6 Days Umbwe Route Trekking

Tour Starts & Ends: Moshi

Combination with e.g. Zanzibar or Safari possible!

The Umbwe route is renowned for its challenging terrain and steep ascent, making it one of the most difficult routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is favored by experienced trekkers seeking a more adventurous and secluded trekking experience. The Umbwe route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southern side and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Due to its steep and strenuous nature, the Umbwe route is recommended for experienced climbers who are well-acclimatized to high altitudes.

DAY 1: Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport

pick up and transferred to the Hotel

DAY 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,380 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Our journey begins with a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate, where we complete park formalities before starting our trek. The trail ascends steeply through dense rainforest, with lush vegetation enveloping the path. We gradually climb to Umbwe Cave Camp, our first campsite, nestled amidst the towering trees.

DAY 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail opens up to expansive views of the surrounding moorland as we ascend towards Barranco Camp. We trek across rocky terrain and rugged landscapes, with the imposing Barranco Wall looming ahead.

DAY 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Ascending the Barranco Wall, we negotiate its challenging terrain using handholds and footholds. Once atop the wall, the trail levels out as we traverse towards Karanga Camp, situated in a sheltered valley with panoramic views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers.

DAY 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our journey continues as we ascend towards Barafu Camp, our final base camp before the summit push. The trail leads us through the stark and barren alpine desert, with the summit of Kilimanjaro towering above us. At Barafu Camp, we rest and prepare for the challenging ascent ahead.

DAY 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then descent to Mweka Camp

Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) to 10,065 ft (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles ascent, 12 km/7 miles descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Rain Forest

In the early hours of the morning, we embark on the final push to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent. The ascent is grueling, with trekkers navigating steep and icy terrain by the light of their headlamps. Upon reaching the summit, we celebrate our accomplishment before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. Descending through various ecological zones, including the alpine desert and lush rainforest, we finally arrive at Mweka Camp, where we spend our last night on the mountain.

DAY 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, transfer to Hotel

Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our final day of trekking, we descend through the dense and enchanting rainforest, retracing our steps towards Mweka Gate. Here, we bid farewell to Mount Kilimanjaro as we collect our summit certificates and board vehicles to transfer back to the hotel in Moshi, marking the end of our unforgettable journey.

2 nights’ accommodation (before and after the climb)
Return transportation from Moshi to/from the starting/finishing point on the mountain
Qualified guides with mountain crew
Park fees
Tents and sleeping mattresses
Cutlery / Crockery / Eating utensils
Mess tent (for dining) / Mini camping chairs / Tables / Candles
Rescue Fees
Pulse oximeters
First aid kit
Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
Boiled water on the mountain
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
Emergency oxygen

Single rooms supplement at Chanya lodge (except on the 1 person rate)
Airport transfers
Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
Meals and drinks not specified
Gear for your climb
Items of personal nature
Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
Visas

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