Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Overview

Day 1: Moshi – Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Moshi and driven to the Umbwe gate. At the gate, the porters will organize and pack the belongings for the hike while you are registering with the Tanzania National Park. You will then begin your ascent into the small winding path which leads us up through rainforest and along the Umbwe river. About halfway up the trail, you will have a lunch break and you will reach the Umbwe Camp in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chefs who move very fast up the mountain will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served followed by overnight.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp

After breakfast we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started. Diner and overnight at Barranco Camp.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 3: Barranco Camp [ Acclimitizing ]

Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization. Spend the day walking around and enjoying the scenary. All meals & overnight at the camp.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

This is a short hiking day meant for acclimatization. After early morning breakfast, it is now time to conquer the Great Barranco Wall! Although it may look intimating at first glance, hikers state that this Class 2 hike is usually much easier than they anticipated. At the top of the Wall, you will have a view of Heim Glacier and will be above the clouds. The trail then winds up and down in the Karanga Valley. You will spend the night at Karanga Camp (3950m) and enjoy dinner and washing at the site.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast, you will begin your ascent. The trail intersects with the Mweka Route, which is the trail used to descend on the final two days. As you continue hiking for an hour, you will reach Barafu Hut. This is the last water stop for the porters because there is no accessible water at Barafu Camp (4550m). The word “barafu” in Swahili means “ice” and this camp is located on a rocky, exposed ridge. Tents will be exposed to wind and rocks so it is important for hikers to familiarize themselves with the campsite before dark. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Your guide will wake you up around 00:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route.

At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.

Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well-earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear. The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast, Lunch & Diner ]

Day 7: Mweka Camp – Moshi

Following a well-deserved breakfast, the staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. After celebrating, you will descend for three hours back to Mweka Gate.The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Stella Point (5685m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, hikers will descend into the Mweka village for 1 hour (3 kilometers). You will be served a hot lunch then you will drive back to Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.

Meal Plan: [ Breakfast & Lunch ]