Umbwe Route – 6 Days
Umbwe Route

Umbwe Route – 6 Days

The steepest and most direct route to the summit. A challenging climb for experienced trekkers who want a fast, intense ascent through dramatic terrain.

6 Days Duration
5,895m Summit
$2,400 From / person
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Tour Overview

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Transfer from Moshi to Umbwe Gate (1,800m). Begin the most direct and steepest route on Kilimanjaro. Trail plunges immediately into dense rainforest. Very steep ascent from the start. Listen for colobus monkeys. Arrive at Umbwe Camp (2,850m) for lunch. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance6km
Hiking Time4-5 hours
Elevation+1,050m
Start1,800m
End2,850m
ZoneRainforest
AccommodationTents at Umbwe Camp
MealsLunch, Dinner
HighlightsSteepest route, dense rainforest, colobus monkeys
Day 2

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Exit rainforest into heath and moorland. Steep climb continues. Stunning views of Kibo and southern glaciers. Arrive at Barranco Camp (3,950m) for lunch. Afternoon acclimatization walk. Dinner at 6:30pm.

Distance8km
Hiking Time6-7 hours
Elevation+1,100m
Start2,850m
End3,950m
ZoneHeath and Moorland
AccommodationTents at Barranco Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsKibo views, southern glaciers, steep terrain
Day 3

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Barranco Wall scramble - exciting hands-on climbing. Stunning views from the top. Continue to Karanga Camp (3,995m). Early dinner at 5:30pm.

Distance5km
Hiking Time4-5 hours
Elevation+45m
Start3,950m
End3,995m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at Karanga Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsBarranco Wall, panoramic views
Day 4

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Short steep climb to Barafu Camp (4,640m). Arrive for lunch. Rest and prepare for summit. Early dinner at 5pm. Sleep by 7pm.

Distance4km
Hiking Time3-4 hours
Elevation+645m
Start3,995m
End4,640m
ZoneAlpine Desert
AccommodationTents at Barafu Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsBarafu base camp
Day 5

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

SUMMIT DAY! Wake at 11:30pm. Begin climbing at midnight. Steep zigzag ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Watch sunrise at the top of Africa. Quick descent to Mweka Camp. Celebration lunch.

Distance12km
Hiking Time8-10 hours
Elevation+1,255m / Loss: -2,795m
Start4,640m
End3,100m
ZoneArctic Summit to Moorland
AccommodationTents at Mweka Camp
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
HighlightsUhuru Peak 5,895m, sunrise, glaciers
Day 6

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Final descent through rainforest. Receive Kilimanjaro Certificate. Transfer to hotel.

Distance10km
Hiking Time3-4 hours
Start3,100m
End1,640m
ZoneMoorland to Rainforest
AccommodationHotel in Moshi
MealsBreakfast, Lunch
HighlightsKilimanjaro Certificate

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking mountain guide
  • Experienced porters (carrying equipment and luggage)
  • Cook for meal preparation
  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and taxes
  • All hut fees (Marangu) or camping fees (other routes)
  • All meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Drinking water (3+ liters per person per day)
  • Transfer from Moshi hotel to gate and back
  • Summit certificate (Green for Uhuru, Red for other peaks)
  • Sleeping mats and sleeping bags
  • Dining tent with chairs and tables
  • First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinders
  • Portable toilets (on request)
  • Staff salaries, wages, and allowances
  • Airport transfer (arrival/departure)
  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
  • Trip briefing the evening before climb
  • Excess luggage storage at hotel
  • All government taxes and levies

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal trekking gear (boots, clothing, rain gear)
  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended $250-300 total)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Hot showers (available at some camps for extra fee)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Laundry services
  • Medical expenses and evacuation (covered by insurance)
  • Mountain bike hire
  • Extra activities not in itinerary

Group Size & Price

1 Person $3,120
2 People $2,400 pp
3+ People $2,160 pp

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