Your trek begins at the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary registration procedures. The trail starts in the lush rainforest, and right from the start, it is steep and demanding. You’ll hike through dense vegetation and ascend rapidly, gaining elevation quickly. After approximately 4-6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Umbwe Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

On the second day, you’ll continue ascending through the moorland zone. The trail becomes even steeper and more challenging as you approach the Barranco Valley. You’ll pass through stunning landscapes, including the Barranco Wall, a notable highlight of the route. The trek usually takes around 5-7 hours, and you’ll camp at Barranco Camp for the night.

Leaving Barranco Camp, you’ll tackle the Barranco Wall, a steep climb that requires some scrambling. After conquering the wall, the trail continues along ridges and valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. After approximately 4-5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night. This campsite serves as an excellent acclimatization point before the final push to the summit.

From Karanga Camp, the trail continues through the alpine desert terrain, becoming steeper and more challenging. You’ll ascend to Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt. The trek usually takes around 3-4 hours, and at Barafu Camp, you’ll have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit push.

Your summit day begins in the early hours of the morning, typically around midnight. You’ll start the challenging ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. The terrain is steep, rocky, and demanding, requiring perseverance and determination. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you can enjoy the breathtaking views and take memorable photos. Afterward, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you’ll spend the night.

On the final day of the trek, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates, marking your successful climb to the “Roof of Africa.” From there, you’ll transfer back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and celebration.