Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by a professional NK Safaris representative. After a meet and greet, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha City, located approximately 50 kilometers from the airport with a driving time of about one hour. Arusha sits between Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro and serves as the ideal base for trek preparation. The day is dedicated to rest, a full trek briefing, and a thorough equipment check to ensure climbers are well prepared for the adventure ahead.

Major activities include airport transfer, trek briefing, equipment inspection, and rest.

Optional extra activities include an Arusha city tour, local market visit, or cultural experience.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

After an early breakfast, depart Arusha and drive approximately 85 kilometers, taking about two hours, to Umbwe Gate on the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. After park registration and meeting the mountain crew, the trek begins through dense rainforest characterized by towering trees, moss covered trunks, and rich wildlife. The trail is steep and narrow, making this one of the most physically demanding days of the trek. The hike to Umbwe Cave Camp, located at approximately 2,850 meters, takes about five to six hours.

Major activities include rainforest trekking, nature observation, and altitude adaptation.

Optional extra activities include short acclimatization walks around camp and wildlife photography.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, continue trekking as the forest begins to thin and dramatic landscapes open up. This section follows a steep ridge with breathtaking views into deep valleys below. The trail eventually descends slightly to reach Barranco Camp, situated at approximately 3,950 meters, where the Umbwe Route joins the Machame Route. Trekking time is around four to five hours, allowing for improved acclimatization and rest in the afternoon.

Major activities include ridge trekking, scenic viewing, and acclimatization.

Optional extra activities include short walks toward Barranco Wall for acclimatization and photography.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, begin the day with the climb up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non technical scramble that offers spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers. After reaching the top, the trail continues through rolling terrain and alpine landscapes before descending slightly to Karanga Camp, located at approximately 4,035 meters. Trekking time is about four to five hours, and the afternoon is reserved for rest and acclimatization.

Major activities include Barranco Wall climb, trekking, and altitude adaptation.

Optional extra activities include acclimatization hikes toward higher ridges and scenic viewpoints.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, continue trekking toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The trail traverses an alpine desert environment with sparse vegetation and expansive views. The hike takes approximately three to four hours, reaching Barafu Camp at 4,673 meters. Upon arrival, climbers rest, hydrate, and prepare for the summit ascent later that night.

Major activities include trekking, rest, hydration, and summit preparation.

Optional extra activities include short acclimatization walks near camp.

Day 6: Summit Day Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp

Summit day begins around midnight, starting the ascent toward Stella Point on steep scree slopes. The climb is physically and mentally demanding, taking approximately six to seven hours to reach the crater rim, followed by a gentle traverse to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters, taking a total of 10 to 12 hours for the day.

Major activities include summit ascent, sunrise viewing, photography, and long descent.

Optional extra activities include extended photography stops if weather permits.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Drive to Arusha

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, a trek of approximately three to four hours. Upon arrival, climbers receive summit certificates before meeting the driver for the transfer back to Arusha City, taking about two hours. The afternoon is free for rest and celebration.

Major activities include final descent, certificate collection, and transfer.

Optional extra activities include spa treatments, souvenir shopping, or celebratory dinner.

Day 8: Leisure Day in Arusha

This day is reserved for relaxation and recovery after the climb. Guests may enjoy leisure time at the hotel or explore Arusha at their own pace. This buffer day also serves as a contingency day for weather or acclimatization needs.

Major activities include rest and leisure.

Optional extra activities include Arusha National Park visit, coffee tour, or cultural excursions.

Day 9: Departure from Arusha

After breakfast, depending on flight schedule, guests will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for onward travel, marking the end of an unforgettable Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route trekking adventure with NK Safaris.

Major activities include airport transfer and departure.

Optional extra activities include last minute shopping or short cultural visits.