7 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Hiking

From Price

$ 2350 / PP

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Best Season

June to October

Tour Overview

The Umbwe route is the shortest, steepest, and most direct path to the summit of Kilimanjaro, earning its reputation as the most challenging trail. It is strictly for experienced, physically fit mountaineers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize to a rapid ascent. The first two days are relentless, gaining altitude quickly on a narrow, forested ridge. The 7-day version adds a crucial acclimatization day at Karanga Camp after conquering the Barranco Wall, slightly improving the odds but remaining a formidable undertaking. The reward is an unparalleled sense of wilderness and solitude on a trail few dare to attempt, making it a true test of a climber’s mettle.

Full Tour Details

Day 1: Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After an early breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Umbwe Gate (1,660 meters), the starting point of your trek. The trail starts with a steep ascent through dense rainforest, where you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and the sounds of native wildlife. Your first camp, Umbwe Camp (2,850 meters), offers a stunning view of the surrounding lowland areas.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp To Barranco Camp

Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Today’s trek takes you to Barranco Camp (4,000 meters). You’ll ascend through the moorland zone, enjoying ever-changing landscapes and breathtaking views. The Barranco Campsite sits beneath the Barranco Wall, a challenging yet exhilarating climb you’ll tackle the next day. This camp is known for its picturesque setting and great acclimatization.

Day 3: Acclimatization At Barranco Camp

Habitat: Semi-desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

This extra day at Barranco Camp is crucial for acclimatization. You’ll spend the day exploring the surrounding area or taking short hikes to gain altitude before descending to sleep at Barranco Camp once again. This process helps your body adapt to the increasing altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Day 4: Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 34 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your morning begins with a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall, which offers incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll then hike across the Karanga Valley, with a steady ascent to Karanga Camp (4,050 meters). This camp is strategically placed for acclimatization, and you’ll have the opportunity to rest and absorb the breathtaking scenery.

Day 5: Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (6 km)
Ascent: 605 m
altitude: 4700 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Your ascent continues as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,700 meters), the final camp before the summit push. The terrain becomes more barren and rocky as you approach the alpine desert zone. At Barafu, you’ll have an early dinner and rest, preparing for your summit attempt.

Day 6: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak To Mweka Camp

Hiking time: 12 – 14 hours (17 km)
Ascent: 1295 m
Descent: 2795 m
altitude: 5895 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist, or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 17 km)
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours (10 km)
Descent: 1300 m
altitude: 3100 m
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Accommodation: Parkview Inn

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi for shower and then later our driver will pick you and be transferred to Moshi at the hotel of your choice and this will mark the end of our tour.

View Tour Map

Explore the tour map to see your journey at a glance with key destinations, routes, and exciting highlights along the way.

Includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
4-Season mountain tents
Camping Facilities
Sleeping Bag & Pillows
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew
Portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon client’s request.

Excludes

Flights (International)
Visa fees
Travel or medical insurance
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew
Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.

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