing the headlight and camera batteries and making sure you have a replacement kit. To prevent freezing, it is advisable to fill the thermos with water.

The total hike time is 4-5 hours and there is a hot lunch upon arrival at the camp. Eat well and go to bed as soon as possible and try to get enough rest and sleep.

Day 5: Barafu camp (4681m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3090m)

The hot tea with some tea and biscuits will arrive early in the morning on this momentous day. You will hike to Stella Point on the crater rim in a north-westerly direction. The 6-hour hike to Stella Point is the most challenging and demanding part of the journey for many climbers.

You will take a quick break at Stella Point and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise that you will ever witness. On your 2-hour trek to Uhuru Peak from Stella Point, you will almost certainly encounter snow.

The amount of time you spend on the top will be determined by the weather. Stopping here for too long can make it quite difficult to begin going again owing to the cold and exhaustion.

Take pride in your achievement and the day to remember for the rest of your life!

It takes roughly 3 hours to return to Barafu from the peak. Before traveling down to Mweka hut, take a well-deserved but light food and grab the remainder of your belongings.

The trail is not challenging and will take you into the moorland and into and eventually to the forest through a rock and scree path. The camp is located in the upper woodland, so expect mist or rain in the late afternoon.

Day 6: Mweka Camp (3090m) – Mweka Gate (1614m)

After an early breakfast, it is a short 4 to 6-hour picturesque trek back to the Park gate. Some hikers have knee difficulties, which may cause the descent to take longer than expected.

At Mweka Gate, you must sign your name and detailed information in a register. Successful climbers will also get their summit certificates. Green certificates are given to climbers who reach Stella Point (5739m), while gold awards are given to climbers who reach Uhuru Peak (5895m).

You’ll go down into Mweka village from the Mweka Gate, which is usually a muddy 3-kilometer journey. You will be served a great cooked lunch in Mweka village. Return to Moshi in the afternoon for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!

It is extremely advised that you do not tip your porters until you and all of your belongings have safely arrived at the gate.