If you have chosen airport transfers, Unlocking Tanzania will collect you from Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. It is recommended to arrive at least one day prior to the trek. The day is dedicated to a pre-trek briefing, where guides review your equipment and arrange rentals for any gear needed, ensuring you are fully prepared for the climb ahead.

After breakfast and briefing, the journey begins with a drive of about one hour from Moshi to Umbwe Gate. From here, the hike ascends through lush montane rainforest, offering the chance to spot wildlife along the trail. A packed lunch is enjoyed en route before arriving at Umbwe Cave Camp, situated at 2,850 meters (9,350 ft). This first day covers approximately 11 km (7 mi) in 5–6 hours of trekking, providing a solid introduction to high-altitude hiking.

The hike today ascends steadily out of the forest glades onto open semi-desert moorland. The trail climbs toward Barranco Camp, which sits at 4,000 meters (13,000 ft). This stretch is shorter in distance—about 6 km (4 mi)—and takes approximately 4–5 hours, allowing your body to continue acclimatizing to the increasing altitude.

A full day is spent at Barranco Camp to allow extra acclimatization. This rest day helps your body adjust to high altitudes and improves your chances of a successful summit. The camp sits at 4,050 meters (13,250 ft), surrounded by dramatic alpine desert scenery, providing an ideal spot to relax and take in the environment.

The trek resumes with a climb up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical ridge, leading into Karanga Valley. The trail then connects with the Mweka Trail, reaching Karanga Camp at 4,050 meters (13,250 ft). The hike is approximately 5 km (3 mi) and takes 3–4 hours, providing both a physical challenge and spectacular alpine desert vistas.

From Karanga, climbers ascend to Barafu Camp at 4,700 meters (15,350 ft), completing the Southern Circuit, which offers views of Kilimanjaro’s summit from multiple angles. This stretch covers 4 km (2 mi) in 3–4 hours of trekking. Once at Barafu, climbers rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit attempt early the next morning.

The summit push begins very early, usually between midnight and 2 a.m., as climbers navigate the scree slopes between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The ascent to Stella Point offers breathtaking views of the sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, followed by the final climb to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft). The descent begins immediately, first to Barafu Camp for lunch, and then down the steep trail to Mweka Camp at 3,090 meters (10,150 ft). Trekking poles and gaiters are recommended for the loose gravel and scree. This day is long and demanding, with about 5–7 hours up and 5–6 hours down, covering a total distance of 18 km (11 mi).

The final day involves a descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where climbers receive their summit certificates. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Unlocking Tanzania’s vehicle will then transport you back to your hotel in Moshi, approximately a 30-minute drive, concluding your Umbwe Route adventure.