Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the steepest, most direct way up Kilimanjaro, for fit and experienced hikers. What to expect, and our Umbwe climbs.
Also on this route: 8 Days Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Umbwe Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Among these, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe approach from the south, while the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route, on the other hand, approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes, except Marangu and Rongai, descend via Mweka.
The 6-Day Umbwe Route: A Thrilling Challenge with Spectacular Rewards
Renowned as the steepest and most direct path to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach, and Uhuru Peak, the Umbwe Route stands out as perhaps the most visually stunning non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. Though its beauty is unparalleled, this route is not for the faint-hearted.
Characterized by its rapid ascent to higher altitudes, the Umbwe
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Distance 9.6km / 6miHiking 6-8hrsZone Moorland
Departing from Moshi driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
- Elevation
- 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
- Altitude gained
- 1293m
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Day 2 Umbwe Cave – Barranco Camp Distance 4.75km / 3miHiking 4-6hrsZone Moorland
After a good nights sleep and a hearty breakfast we emerge from the rain forest and continue on a steep ascending path, along the Umbwe ridge as it descends slightly to Barranco camp situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.
- Elevation
- 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 1042m
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Day 3 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp Distance 5.2km / 3miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
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Day 4 Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 3.3km / 2 miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached you have now completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. An early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
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Day 5 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 11.5km / 7.1mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gain: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789mExcitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused of the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!
After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude lost
- 2789m
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Day 6 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 5.7miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew it’s time to say goodbye. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy and steep and we highly recommend Gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Umbwe Route
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