Umbwe Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Travel with Shira representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, hot showers, a swimming pool, Wi-Fi, and friendly service.

In the evening, you will have a detailed climb briefing with your mountain guide. Equipment checks will be completed, and final preparations made for the trek.

Important Notes:

• Hotel check-in from 2:00 PM

• Shared airport transfers included for groups

• Extra transfers available at additional cost

After breakfast, your guide and support team will meet you at the hotel before driving to Umbwe Gate (1,800m). After completing park registration and permits, you will begin trekking through dense rainforest.

This first trekking day is steep and demanding, with a significant altitude gain to Umbwe Camp (2,850m). The trail is often wet and muddy, so rain gear is essential. Upon arrival, the camp will be ready, and dinner will be served by the support crew.

Trekking Time: 5–7 hours
Distance: 11 km

Acclimatization Tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

• Walk slowly and steadily

• Inform your guide of any discomfort or symptoms

After an early breakfast, you will continue trekking as the rainforest transitions into open moorland. Weather permitting, you may enjoy your first views of Mount Meru.

You will reach Barranco Camp (3,900m) around lunchtime. The camp is set in a dramatic volcanic valley beneath the Barranco Wall. The afternoon is spent resting and acclimatizing, which is vital for the days ahead.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6 km

The day starts early with the ascent of the famous Barranco Wall. Though steep, the climb is straightforward and rewarding, offering stunning views of Mount Kibo at the top.

After descending slightly, the trail continues with several ascents and descents to Karanga Camp. After lunch, you will complete a short acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp before returning to Karanga for the night.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 5 km

Following breakfast, you will trek to Barafu Camp (4,673m), the base camp for the summit attempt. The landscape becomes rocky and alpine, and temperatures begin to drop.

After resting at camp, you will take a short acclimatization hike toward Kosovo Camp, then return to Barafu for dinner and rest in preparation for summit night.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 6 km

Around midnight, you will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) under the guidance of experienced summit guides. The climb is slow and steady, focusing on safety and endurance.

After reaching the summit and celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Millennium Camp (3,950m), where oxygen levels are higher and recovery is easier.

Trekking Time: 8–12 hours
Distance: 15 km

After breakfast, you will descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, the official exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. Here, you will receive your summit certificates and say goodbye to your mountain crew.

You will then be transferred back to your hotel for rest and celebration.

Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 12 km

After breakfast, enjoy free time at the hotel before your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey.

Hotel check-out: 11:00 AM
(Late check-out available at an additional cost)