🏔️ Umbwe Route – 6 Days to the Summit
Route Type: Camping Route (Tent Accommodation)
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights on Mountain
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (Southern Approach)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Kilimanjaro’s Steepest and Most Adventurous Trail
The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest, and least traveled trail up Mount Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for experienced hikers seeking a fast-paced, off-the-beaten-path climb with dramatic scenery and a true sense of expedition.
Due to its rapid ascent profile, Umbwe offers very little time for acclimatization—so it’s best suited for well-prepared, fit climbers or those who have experience at high altitude. Despite its difficulty, it joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, allowing access to the same stunning southern circuit before summiting via Barafu.
For those who want a tough but unforgettable route, Umbwe is the wildest way up.
🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary (6 Days)
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m) → Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m)
Transfer from Moshi to Umbwe Gate (~1.5 hrs)
Start steep ascent through dense rainforest, following narrow ridges
Arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp by late afternoon
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Umbwe Cave
Day 2: Umbwe Cave → Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Steep climb continues through heath and moorland zones
Views of Western Breach Wall and surrounding valleys
Join Machame/Lemosho routes at Barranco
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Barranco
Day 3: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Early climb up the Barranco Wall
Hike across alpine ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Karanga
Day 4: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,640m)
Short, steep trek to Barafu Base Camp, your summit staging point
Early dinner and rest before the midnight ascent
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Barafu
Day 5: Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Begin summit push at midnight via Stella Point
Reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, the roof of Africa
Descend to Mweka Camp through alpine and moorland terrain
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Accommodation: Tent camp at Mweka
Day 6: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
Final descent through rainforest
Receive summit certificates and return transfer to Moshi
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (on request)
Book Climbing
✅ What’s Included
All Kilimanjaro park fees, permits, and rescue charges
Certified mountain guide, porters, cook
5 nights on the mountain in quality tents with sleeping mats
Daily meals, tea/coffee, and drinking water
Oxygen cylinder and first aid kit
Transfers to/from Umbwe and Mweka gates
❌ What’s Not Included
Accommodation in Moshi pre/post trek (can be arranged)
Flights and personal insurance
Trekking gear (boots, poles, sleeping bag, etc.)
Tips for guide, cook, and porters
Snacks, energy drinks, personal medication