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6 Days Umbwe Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Overview
Itinerary
Cost Include
Cost Exclude
Overview
Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and steepest routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a direct trail that offers a challenging climb. This route is known for its rapid ascent and dramatic scenery.
The trail begins at the Umbwe Gate, located on the southern side of the mountain. From the start, the path climbs sharply through dense rainforest. The trail is narrow, with thick vegetation on both sides. It quickly gains altitude, making it more difficult than other routes.
On the first day, trekkers climb through a steep forest path. The terrain can be slippery, especially in wet conditions. As you climb higher, the trees thin out and the landscape opens into heath and moorland. The views become more impressive with every step.
Day two continues the steep climb. The path leads up rocky ridges with little chance for gradual acclimatization. It’s a tough climb and requires good physical fitness. The rapid gain in altitude means that there’s less time for the body to adjust. This makes the route risky for those not used to high elevations.
By the third day, the Umbwe Route joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. From this point on, climbers continue along the same path as those on the Machame Route. This section includes the famous Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that looks intimidating but is manageable for most climbers.
After Barranco, the route continues to Karanga Camp, then to Barafu Camp. These sections offer stunning views of the glaciers and summit above. From Barafu Camp, climbers make the final push to Uhuru Peak, usually starting around midnight. The summit climb is cold, steep, and physically demanding.
The descent is done on the Mweka Route. This trail leads down the southern slope of Kilimanjaro. It’s less steep than the ascent and provides a safer, easier path down. Trekkers usually descend over two days, stopping at Mweka Camp for one final night on the mountain.
Because of its steepness and fast ascent, the Umbwe Route is not recommended for beginners. It is best suited for experienced climbers or those who have already adjusted to high altitudes. The lack of gradual ascent increases the risk of altitude sickness.
However, for confident trekkers who want a quiet, less crowded route, Umbwe can be rewarding. It is one of the least traveled paths on Kilimanjaro. The solitude and raw beauty of the landscape make it a special experience.
The route typically takes 6 days, though some itineraries extend to 7 for better acclimatization. Adding an extra day at Barranco or Karanga helps reduce altitude-related risks.
In summary, the Umbwe Route is short, steep, and scenic. It offers a challenging climb and stunning views. But due to its demanding nature, it is recommended only for well-prepared and experienced climbers.
Itinerary
Day-By-Day Tour Plan
Day 1: Hotel to Umbwe Cave Camp
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (about 1 hour). Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
Cost Include
Cost Included
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Cost Exclude
Cost Excluded
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
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