6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.
Scenic Beauty
The route offers dramatic landscapes, including dense rainforests, heath, moorland, and alpine deserts
Difficulty
Very high, due to the rapid ascent and steep terrain, which makes acclimatization difficult
Accommodations
Camping is the only option along this route
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,600m/5,250ft) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Hiking time: 5 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1,250m / 4,100ft
Max. altitude: 2,850m / 9,350ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Your adventure begins at the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete registration formalities before starting your trek through the dense rainforest. The trail is steep and often muddy, but the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. You’ll reach Umbwe Cave Camp in the late afternoon, where you’ll set up camp and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,870ft)
Distance: 6km / 3.7 miles
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 1,050m / 3,445ft
Max. altitude: 3,900m / 12,870ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest and into the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper and more rocky as you ascend, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll reach Barranco Camp in the early afternoon, where you can rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,870ft) to Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,235ft)
Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 135m / 445ft
Max. altitude: 4,035m / 13,235ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your climb today begins with the challenging ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep and rocky path that requires some scrambling but offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Once you conquer the Barranco Wall, you’ll traverse through the alpine desert, crossing several valleys and ridges. The trek to Karanga Camp is relatively short but involves a series of ascents and descents, making it a good acclimatization day. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Karanga Valley, known for its unique vegetation and scenic beauty. The day ends at Karanga Camp, where you can rest and prepare for the higher altitudes ahead.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,235ft) to Barafu Camp (4,640m/15,220ft)
Distance: 6km / 3.7 miles
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 605m / 1,985ft
Max. altitude: 4,640m / 15,220ft
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your climb today takes you from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your final ascent to the summit. The trek begins with a steady climb through the alpine desert, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. As you ascend, you’ll pass through a series of ridges and valleys, with the terrain becoming increasingly barren and rocky. The path is well-defined but can be challenging due to the altitude and the steepness of the ascent. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the summit attempt. The camp is situated on a narrow, rocky ridge, providing breathtaking views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. This is your last stop before the final push to the summit, so it’s essential to rest and acclimatize properly.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,640m/15,220ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Mweka Camp (3,080m/10,105ft)
Distance: 17km / 10.5 miles
Hiking time: 11 – 14 hours
Ascent: 1,255m / 4,121ft
Descent: 2,815m / 9,236ft
Max. altitude: 5,895m / 19,341ft
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Your summit attempt begins around midnight, with a challenging climb through the arctic zone to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the reward is an unforgettable sunrise over the vast African plains. After celebrating your achievement at the summit, you’ll begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp. The descent is long and tiring, but the lower altitude and lush rainforest provide a welcome change of scenery.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,080m/10,105ft) to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
Distance: 10km / 6 miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Descent: 1,440m / 4,725ft
Max. altitude: 3,080m / 10,105ft
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals included: Breakfast
On your final day, you’ll continue your descent through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is often muddy and slippery, but the dense vegetation and diverse wildlife make it a fascinating journey. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your guides and porters. A vehicle will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where you can relax and celebrate your incredible achievement.
- Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your Accommodations in Moshi.
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
- Park entry fees
- Hut fees
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinder
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- All camping equipment
- Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- 3 hot meals a day while on the mountain
- Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) Government taxes
- Ox meter
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb.
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Laundry (Available at the hotel)
- Personal items and toiletries
- Tips for guides, porters, and cook
