6 Day Kilimanjaro Climbing Umbwe routes

Overview

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.

Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Day to Day Itinerary

On arrival in Tanzania.

Arrival Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight. A pre-climb briefing and gear check will be conducted in the evening to ensure you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Distance: 9.6 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 1651m / 5417ft to 2944m / 9659ft
Altitude Gain: 1293m

Depart from Moshi for a drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After registration and permits, begin your trek through dense rainforest along a ridge between two deep valleys. The trail is often muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The path leads through thick montane forest to Umbwe Cave Camp, nestled among giant trees and undergrowth.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Distance: 4.75 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Elevation: 2944m / 9659ft to 3986m / 13,077ft
Altitude Gain: 1042m

After breakfast, continue the ascent along a steep trail on the Umbwe ridge. Eventually, the trail descends slightly into the beautiful Barranco Valley. As you gain elevation, temperatures begin to drop. Overnight at Barranco Camp.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5.2 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 3986m / 13,077ft to 4034m / 13,235ft
Altitude Gain: 48m

After breakfast, tackle the famous Barranco Wall – a steep scramble offering stunning views. Traverse ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp. This section showcases the strength and agility of the mountain crew as they ascend with ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 3.3 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Elevation: 4034m / 13,235ft to 4662m / 15,295ft
Altitude Gain: 628m

Ascend gradually to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which presents various perspectives of the summit. Once at camp, rest and enjoy early dinner in preparation for the midnight summit push. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Down to Mweka Camp

Ascent: 5 km / 3 miles (5–7 hours)
Descent: 13 km / 8 miles (5–6 hours)
Elevation: 4700m / 15,350ft to 5895m / 19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3090m / 10,150ft
Habitat: Stone scree, glacier, alpine desert

Begin your summit attempt between midnight and 2:00 a.m., ascending through scree towards Stella Point. This section is the most physically and mentally demanding. Enjoy a short rest at Stella Point, followed by a final 1-hour push to Uhuru Peak—the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and lunch, then continue to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles are helpful for the descent. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft to 1680m / 5500ft
Altitude Loss: 1410m

Continue your descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate. The trail can be muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are useful. From the gate, a short walk leads to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi (approximately 30 minutes).

Inclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Exclusion

• Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
• Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park;
• Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel;
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
• One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant ); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
• All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks.A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
• All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery);
• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
• GPS-tracking service;
• Complete medical kits.
• Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience;
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).