- Duration
- 5–6 days
- Summit
- 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Sleeping
- Camping
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest way onto Kilimanjaro's southern circuit. From Umbwe Gate it climbs straight up a narrow forested ridge, using roots and rocks as steps, to Umbwe Cave Camp, then onto Barranco Camp where it joins the Machame trail.
It is quiet and dramatic, with deep valleys either side of the ridge, but it gains height fast. That makes it a route for fit, experienced hikers who already know how their body copes with altitude.
Why choose this route
- Quiet, wild forest ridges and very few other climbers
- The most direct line to the southern circuit
- Dramatic views from the first day
Good to know
- Steep and fast: it gains height quickly in the first two days
- Best for climbers who have been at high altitude before
- From Barranco Camp it follows the Machame trail to the summit
Map of the Umbwe Route
The trail as it is mapped on the ground, with every gate, camp and high point we pass. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
Altitude profile
How high you climb, and where you sleep. Dips in the line are "walk high, sleep low" days that help your body adjust.
Altitude at each gate, camp and high point, in walking order. Distances between points are not to scale.
Umbwe Route itinerary
The day-by-day plan we follow on our Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route — 6-Day Direct Ascent.
After a briefing in Moshi, drive to Umbwe Gate (1,600 m), register with the national park and meet your crew.
The trail climbs straight up a narrow, forested ridge between two deep river gorges, using tree roots as steps on the steeper sections. The forest is dense and atmospheric, with towering trees, moss and hanging lichen.
Arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp, set in the upper forest.
Distance about 11 km, walking time 6–7 hours, with around 1,250 m of ascent.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp (Full Board)
Continue up the ridge as the forest gives way to giant heather and moorland. The trail is steep and exposed in places, with spectacular views of the Western Breach and Kibo's glaciers opening up ahead.
Descend slightly into the Barranco Valley, a sheltered hollow filled with giant groundsels, to Barranco Camp at the foot of the Barranco Wall. Here the Umbwe joins the southern circuit used by the Machame and Lemosho routes.
Distance about 6 km, walking time 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (Full Board)
Climb the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical scramble of about 250 metres with superb views of the southern ice fields from the top.
Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point. In the afternoon your guide leads a short acclimatisation walk above camp before returning to rest.
Distance about 5 km, walking time 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (Full Board)
A short but steady climb over rocky ground brings you to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit.
Spend the afternoon resting, drinking plenty of water and preparing your clothing and headtorch. Your guides check your health and explain the plan for summit night, then serve an early dinner.
Distance about 4 km, walking time 4–5 hours.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (Full Board)
Start around midnight and climb the steep scree by headtorch. Reach Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim around dawn, then continue for about an hour along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
After photographs, descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and a meal, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
A demanding day of 12–15 hours in total.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (3,100 m, Full Board)
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. Say thank you and farewell to your mountain crew.
Distance about 10 km, walking time 3–4 hours. Transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
End of trek.
Umbwe Route: questions and answers
- How hard is the Umbwe Route?
- It is the most demanding route physically, because of the steep forest ridge and the quick gain in height. We recommend it only to hikers with high-altitude experience.
- Can I add a day to acclimatise?
- Yes. Tell us when you plan your climb and we will add an extra night on the mountain.
Other routes up Kilimanjaro
Compare all routesMachame Route
Kilimanjaro's classic: rainforest, the Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall.
Route guide and map → 7–8 daysLemosho Route
The most beautiful way up: a quiet western start and the wide Shira Plateau.
Route guide and map → 9 daysNorthern Circuit Route
The longest and quietest route, around the wild northern slopes.
Route guide and map →