Umbwe Route, Kilimanjaro

The Umbwe Route is well-known for being the most challenging route of them all on Mount Kilimanjaro and is less visited compared to others. Umbwe is a direct, yet steep and short route to the summit. This route’s difficulty makes this route good for experienced hikers and mountain climbers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude and are looking for a challenge. The Umbwe Route is only available as a 6 Days trek and is only recommended for experienced hikers in good physical shape.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp

In the morning depart for Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Registration formalities will be completed at Machame gate, and hereafter we will drive to Umbwe gate through villages with banana and coffee plantations. Upon arrival at our starting point, Umbwe Gate, we will begin our ascent on the steep and narrow path through the dense rain forest. On arrival at Umbwe Camp our mountain crew will take care of necessities and pitch the tents. Later in the evening our chef will cook dinner, your guide will brief you about the following day and you can retire to your tents for a well-earned sleep.

10 km

1,640 m – 2,930 m

5–7 hrs

Rain forest

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp

After breakfast depart for Barranco Camp. Today’s trek will be in a more rocky terrain. This day will be physically challenging due to the path and the increase in altitude, so keeping an appropriate pace and drinking enough water is of utmost importance. A glimpse of the beautiful mountain can be seen as the altitude increases and when approaching Barranco Valley the path will flatten and soon the today’s destination, Barranco Camp will be reached. Your Mega Chef will serve a warm dinner and your guide will brief you about the following day trek before you retire to your tent for overnight.

7 km

2,939 m – 3,960 m

4–5 hrs

Moorland

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

After yesterday’s challenging trek in the increased altitude today’s trek will be shorter and gives this day a purpose of acclimatization. Although today’s trek does bring another challenge as we need to climb the non-technical but steep cliff (almost 275 meters) of the Great Barranco Wall. After climbing the cliff continue trekking and further descend sharply into Karanga Valley, where another challenge lies ahead before reaching camp, as we have another steep climb until we reach Karanga Camp. Upon arrival at the camp you can take a well-deserved rest. Later in the evening your Mega Adventures chef will serve you with a warm dinner.

6 km

3,960 m – 3,995 m

4–5 hrs

Alpine desert

Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

After breakfast depart for Barafu Camp. Today’s trek will be short and we will connect to the path of Mweka Route, where we will arrive at the base camp in time for Lunch, later in the afternoon explore around before taking an early dinner to prepare for the summit after midnight.

4 km

3,995 m – 4,640 m

4–5 hrs

Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

At an early start around 01:00 hours begin the steep and altitude challenging climb to the great summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Our trained team will hold the best pace for the most mentally and physically part of the hike and final ascend while making sure to measure your oxygen level throughout the trek and help you reach the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak. After successfully reaching “the rooftop of Africa”, enjoy the view before descending to Mweka Camp. Later in the evening we will enjoy our last evening on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

5 km Ascent | 12 km Descent

4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,080 m

5 hrs Ascent | 12 hrs Descent

Arctic | Alpine desert | Moorland | Rainforest

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate

After breakfast depart for Mweka gate. The trek will be a short trek of 10 km downhill, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.
Upon arrival at the park headquarters at Mweka Gate we will collect our summit certificate and our team will be ready to transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

10 km

3,080 m – 1,630 m

3–4 hrs

Rain forest

Inclusive Of:

  • Transfers to and from the accommodation in Moshi to start and exit gate.
  • Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees for non-resident adults (please request reduced rate for kids below 15 years)
  • Guides, porters and chefs.
  • Three meals a day on the climb.
  • Full camping facilities, including mattress and sleeping bags, except for personal gear (available for rental at our office)
  • Oxygen tank, frequent oxygen and pulse checks during the climb.
  • Taxes.
  • Airport transfers
  • Pre-briefing & equipment check one day prior to the climb at the guest’s hotel/hostel in Moshi.
  • Free city tour (walking) on the free day prior to the climb.

Exclusive Of:

  • Accommodation before and after the climb (can be organized).
  • Tips to crew (request for recommended tipping rates).
  • Travel insurance.
  • All items of personal nature.
  • Beverages and laundry except where shown.
  • Personal mountain climber gear (available for hire).

Do you have any queries or wish to tailor this tour? Please click here to contact us.

6 Days, Umbwe Route
NO. of PAX in one group 1 PAX 2-3 PAX 4-6 PAX 7+ PAX
Price pr. person $2,301 $1,931 $1,709 $1,635

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