Kilimanjaro & treks
Arusha, Umbwe Gate, Umbwe Caves, Barranco, Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier, Western Breach, Crater Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka
your journey
This is an expedition-style climb for fit, experienced trekkers. It starts on the steep Umbwe route through the southern forest, then climbs slowly past Barranco and Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier, below the great western cliffs of Kibo.
From Arrow Glacier you climb the Western Breach, a steep and demanding ascent, into the Kibo crater and spend a night at Crater Camp at about 5,750 m, one of the highest camps in Africa. Before dawn the next day you climb the final section to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend all the way to Mweka Camp.
The Western Breach depends on weather, terrain, ice and each climber's condition. Your guides assess the conditions before and during the ascent and will change the route if it is not safe. You camp throughout, with our crew handling tents, cooking and equipment.
Experienced, well-prepared high-altitude trekkers looking for something beyond a standard Kilimanjaro climb. This is not a route for beginners: it combines a steep approach, sections of the Western Breach that need care on rock, and a night at about 5,750 m.
Parks visited
Mount Kilimanjaro
what makes it special
day by day
After breakfast we drive you from Arusha to Kilimanjaro National Park. Once registration and the park formalities are complete, you continue to Umbwe Gate and start walking. The trail climbs through dense Afromontane forest and becomes steeper as you gain height, so keep a slow, even rhythm. You reach camp at Umbwe Caves in the late afternoon for dinner and the night. From 1,800 m to 2,850 m, about 11 km, 5–7 hours.
You climb out of the forest into the heath and moorland zone. The trail stays steep in places, so keep a slow and steady pace while your guide watches how you are coping with the altitude. As the vegetation thins, the views open up across the mountain landscape. You reach Barranco Camp in the afternoon with time to rest before dinner. From 2,850 m to 3,900 m, about 6 km, 4–6 hours.
A short walk on paper, but not an easy one. You climb into the alpine desert towards Lava Tower, and the rising altitude makes every step count. After reaching Lava Tower you have lunch and spend the afternoon resting at camp while your guides check how you are acclimatising and look at the conditions ahead. Drink plenty, eat well and sleep as much as you can. From 3,900 m to 4,600 m, about 3 km, 4–5 hours.
Another short day at high altitude. You walk up to Arrow Glacier camp at the foot of the Western Breach, surrounded by tall cliffs and raw volcanic landscape. The slow pace and the extra hours spent this high are deliberate: they prepare your body for tomorrow's climb. Use the afternoon to rest, keep drinking and get your gear ready, and listen closely to your guide's briefing. From 4,600 m to 4,903 m, about 1 km, 1–2 hours.
Today you climb the Western Breach into the Kibo summit area. The route is steep and demanding, and progress depends on the weather, the terrain and how each climber feels. Your guides assess conditions before and during the climb, and if things are not right the plan changes for safety. In the crater you settle into camp and rest; if you feel well, you may explore part of the crater. From 4,903 m to about 5,750 m, about 3 km, 6–8 hours.
Before dawn you leave the crater for the final climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa. After time at the summit you begin the long descent, passing down through Kilimanjaro's ecological zones from arctic ground to alpine desert, heath and finally rainforest, where Mweka Camp waits for the night. Take the descent steadily and use your poles. From about 5,750 m to about 3,100 m, about 13 km, 7–9 hours.
After breakfast you descend through the Afromontane forest to Mweka Gate, where the air is warm and thick after the crater. Your guide completes the park formalities, you say goodbye to the crew, and our vehicle drives you back to Arusha, where your climb ends. It is a good day to look back up at the mountain and see how far you have come. From 3,100 m to about 1,640 m, about 10 km, 3–4 hours.
the price
Price on request
before you ask
Kilimanjaro needs no ropes or technical climbing skills, but it is a serious high-altitude trek. You walk for several hours a day on uneven ground, nights are cold, and summit night starts around midnight in thin air. Walking regularly on hills before you come, with a loaded daypack, is the best preparation.
We choose routes and itineraries with enough days on the mountain, and we follow the principle of climbing high and sleeping low. On the Machame route, for example, you take short walks above camp at Shira, Lava Tower, Karanga and Barafu before returning to sleep lower. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your guide straight away about any headache, nausea or dizziness.
Many climbers use acetazolamide (Diamox) to help with acclimatisation, but it is a prescription medicine and not right for everyone. Talk to your own doctor before the trip, especially about allergies and side effects, and tell your guide if you are taking it.
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the driest months are mid-January to mid-March and late June to October, which are also the busiest. The long rains from late March to early June bring wet trails and cloud, and we generally advise against climbing then unless you are experienced in those conditions. November brings short rains, often in the afternoon.
On our Kilimanjaro packages with hotel nights, you stay at our partner hotel, Weru Weru River Lodge near Moshi, or a similar hotel, on the night before and the night after the climb. Your guide holds the pre-climb briefing and gear check there.
You need good broken-in hiking boots, warm layers including a down jacket, waterproof jacket and trousers, gloves, a warm hat, a headtorch and a daypack. Tents, mats and all group and cooking equipment are provided. Your specialist will confirm what can be rented locally, including sleeping bags, and send you a full packing list.
No. Access depends on weather, terrain, ice and other mountain conditions. Your guides assess the route before and during the climb and will change the plan when that is safer.
Yes, subject to conditions and your guides' final assessment. Crater Camp sits at about 5,750 m within the Kibo crater, and you climb the last section to Uhuru Peak before dawn the next morning.
Your guides check on you throughout the climb. If altitude symptoms become a concern, they will change the itinerary or take you down, because your safety comes before the summit.
Enquire
Every AAA Express Adventure trip can be changed to suit you: the pace, the lodges, the number of days. Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and our team in Arusha will come back to you with a plan and a price.
Your journey
Price on request
7 days · 6 nights
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Call us on +255 784 281316, email sales@aaaexpressadventure.com or send an enquiry. Our team in Arusha will get back to you.
Price on request
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Enquiry about: 7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe, the Western Breach and Crater Camp
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