Trip overview
Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice – will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.
The trek through the Umbwe trail is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape, as the Umbwe route difficulty is quite high for inexperienced trekkers.
Tour Highlights
- The steepest and most direct route on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Remote and challenging climb ideal for experienced trekkers
- Spectacular scenery with dramatic ridges and valleys
- Best suited for strong hikers with prior high-altitude experience
Umbwe route map
Itinerary
6 days Umbwe route
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your arranged hotel in Moshi town. Upon arrival, you will meet your mountain guide who will brief you on the upcoming trek and conduct a full equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing items can be rented on this day. You will spend the night at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, allowing time to rest and prepare for the climb.
- Driving distance: 55 km
- Driving time: Approximately 1 hour
- Habitat: Cultivated zone
- Accommodation: Hotel (Bed & Breakfast
Day 1 - Arusha - Umbwe Camp
Your guide and support team will arrive at your hotel in the morning for introductions and a final equipment check. You’ll then drive to Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, situated at 1,640 m, where your trek officially begins. The head guide will finalize permits and register for search and rescue services.
The first day of trekking takes you to Umbwe Camp for your first night on the mountain. The climb to 2,930 m involves a steady gain in altitude, so maintain a comfortable pace for the entire group. The trail passes through lush rainforest, where occasional rain showers are likely — don’t forget your raincoat. Your support crew will have camp and dinner ready upon arrival.
- Elevation: 1,990 meters to 2,570 meters
- Distance covered: 8 km
- Approximate time taken: 4 hours
- Habitat: Tropical Rainforest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Umbwe camp - Barranco
After an early wake-up and breakfast, you’ll begin trekking toward Barranco Camp. The lush rainforest gradually gives way to brush, and on clear days, you may catch your first glimpse of Meru Volcano.
Today’s trek is of moderate length, and by lunchtime you will arrive at Barranco Camp (3,960 m), nestled within a dramatic volcanic fault. Lunch will be provided, followed by the opportunity to rest and relax, which helps significantly with acclimatization.
- Elevation: 2,570 meters to 3,700 meters
- Distance covered: 8 km
- Approximate time taken: 5 hours
- Habitat: Moorland zone
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Barranco - Karanga camp
After an early wake-up and breakfast, you’ll begin the ascent of Barranco Wall. It’s recommended to leave camp as early as possible to avoid crowds. The climb up the gorge is relatively short and takes about an hour, offering the chance to rest and take photos with Kibo Volcano in the background.
Following this, you will embark on a more challenging trek to Karanga Camp, which involves several ascents and descents along the route. Don’t worry — our guides will set an optimal pace for the group. Upon arrival, a warm lunch will be served.
In the afternoon, you will complete a short acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp, gaining about 200 meters in altitude before descending back to Karanga Camp for the night.
- Elevation: 3,700 meters to 4,330meters
- Distance covered: 8 km
- Approximate time taken: 4 hours
- Habitat: Semi desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - Karanga camp – Barafu camp
After breakfast, you’ll trek to Barafu Summit Camp (4,640 m), the base for your night ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The Kilitop Adventure team will have camp fully set up in advance, including tents and sleeping bags, allowing you time to rest and regain strength.
Later, you will complete a short acclimatization hike toward Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m) before returning to Barafu Camp for a hot dinner. The remainder of the day is best spent resting and sleeping, preparing for the challenging night summit ahead.
- Elevation: 4,330 meters to 4,700 meters
- Distance covered: 22 km
- Approximate time taken: 13 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Around midnight, you’ll be woken with hot tea and biscuits to prepare for the summit ascent. You’ll climb in a north-westerly direction through heavy scree toward Stella Point, which typically takes 5–7 hours. At Stella Point (5,730 m), you can rest briefly before tackling the final 1–2 hour stretch along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Here, breathtaking panoramic views await, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and celebration.
After enjoying the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp to rest and catch your breath. The trek continues down to Mweka Camp, approximately 3 hours, where a hearty dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep await.
- Elevation: 4,700 meters to 5,895 meters
- Down to 3,720
- Distance covered: 15 km
- Approximate time taken: 12-15 hours
- Habitat: Glacier/Moorland
- Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate - Arusha
Mweka Camp lies within a lush rainforest. The lower altitude, combined with the satisfaction of having reached your goal, ensures a restful night’s sleep. After breakfast, the group will begin the final descent to Mweka Gate (1,640 m).
This is the last opportunity to share memories and thank your guides and support team for their hard work. At the park offices, you will receive your certificate of accomplishment before being transferred back to your hotel, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Elevation: 3,720 meters to 1,860 meters
- Distance covered: 21 km
- Approximate time taken: 13 hours
- Habitat: Moorland/Rainforest
- Meals Provided: Breakfast
Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season mountain tents
- Double layered Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at the Parkview Inn
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- 2- way private airport transfers
- Oxygen cylinder
- Oximeter
Excluded
- Flights
- Tips to mountain crew
- Items of a personal nature
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance
