Number of Days:
6 Days | 5 Nights
Area to Visit:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Number Of Pax
2 - 100 Pax
Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most challenging Kilimanjaro trek, ideal for experienced climbers seeking a shorter, more demanding route. It begins on the lush southern slopes and quickly ascends into montane forest, transitioning into alpine desert. With fewer trekkers and dramatic scenery, Umbwe offers a raw and rewarding experience. The route demands strong fitness, endurance, and determination but provides a high success rate when combined with proper acclimatisation and guidance. Climbers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas, unique landscapes, and the unforgettable achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) in just six days.
Tour inclusions
- Services of a professional tour guide
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- All the activities in the itinerary
- Fuel
- Drinking water while on the safari
- Full board accommodation
Tour exclusions
- Tips
- Optional activities not detailed in the itinerary
- Visas or air tickets
- International flights
- Laundry services
- Items of personal nature
- Beverages and drinks
Book this tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Your adventure begins at Umbwe Gate (1,120m) with registration and a briefing from your guides. The trail immediately climbs steeply through dense rainforest, with waterfalls, streams, and abundant wildlife, including monkeys and colorful birds. The hike lasts 4–6 hours, gaining significant elevation. Upon arrival at Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m), enjoy a warm meal and settle into your tent. The evening provides a chance to relax, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the challenging days ahead. The camp is surrounded by beautiful forested slopes and offers the first glimpse of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks above the canopy.
Day 2 – Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, continue the steep ascent for 5–7 hours, gradually leaving the rainforest behind and entering moorland and heath zones. The landscape becomes more open, with giant lobelias and unique alpine plants. Hikers gain valuable altitude while traversing ridges and valleys, offering spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak. Lunch is served on the trail, and the final approach to Barranco Camp (3,960m) provides stunning vistas of the Barranco Wall. Once at camp, take time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Guides prepare you for the exciting scramble up the Barranco Wall the following morning.
Day 3 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today starts with the famous Barranco Wall, a thrilling but manageable rock scramble that rewards climbers with breathtaking panoramic views. The trail then meanders through valleys and ridges, passing giant senecios and stark volcanic rock formations. The hike lasts 4–5 hours, gradually gaining elevation while allowing for acclimatisation. Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,035m), a serene spot with expansive mountain vistas. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and enjoying a hearty meal prepared by the mountain team. Guides provide detailed advice for the next day’s ascent toward Barafu Camp, ensuring climbers are mentally and physically ready for summit night.
Day 4 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Leave Karanga and trek 3–4 hours to Barafu Camp (4,640m), the high camp for your summit attempt. The trail ascends through barren, rocky alpine terrain with dramatic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon arrival, prepare gear for the midnight climb. Hydrate and eat a light meal while the guides brief you on summit strategy. The afternoon is spent resting in tents, conserving energy for the physically demanding summit push. Sleep early to allow your body to adjust and recover. This camp is the final stop before the arduous night ascent to Africa’s highest point.
Day 5 – Summit Day (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp)
Summit night begins around midnight under the stars. Climbers make a slow, steady ascent to Stella Point (5,739m) along the crater rim, witnessing a stunning sunrise. Continue the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the roof of Africa, for photos and celebration. After the summit, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for rest and breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100m). The trail passes through alpine desert and moorland, allowing climbers to reflect on the journey. Dinner at Mweka Camp is a well-earned reward after a challenging and exhilarating day.
Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Enjoy a final breakfast on the mountain before descending 3–4 hours through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m). The trail is shaded and filled with streams, waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, sign out and receive your summit certificate, commemorating your achievement. A driver transfers you to your hotel for a hot shower and celebratory meal. This final day marks the completion of the 6-Day Umbwe Route, a physically demanding but highly rewarding Kilimanjaro climb, offering dramatic scenery, fewer trekkers, and a strong sense of personal accomplishment.
7‑Day Rongai Route
Number of Days:
7 Days | 6 Nights
Area to Visit:
Mount Kilimanjaro
Number Of Pax
2 - 100 Pax
Tour Overview
The 7‑Day Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the drier, less‑traveled northern side near the Kenyan border. Favoured for reliable weather, gentle gradients, and light foot traffic, Rongai offers a quieter wilderness feel with excellent views toward Amboseli and the plains of Kenya. The itinerary includes a valuable acclimatisation day and positions you for a summit attempt via Kibo, typically cresting at Gilman’s Point before traversing to Uhuru Peak. Comfortable camps, professional guiding, and a calm pace make Rongai ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, conservative elevation gains, and strong summit prospects without the crowds common on southern approaches.
Why Choose the Rongai Route?
Driest approach with reliable conditions and fewer crowds
Gentle gradients and steady acclimatisation profile
Panoramic views over Kenya’s plains and Amboseli
Unique wilderness feel on northern slopes
High success rate with seven carefully staged days
Tour inclusions
- Services of a professional tour guide
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- All the activities in the itinerary
- Fuel
- Drinking water while on the safari
- Full board accommodation
Tour exclusions
- Tips
- Optional activities not detailed in the itinerary
- Visas or air tickets
- International flights
- Laundry services
- Items of personal nature
- Beverages and drinks
Book this tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp
Begin your trek at Nalemoru Gate, walking through farmland and lush pine forest. Enjoy sightings of local wildlife such as colobus monkeys. The trail is gentle, providing a great warm-up for the days ahead. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Simba Camp, located near the edge of the moorland zone. Here, enjoy your first evening under the stars with your team while your guides brief you about the journey ahead. Dinner and overnight camping offer a comfortable rest to prepare you for the gradual climb to higher altitudes in the coming days.
Day 2 – Simba Camp to Second Cave Camp
Today’s trek is a steady ascent through open moorland with stunning views of Kibo and the surrounding plains. The trail offers clear skies and diverse flora, making it perfect for photography. With a moderate pace, you’ll adjust to the altitude while enjoying the serene environment. Lunch is served on the trail before reaching Second Cave Camp. Once at camp, take time to relax and explore the surroundings or join your guide for a short acclimatisation hike. After dinner, rest and prepare for a slightly more challenging climb tomorrow as you move higher up the mountain.
Day 3 – Second Cave Camp to Kikelewa Camp
Your journey continues with a gradual climb across the moorland. As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation transitions to alpine zones. The day’s trek rewards you with panoramic views of the rugged landscape and Mawenzi Peak looming ahead. Lunch is served en route before arriving at Kikelewa Camp. This camp is quieter and provides breathtaking views of the wilderness. Spend your afternoon exploring the area or resting for tomorrow’s climb. Evening brings a warm meal and a briefing from your guides to ensure you are well-prepared for the next stage of the trek.
Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
This day features a shorter but steeper hike as you head toward Mawenzi Tarn Camp. The trail ascends sharply, testing your endurance while offering dramatic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Reaching Mawenzi Tarn, you’ll find the camp nestled in a beautiful valley beneath Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is perfect for rest or short acclimatisation hikes, essential for preparing your body for higher altitudes. Dinner is served in camp, followed by an evening of relaxation as you admire the star-filled sky above. This serene spot provides a calm environment to recharge for the days ahead.
Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Acclimatisation Day)
Today is dedicated to acclimatisation, crucial for increasing your chances of summit success. A gentle hike to a higher elevation allows your body to adapt to the thinner air while enjoying stunning vistas of the rugged Mawenzi peaks and vast plains below. Return to camp for a hearty lunch and spend the rest of the day resting, hydrating, and preparing your gear for the summit push. The quiet and calm of Mawenzi Tarn make it a memorable stop on your journey. After dinner, enjoy a detailed briefing from your guides on the next stages of the climb.
Day 6 – Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut
Leave Mawenzi Tarn and trek across the lunar-like Saddle, a barren expanse between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The terrain here is stark and dramatic, with little vegetation but endless views of the mountain slopes and summit. The steady ascent leads you to Kibo Hut, your final base before the summit attempt. Spend the afternoon resting, hydrating, and eating a light meal in preparation for the long night ahead. Early to bed is crucial as your summit bid will begin around midnight. This day is all about mental and physical preparation for reaching Africa’s highest point.
Day 7 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, then Mweka Camp
Summit day begins in the early hours, under a sky filled with stars. The steep ascent to Gilman’s Point is challenging but rewarding as dawn breaks. Continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, where breathtaking sunrise views await. Celebrate your achievement with photos and quiet reflection before descending to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch. After regaining energy, continue down to Mweka Camp, where the air is warmer and thicker. Enjoy a hearty dinner and well-earned rest after this unforgettable accomplishment on Mount Kilimanjaro.