The Umbwe Route is among the least-traveled paths on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a tough yet incredibly rewarding climb. Known for its steep and direct ascent, especially in the first two days, this route demands good fitness and preparation. Beginning on the southern slopes, the trail ascends quickly through thick rainforest and later connects with the Machame and Lemosho routes near the Barranco Wall on day three. Its early isolation makes it an excellent choice for climbers who prefer a quieter, more intense trekking experience.

Trekkers can choose between a 6-day or 7-day itinerary, with the extended version providing better acclimatization and a higher chance of summit success. This route is not only challenging but also visually stunning, showcasing some of Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic scenery. As hikers move through the ever-changing terrain, they’ll encounter striking landscapes, rare plant life, and occasional wildlife. For those seeking a physically demanding climb paired with solitude and spectacular views, the Umbwe Route is a perfect fit.

Activities: Climbing/hiking/trekking.

Attractions: Mountain rain forest with small wild animals, different vegetation zones, Barranco wall, Mount Kilimanjaro sceneries and its panoramic view.

Accommodation: Tents camping.

Route traffic: Very high during peak season.

Summit success rate: High, above 85%

TRIP – ITINERARY

Day 00: Arrivals

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll meet our office representative, followed by an hour drive to the hotel in Moshi Town. After having a short rest at the hotel, our mountain guide will meet you to check your climbing gears and equipment. If some gears will be missing, our guide will help you on how to rent those missing gears from the rental shops.

Day 01: Umbwe Gate to Cave Bivouac Camp

At 8am, leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike, and heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

Elevation: 1,800m/5,905ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
Hiking Time: Approximately 6 hours
Distance: ~11 km
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (steep and slippery in places)
Habitat: Cloud forest, moss-covered trees, heathers, tall grasses, wildflowers

Day 2 : Cave Bivouac to Barranco Camp

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,950m/12,960ft
Hiking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours
Distance: ~8 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Moorland, giant senecios, lobelias

Day 3 : Barranco Camp (Acclimatization Day)

Extra day for acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort and amplify your acclimatization.

Elevation: 3,900m/12,800ft
Hiking Time: N/A (Rest and Acclimatization)
Distance: N/A
Difficulty: N/A
Habitat: Moorland

Day 4 : Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day, and in some places, you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

Elevation: 3,950m/12,960ft to 4,200m/13,780ft
Hiking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: ~5 km
Difficulty: Moderate (scramble up Barranco Wall)
Habitat: Moorland, alpine desert

Day 5 : Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During the hike, pass by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

Elevation: 4,200m/13,780ft to 4,600m/15,100ft
Hiking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: ~4 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6 : Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

Elevation: 4,600m/15,100ft to 5,895m/19,340ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m/10,170ft (Mweka Camp)
Hiking Time: 8-10 hours to Uhuru Peak, then 3-5 hours to Mweka Camp
Distance: ~18 km total
Difficulty: Very Difficult (steep ascent to summit)
Habitat: Arctic summit zone, then descent through alpine desert to moorland

Day 7 : Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,500m/4,920ft
Hiking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
Distance: ~10 km
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (downhill)
Habitat: Forest

TOUR ROUTE MAP

PRICE CHARGED FOR THIS TOUR

$ 1850 per single person
$ 1600 per person in group sharing
$ 1400 per person in 5+ group sharing.

PRICE INCLUSION.

Airport transfer on arrival and departure day
2 nights comfort stay in lodge the day before and after climbing.
Transport to and from Mountain
All park entrance fee +18% VAT
All park accommodation fee + 18% VAT
Park rescue fee
Food on the mountain (3-meals a day)
Non personal hiking equipment and gears
Salary to guide, cook, and the crew.

PRICE EXCLUSION:

Tipping
Personal hiking gear and rentals
Other personal expenses out of the mentioned above.

ESSENTIAL MOUNTAIN CLIMBING GEARS

50L waterproof duffle, small-size backpack, warm clothes including trouser, sweater, thermal underwear, and enough pair of warm socks, Balaclava, snow goggles, or ski sun glasses and scarf, waterproof layers, sun roof hat, warm sleeping bag, mattress, warm jacket, and a pair of gloves. Comfort mountain boots, and walking poles, Sun cream, first aid kit, a knapsack, a pair of getters and water-bottle, minimum 2litres each.

Mount Kilimanjaro climb: Tips for safe and successful Kilimanjaro summit.

Choose the best route that offers good acclimatization, oxygen decreases as you climb to higher elevation, choose the routes that offer the acclimatization throughout to avoid the possibility of experiencing higher altitude mountain sickness. In this case Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes are highly recommended.
Be well prepared and full equipped for Kilimanjaro trekking, do not forget to carry all necessary trekking equipments and gears. Remember, weather in the mountain is not precisely predictable; having with you the all weather gears is the best decision.
Do not carry too much heavy day-pack. Most of your item luggage will be carried by Kilimanjaro porters; you will just carry your light day pack bag, which contains the most necessary personal use for a day only.
Listen carefully to your guide, do not ignore the little advice from your guide, our Kilimanjaro guides are having more than 10-years experience, they have a broad working knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro, please listen to what they direct you to do.
Eat enough food and drink more water so that your body won’t run out of energy, long day working requires body energy, make sure you eat as much as you can. Do not forget to go to bed early so that you will wake up with new energy to continue climbing.
Choose the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Your chance to summit Kilimanjaro peak is highly influenced by the external factors like bad weather, knowing the best time to go for Kilimanjaro trekking will help you plan your adventure accordingly.

Best time of the year to go for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing:

June to October-peak of high season, most of the Kilimanjaro routes and hotels are crowded.
October to December-Most of the Kilimanjaro routes are less crowded, this season may be associated with seasonal rainfall so not that much good for climbing.

December to end of February-High season most of the routes and hotels are crowded.

March to early of June-Low season, it’s the peak of the wet season as these months are associated with heavy rainfalls so not ideal for climbing.

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 7 Days Climbing

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