Trek Overview
Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short, steep climb traversing all the climate zones—from tropical rainforest to eternal ice—will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro, Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.
Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way—Umbwe Camp. Despite the challenge Umbwe poses to hikers, the well-thought-out camp locations will support proper acclimatization.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
- Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
- Habitat: Health
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
- Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat: Health
Day 3: Barranco Camp
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort and amplify your acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,044 ft
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We leave Karanga and hit the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
- Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Best Time to Use the Route
The best time to use the Umbwe Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. Because Umbwe is the steepest, most demanding trail on the mountain, dry weather is crucial for firm trails and safe climbing.
Route at a Glance
Trek Duration;
7 Days, 6 Nights
Scenery;
Very Good
Difficulty;
Very High
Traffic;
Very Low
Route Highlights
- A direct and steep ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit.
- Offers a quiet trail due to its difficulty.
- Minimal opportunities for altitude acclimatization.
- uitable only for seasoned hikers confident in their acclimatization ability.
- Generally not recommended for most climbers due to safety and success concerns.
Detailed Breakdown
Trekking Cost Includes
- All entrance fees and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Private guide speaking fluent English
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks.
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure.
- Visas & vaccinations.
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
