7 day Kilimanjaro trekking via Umbwe Route.

After a light breakfast, you shall be transported to Umbwe Gate where the trek begins. On arrival, the permits would be done and porters would rig the gear. The hike will start in the rainforest, where giant trees, thick undergrowth and exotic bird songs will engulf you. You can see colobus monkeys, and hear little animals rustling in the trees. The trail is short and tedious as it hikes quickly up a small forest ridge offering an early clue that the Umbwe Route is difficult. Towards the end of the afternoon you will reach Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 m) where tents will be pitched and a dinner eaten. You will stay under the canopy of the rainforest and sounds of nature will be heard as you sleep.

Time: 5-7 hours

Distance:10km

Elevation gain: 1050m.

The journey of our day leaves the wood and passes into the heath and moorland region. The path is steep and rocky, and the prospect as one climbs the ridges is truly great, deep chasms on one side, and nearly vertical precipices on the other. After crossing giant groundsels and lobelias found nowhere but on Kilimanjaro, vegetation changes significantly. In mid-afternoon, the party will reach Barranco Camp (3,950 ), which is one of the most picturesque camps across the mountain, located under the great Barranco Wall, with great views of the Kibo Peak. Evening and camp will be at Barranco Camp.

Duration: 4-5 hours

Length: approximately 6km

Elevation: 1,100m.

The day begins with the climb of the Barranco Wall, which is a steep rock face and a scramble but does not involve any technical climbing. The views of the Karanga Valley and the southern glaciers of Kilimanjaro are unforgettable indeed, especially seen at the top. It then turns down to the Karanga Valley and gradually ascends to the Karanga Camp (4,035.m). This will be a short yet crucial acclimatization day hence increasing your chances of summit success. Afternoon of rest, hydration, and appreciation of the impressive scenery. Overnight camping will be at Karanga Camp.

Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: 5- km

Elevation gain: 85m.

The trip will be making its way through the dry alpine desert region where there is very little flora but very impressive scenery. The trail (slowly) climbs to the base camp of the summit attempt, Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Meaning ice in Swahili, Barafu is located on a ridge that offers jaw-dropping images of the Mawenzi Peak and the path leading to the peak. She should arrive in the afternoon early to take a rest, eat early dinner and prepare the most challenging part of the trek, the summit night. Pack your equipments up, the climbing will start soon after midnight.

Hiking time: 3-4

Hours distance: 4km

Elevation gain: 605m.

It is the hardest and best day of your walk. You will then start the climb at around midnight, and the skies will be starlit; headlamps will be used to light your way. The path is gradually but continuously ascending through the scree banks and ice fields. By this time, after a few hours, you will reach the rim of the crater (Stella Point 5,739) and just in time to see a spectacular sunrise above Africa. It is then a final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) the peak of the continent and the Roof of Africa. Raise your success flag and gaze at glaciers, horizons without end and a deep feeling of victory. Once done with the photos and a little rest, now start off your climb down to Barafu camp where you will have a short rest and then move on to Mweka camp (3,100 m) and here you will be spending the night.

Time of hiking: 10-14 hours

Distance: around 16km

Elevation gain: 1,255m (up), 2,795m (down).

Your ultimate downward through green trails of rainforest will come after breakfast in Mweka Gate (1,640 m). Here, climbers receive official summit certificates; green for those who made it to Stella point and gold, those who made it to Uhuru peak. Congatulate your achievement with the trekking team and are then taken back to Moshi. Then you can have a hot shower, a celebratory dinner and an overnight stay at your own hotel. The next day you will be taken to the airport to take your international flight or head to a safari extension in Tanzania.

Time of hike: 3-4 hours

10km-ish distance

1,460m loss in elevation.