• Distance: 11 km
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

Your journey starts at the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll register and begin the steep climb through the dense rainforest. This is one of the steepest ascents on Kilimanjaro, with narrow ridges and thick vegetation surrounding the trail. The day ends at Umbwe Cave Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.

• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

After leaving the rainforest behind, the path ascends steeply through the heath and moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kibo peak and the surrounding landscape. The trail continues upward until reaching Barranco Camp, where you’ll join the Machame Route and camp below the Barranco Wall, with spectacular views of the Southern Icefields.

• Distance: 5 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The day starts with a challenging scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires basic scrambling skills but offers breathtaking views. After the wall, the trail leads through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

• Distance: 4 km
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

The trek continues through the alpine desert, with a gradual ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The path is rocky and barren, offering incredible views of the summit and Mawenzi Peak. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, allowing time for rest before the early morning summit push. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

• Distance: 17 km (5 km ascent, 12 km descent)
• Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
• Habitat: Arctic zone at the summit, then alpine desert to rainforest

Your summit attempt begins around midnight. You’ll hike through the night, reaching Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the African continent. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, and then continue down to Mweka Camp for your overnight stay.

• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

The final day of your trek descends through the lush rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

• This day is reserved for rest and travel, depending on your schedule. You can explore Moshi or depart for your next destination.