Umbwe Routes

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he Umbwe Route is considered the most challenging and steepest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a direct but demanding climb for experienced and fit trekkers. Starting on the southern side of the mountain, this trail is short and steep, with dramatic landscapes and a sense of adventure not found on other routes.

The trek begins in lush rainforest and quickly ascends into moorland and alpine desert. With fewer climbers on the trail, Umbwe offers solitude and breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s southern face. The route joins the Machame or Western Breach paths at higher altitudes before reaching Kibo Hut, the base for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).

The Umbwe Route is typically completed in 6 or 7 days, with careful acclimatization essential due to the steep ascent. Its short but intense nature makes it suitable for adventurous, fit climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing

We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Umbwe Cave Camp

Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.

Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.

Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to hotel

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

  • Inclusions

    • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
    • All meals while on the Mountain
    • All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
    • Clean, purified drinking water
    • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
    • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
    • Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
    • Kilimanjaro summit certificate
    • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
    • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
    • Private Portable Toilet
    • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
    • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
    • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
    • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
    • Sleeping Mattress

    Exclusions

    • Meals not listed in the itinerary
    • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
    • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
    • Tips and gratuities (Guide $20-25 per day, Cook $15-20 per day, Porter $10-15 per day per porter)
    • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
    • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
    • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
    • Tanzania Visa
    • International and domestic flights

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