Umbwe Route
About this Tour
- 6 Days
- 5 Nights
Area to Visit
Umbwe Gate, Umbwe Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route, the steepest and most direct trail to the summit. Known for its dramatic ridgelines and wild, untouched landscapes, Umbwe offers a quiet and demanding ascent for experienced trekkers seeking a more challenging climb.
While the Umbwe Route is physically demanding, this 6-day itinerary improves acclimatization by joining the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. The route passes through dense rainforest, narrow valleys, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone, culminating at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. All nights are spent in tents with full support from a professional mountain crew.
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Full Itinerary
- Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will meet your mountain guide for a detailed briefing, equipment check, and review of safety procedures. The remainder of the day is free to rest and prepare for the climb.
Meal Plan: Dinner
- Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m (1,600 m to 2,800 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Umbwe Gate for registration before starting the trek through dense rainforest. The trail is steep and narrow, climbing steadily through tall trees, hanging moss, and thick undergrowth. The quiet forest setting gives the route a remote feel from the very first day. You reach Umbwe Camp in the afternoon, where you rest and acclimatize.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,160 m (2,800 m to 3,960 m)
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
The trail climbs sharply out of the forest and follows a narrow ridge with dramatic views into the Umbwe Valley. As the vegetation thins, the scenery opens to reveal the southern glaciers and surrounding peaks. By afternoon, you reach Barranco Camp, set beneath the imposing Barranco Wall. This change in terrain provides better acclimatization and more open views.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 200 m (3,960 m to 4,160 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble that rewards you with panoramic views once completed. The route then traverses ridges and valleys before descending slightly into Karanga Valley. You reach Karanga Camp by early afternoon, leaving time to rest, hydrate, and adjust to the altitude.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 513 m (4,160 m to 4,673 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trail continues gradually uphill across a stark alpine landscape. The air becomes thinner, and walking is done at a slow, steady pace. By midday, you arrive at Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. The remainder of the day is spent resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight ascent.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,222 m ascent / 2,800 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone
Shortly after midnight, begin the summit ascent under the stars, climbing slowly toward Stella Point (5,756 m). From here, continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), reaching the summit around sunrise. After taking photos and celebrating, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Transfer to Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,600 m (3,100 m to 1,500 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is gentler, and the rich vegetation marks the return to lower altitudes. At the gate, you complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate before transferring back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
- Departure – Transfer from Hotel to Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The quoted price includes the following:
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 climbers)
4×4 transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel and back
Bottled mineral water during the trek
All park and camping fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entry
Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Summit certificates upon successful climb
All Tanzanian government taxes and service charges
Trekking equipment guidance and assistance (maps, route briefing, safety support)
The quoted price does not include the following:
International flights to / from Tanzania
Visas and airport departure taxes
Personal items (snacks, toiletries, clothing)
Laundry service on the mountain or at the hotel
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Alcoholic or soft drinks not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, extra day excursions)
Any last-minute changes requested by the client
Price Includes
From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
Price Excludes
The quoted price does not include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
- Last-minute changes made by you
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