Welcome to Origin Ventures and Safaris! You will take on one of Kilimanjaro’s most challenging and direct routes — the Umbwe Route. This 5‑day trek is steep and demanding, offering fewer rest and acclimatization breaks but stunning views and solitude for fit, experienced climbers.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp

After breakfast, drive from your hotel to the park entrance and register at Umbwe Gate. Begin the hike through dense montane rainforest, gradually ascending to Umbwe Cave Camp. This section is steep and narrow. Expect 5–6 hours of walking. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

• Elevation gain: ~1,000–1,200 m (approx. 1,800 → ~2,850 m)
• Distance / Time: 8–11 km / 5–6 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (tents)

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp → Barranco Camp

Depart early, leaving the forest behind and entering heath and moorland zones. The trail traverses ridges and opens up as you approach Barranco Camp, which lies beneath the Barranco Wall. Expect 4–5 hours of trekking. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Elevation gain: ~1,000 m (≈2,850 → 3,850–3,950 m)
• Distance / Time: ~6 km / 4–5 hours
• Habitat: Moorland / heath
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents)

Day 3: Barranco Camp → Barafu Camp (via Karanga)

Today is one of your longest and toughest days. Climb up the famed Barranco Wall (a steep scramble) to reach the Karanga valley for lunch, then continue ascending through alpine desert terrain to Barafu Camp. This sets you up for the summit night. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

• Elevation change: Barranco (~3,950 m) → Karanga (~4,000 m) → Barafu (~4,600–4,700 m)
• Distance / Time: ~8–10 km / 7–9 hours (including lunch and breaks)
• Habitat: Alpine desert / rocky terrain
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)

Day 4: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Summit day starts around midnight. You’ll ascend the scree slopes to Stella Point and then to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After summit time, descend through Barafu then down to Mweka Camp in the forest zone. This is a very long and strenuous day (12–14+ hours). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

• Total ascent / descent: ~1,200–1,300 m up, ~2,500–2,800 m down
• Distance / Time: ~15–17 km / 12–14+ hours
• Habitat: Arctic / alpine → forest
• Meals: Early breakfast, snacks, dinner
• Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)

Day 5: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Hotel

After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll sign out and receive your summit certificate. You will then be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for rest and celebration. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

• Elevation loss: ~1,200–1,500 m (3,100 → ~1,600–1,800 m)
• Distance / Time: ~8–10 km / 3–4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch