Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Umbwe Route in 6 days. Experience rugged terrain, dense rainforest, and stunning views on this challenging, less crowded trek.
Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Cave Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park - On the first day, our mountain team will meet you at the hotel for a quick briefing and equipment check. You’ll then be driven to the Machame Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park for registration. From there, you’ll be transferred to the Umbwe Gate to start your trek with our guide and porters. This section of the Umbwe route passes through a rainforest, so be prepared for possible rain showers with a raincoat.
Elevation: 1600M to 2,360M
Distance: 9.5km
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Umbwe Cave To Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park - On the second day, the path becomes steeper as you leave the forest along the Umbwe ridge. The route then descends slightly to Barranco camp, located in a valley. You’ll notice the camp is quite busy as hikers from the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes converge here.
Elevation: 2,360M to 3960M
Distance: 7.5km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp
Mount Kilimanjaro - Start the day early with breakfast, followed by a steep climb up Barranco Wall. You’ll then follow an undulating route along the Southern Circuit through Karanga Valley to reach Karanga Camp. For those feeling strong, there’s an option for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek before returning to camp for the night.
Elevation: 3960M to 3963M
Distance: 5.5km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine
Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park - On the fourth day, you’ll ascend into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. After a steep exit up the Great Barranco Wall, you’ll pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, heading towards Karanga Valley, the last stop for fresh water before the summit.
Elevation: 3963M to 4640M
Distance: 3km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp
Kilimanjaro National Park - On the fifth day, you’ll start around midnight, ascending steeply to the summit glaciers. The climb to the crater rim at Stella Point is the most challenging part of the trek. From Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the hike is a gradual climb and relatively easier. You’ll then descend back to Stella Point, continue down to Barafu Camp for breakfast, and finally head to Mweka Camp.
Elevation: 4640M to 5895M to 3100M
Distance: 7 km Ascent / 23 km Descent
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours Ascent / 7-8 hours Descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro National Park - After breakfast, you’ll take a gentle trek down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Here, you’ll complete park formalities and receive certificates to commemorate your achievement. After bidding farewell to your mountain guides, a short transfer will take you back to your hotel in Arusha.
Elevation: 3100M to 1630M
Distance: 9KM
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
- Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and VAT
- Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Dietary options: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
- Four season, 3-person mountain tents
- Transport to and from Arusha to the trail head
- Tips for the crew
- And all not mentioned in the itinerary above.
The Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and steepest paths to the summit. It ascends rapidly, which can make the trek more physically demanding. It is characterized by rugged terrain and dense rainforest, which can make for a more arduous trek compared to other routes. Despite its challenges, the route offers stunning views and diverse landscapes, including lush forests, moorlands, and alpine deserts. The Umbwe Route is less frequented than more popular routes like Marangu or Machame, providing a more solitary and less crowded trekking experience. Acclimatization: Due to its steep ascent, the Umbwe Route has a higher risk of altitude sickness, as it does not allow for gradual acclimatization. Trekkers often need to be more prepared for the effects of high altitude. Typically, the Umbwe Route is completed in 6 to 7 days to allow for proper acclimatization and to manage the challenging ascent, although shorter itineraries are possible.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
