6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Via Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and challenging ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its steep ascent. This route is ideal for experienced climbers seeking a more strenuous and less-traveled path, offering a direct climb with fewer crowds. While the steep terrain makes it more challenging, it rewards climbers with stunning views and a unique, more remote experience as they ascend through dense rainforests and alpine deserts.
Itinerary
Our carefully designed itinerary outlines each day of your journey in detail, ensuring a seamless travel experience. From arrival to departure, every step has been thoughtfully planned to maximize comfort, discovery, and value.
Today, you'll receive an essential climbing briefing at your hotel, where we'll go over important details to ensure a safe and successful climb. We'll also conduct a thorough check of your climbing gear to make sure you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: On your own arrangement
Note: The prices below are net and per person sharing a tent or hut, excluding pre/post-climb accommodation. (Accommodation and transfers available upon request.)
Elevation: 1200m to 1700m to 2850m.
Distance: 10 km.
Hiking time: 4-5 hours.
Habitat: Montane forest.
After picking you up from your lodge, we will drive you to the Umbwe Gate to begin your Kilimanjaro adventure. After completing the gate registration, the trek starts through the dense rainforest, leading you to the Umbwe Cave Campsite. The tents will already be set up upon your arrival. The day's hike involves traversing ridges and valleys through thick forest, with plenty of scenic views along the way. After a rewarding day of hiking, you'll enjoy dinner and spend the night at the campsite, resting for the next day's journey.
Elevation: 2850m to 3950m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Montane forest and heather
From Umbwe Cave Campsite, you'll continue your trek towards Barranco Campsite. The trail becomes steeper as you climb, passing through varied terrain, including dense forest and moorland. The route is challenging, with some sections requiring careful navigation over rocks and ridges. Once you reach Barranco Campsite, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Barranco Wall and the surrounding landscape. This site is known for its incredible beauty and serves as an excellent spot for acclimatization before the ascent to higher altitudes. After a day of hiking, you'll enjoy dinner and rest overnight at the campsite.
Elevation: 3950m to 3900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Moorland
From Barranco Campsite, you'll begin the trek to Karanga Campsite, a relatively short but steep climb. The hike involves navigating the famous Barranco Wall, which requires some scrambling and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Once you've ascended the wall, the trail becomes less steep, leading you through alpine meadows and offering breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. After reaching Karanga Campsite, you'll be surrounded by stunning scenery, making it an ideal spot for further acclimatization. Here, you'll have dinner and spend the night before continuing your climb.
Elevation: 3900m to 4620m.
Distance: 8 km.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours.
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
From Karanga Campsite, you'll continue your ascent to Barafu Campsite, the final stop before your summit attempt. The hike is relatively short but steep, taking you through rocky terrain and alpine desert. As you climb, the environment becomes more barren and windswept, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Barafu Campsite sits at an altitude of about 4,700 meters (15,420 feet), and it's where you'll rest and prepare for the final push to Uhuru Peak. At this point, you'll enjoy dinner, rest, and mentally prepare for the challenging early-morning ascent to the summit.
Elevation: 4620m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice.
On Summit Day, you'll begin your trek from Barafu Campsite around midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. After reaching Gilman’s Point, you'll continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, where you'll take in the breathtaking views. Afterward, you'll descend to Mweka Campsite, where you'll enjoy lunch and rest before spending your final night on the mountain.
Elevation: 3100m to 1700m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest.
On the final day, you'll descend from Mweka Campsite to Mweka Gate. The hike takes you through lush forest and moorland, offering a scenic and easier descent compared to the ascent. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you'll sign out and receive your completion certificate. From there, you'll be transferred back to the hotel (own arrangement), marking the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Group Price / Rates Per Person
| Solo | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6+ People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2626 | $2166 | $2101 | $2069 | $2037 | $2003 |
Includes
- All Transfers
- Accommodation as per Itinerary
- Meals
- Unlimited Water during the trekking
- Coffees, tea, hot chocolate, and Soft Drinks
- Free WI-FI
- Government Taxes and levy
- All ground Handling and assistance
- Hiking & Safety Equipments
- Climbing Crew
Excludes
- International Flights
- Travel & Mountaineering insurance
- Tips for Guides & Crew
- Personal expenses such as calls, laundry, and extra drinks at the lodge
- Portable toilets (if required - 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people)
