Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp (1,800m to 3,000m)

• The trek begins at the Umbwe Gate, where climbers are checked in by park authorities. The first day is relatively short, but the steep incline gives a hint of the difficulty to come. The hike through the rainforest is lush and filled with wildlife and birdlife, creating an enchanting atmosphere. By the time you reach Umbwe Camp, you will have already gained significant altitude, marking the start of the challenging journey ahead.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp (3,000m to 3,950m)

• On this day, the trail becomes more strenuous as you climb out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The ascent becomes steeper, and hikers will face rocky paths and narrow ridgelines. The trek to Barranco Camp is tough, but the camp offers stunning views of the Barranco Wall, a huge rock face that climbers will scale the following day.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,950m to 4,035m)

• The third day is marked by a challenging climb up the Barranco Wall, a nearly vertical rock formation. While it requires some scrambling, it is not technical and is more about careful movement. Once at the top, trekkers enter the Karanga Valley, where the terrain levels off a bit, making it easier to continue to Karanga Camp.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,035m to 4,673m)

• This day involves a steady climb through alpine deserts, with the trail becoming rockier and less vegetated. As you make your way toward Barafu Camp, the climate becomes colder and more arid. Barafu Camp is where climbers typically spend the night before their final push to the summit. The camp sits at a high altitude, and trekkers need to rest and prepare for the summit attempt, which often takes place around midnight.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (4,673m to 5,895m)

• The final ascent to the summit begins in the early hours of the morning. This is a long and grueling day, as trekkers face a steep and relentless climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit can be physically and mentally exhausting, especially at higher altitudes where oxygen levels are lower. However, standing at 5,895 meters and witnessing the breathtaking views from the top makes all the effort worthwhile.

Day 6: Descent to Mweka Gate (3,100m to 1,640m)

• After reaching the summit, the descent begins. It’s easier on the body but still requires caution. Most climbers descend via the Mweka Route, which is less steep and offers a gentler, more scenic way down. The descent can be long and tiring, but it is the final leg of an unforgettable journey.