Umbwe Route
About this Tour
- 7 Days
- 6 Nights
The Umbwe Route is the most direct and one of the most challenging routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its steep ascents, rugged terrain, and low traffic, it is best suited for experienced hikers or those seeking a physically demanding adventure.
Despite the difficulty, it offers dramatic scenery, solitude, and a thrilling wilderness experience. The route merges with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, continuing through the scenic Southern Circuit before the summit attempt.
Area to Visit/Destinations to go
Full Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival | Pick up from Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and an overnight stay. In the evening, your head guide will conduct a full briefing and equipment check in preparation for your upcoming trek.
- Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp
Your day starts with a drive to Umbwe Gate, located on the southern side of the mountain. After registration and permits, the trek begins immediately with a steep ascent through dense montane rainforest. You’ll hike under a lush canopy, often shrouded in mist, and enjoy the serene sounds of nature. The trail is narrow and direct, offering few flat sections.
(1,800 m / 5,905 ft to 2,850 m / 9,350 ft, 11 km / 7 miles, 5–7 hours, rainforest)
- Day 3 : Barranco Camp
Leaving the forest behind, you’ll enter the heath zone. The trail follows a steep ridge with stunning views of the valleys below. As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes more sparse and dramatic. Today’s hike ends at Barranco Camp, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the southern glaciers and the iconic Barranco Wall.
(2,850 m / 9,350 ft to 3,976 m / 13,044 ft, 6 km / 3.7 miles, 4–5 hours, heath zone)
- Day 4: Karanga Camp
Today begins with the famous Barranco Wall a steep scramble that’s exhilarating and scenic, though not technically difficult. After reaching the top, you’ll descend into the beautiful Karanga Valley before ascending again to Karanga Camp, a crucial acclimatization point before the summit bid.
(3,976 m / 13,044 ft to 3,995 m / 13,107 ft, 5 km / 3 miles, 4–5 hours, alpine desert)
- Day 5: Barafu Camp
Today’s trek is a short but steep ascent through the alpine desert. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, Kilimanjaro’s Base Camp, by early afternoon. Use the rest of the day to eat, hydrate, rest, and mentally prepare for the midnight summit push. Views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi are spectacular.
(3,995 m / 13,107 ft to 4,673 m / 15,331 ft, 4 km / 2.5 miles, 3–4 hours, alpine desert)
- Day 6: Uhuru Peak
Just before midnight, you’ll begin the final and most demanding part of the trek. The path to the summit is steep and cold, with many switchbacks. You’ll reach Stella Point around sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa. After celebrating and taking photos, descend carefully back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp for the night.
(4,673 m / 15,331 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft to 3,068 m / 10,065 ft, 17 km / 11 miles total, 12–15 hours, arctic to moorland)
- Day 7: Mweka Gate
After breakfast, descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate—a proud moment. You’ll then be transferred back to Moshi for a warm shower, rest, or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport depending on your travel schedule.
(3,068 m / 10,065 ft to 1,640 m / 5,380 ft, 10 km / 6.2 miles, 3–4 hours, rainforest)
Price Includes
- All transfers
- Hotel before and after the trek
- Camping equipment
- Professional mountain guides
- Professional chefs
- Porters assistance
- All meals while on the hike
- All park fees
- Unlimited drinking water
Price Excludes
- International flight
- Tanzanian visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear rentals
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Gratuity to the trekking crew
- Single supplement
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