6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
6 Days, 5 Night
Price On Request
Tour Overview
Umbwe is one of the quietest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its reputation as a difficult climb, few people use this trail, leaving it relatively untouched.
This gives trekkers the impression that they are the only ones on the mountain until the route intersects with the Machame route near Barranco Camp a few days into the hike. From there, it takes the familiar Southern Circuit below the Southern Ice Field before ascending to the summit from Barafu Camp. As with most Kilimanjaro climbs, the descent follows the Mweka Route.
If you want the best views on the way up Mount Kilimanjaro and enjoy challenging yourself in the wilderness, the Umbwe route has it all, and more. It is the closest thing to a real mountaineering expedition on Kilimanjaro.Â
Day by day
Day 1: UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP
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We will register at the Umbwe Park Gate before beginning our trek. The small winding path takes us up through the rainforest and along the Umbwe River. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at around 2,900 meters altitude.
Elevation 1600m to 2900m
Distance: 11km
Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 2: Mandara Hut ~ Horombo Hut (12 200 Ft/ 3 720 M)
We leave camp and soon reach the end of the forest. As the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco, we can see the Western Breach’s sheer wall appear and disappear. Tonight, we will camp at Barranco camp.
Elevation 2940m to 3970m
Distance: 6km
Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Day 3: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp
Today begins with a short, but enjoyable scramble to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then travel over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m), which lies beneath the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers’ icefalls. We will spend the night at the Karanga campsite.
Elevation 3950m to 3930m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Day 4: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp
We leave the Karanga campsite and proceed to the junction that connects with the Mweka descent Trail. From here, we ascend to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from a variety of angles. At camp, we can relax, eat dinner, and plan for the summit day. This vantage point offers views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m
Distance: 6kms
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Day 5: Barafu Camp To Summit
You will be awakened at 23:30 with some quick tea and biscuits. We begin our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head north-west and ascend through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding portion of the journey. We will stop for a short rest at Stella Point (5732m) and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you will ever see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached Mount Kilimanjaro’s and Africa’s highest point. At these elevations, it can be extremely cold at night, but by the end of the hike, it will be quite warm. From the summit, we descend to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping in Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be required for the loose gravel descent to Mweka Camp (3100 m). Later in the evening, we’ll enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.
Day 6: MWEKA CAMP TO HOTEL
We leave after breakfast and go down to the Mweka Park gate to get your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations. Gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and T-shirts will work (but bring rain gear and warmer clothes just in case).
The End of Your 6-Day Trek on the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m
Distance: 8 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Price
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| Price | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request | on request |
Inclusions
- Safety Equipment:
- Professional Mountain Guides, all head guides (at least 1 per trip) currently certified by NOLS USA as WFR (Wilderness First Responder)
- Park Fees
- Campsite fees
- Emergency Rescue Fees
- Camping equipment and other gears:
- Mountain Meals
- Transfer from the hotel to the starting point
- Transfer from the last point to the hotel
Exclusions
- Accommodation upon arrival and last day
- Tips for a mountain guide, recommended 15-20 per group per day
- Porters 5 – 10$ per porter per group per day
- Personal expenses
- Personal items
- Personal insurance/travel insurance
- Personal medicines/first aid kit
- Personal trekking gears
- Sleeping bag
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Umbwe is a camping route, with tents set up at each campsite. Trekkers are supported by guides, porters, and cooks who handle logistics and meals.
You will pass through dense rainforest, steep ridges, moorlands, and alpine desert zones, with stunning views as you gain altitude quickly.
Bring layered clothing, warm gear, trekking boots, gloves, hat, trekking poles, sunscreen, headlamp, and a daypack. Proper gear is essential for changing weather conditions.
No, the Umbwe Route is not recommended for beginners due to its steep ascent and limited acclimatization time. It is best suited for experienced climbers.
Yes. All climbs include professional guides, porters, and cooks, ensuring safety, carrying gear, and preparing meals.
Yes. The Umbwe trek can be extended by adding acclimatization days or combined with other routes to improve summit success rates.