6 Days Umbwe Route
A steep and demanding approach suited to trekkers who understand its acclimatization challenges.
This climbing program follows the established camp or hut sequence for the selected Kilimanjaro route. Daily walking times and distances are approximate because pace, weather, trail conditions and acclimatization affect each trekking day. Mountain guides monitor the group throughout the climb and may adjust timing for safety.
Main Areas on This Tour
This route is arranged to keep the program practical while allowing useful time in the principal places listed below. The final order can change when seasonal conditions, accommodation location, park access or flight times require an adjustment.
- Mount Kilimanjaro
Highlights Along the Route
These are the principal areas connected to this itinerary. The exact wildlife, weather and local conditions are different on every departure.
Mount Kilimanjaro
A steep and demanding approach suited to trekkers who understand its acclimatization challenges.
Detailed Daily Program
Open each day for the full description. The program below is based on the tour material supplied for this website; final lodge names, operating times and any optional activities are confirmed with the quotation.
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Experience & Practical Details
Walking time is approximate and depends on group pace, weather, trail conditions and altitude response.
Guides control the pace, rest stops and daily mountain routine with acclimatization and safety in mind.
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate.
The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view.
Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Experience & Practical Details
Umbwe is a steep, direct Kilimanjaro approach and is generally considered one of the more demanding route options.
Because altitude is gained quickly, suitability should be discussed carefully before booking.
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres above sea level.
Summit timing depends on pace, weather, trail conditions and each climber’s response to altitude.
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias.
As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.
Experience & Practical Details
Umbwe is a steep, direct Kilimanjaro approach and is generally considered one of the more demanding route options.
Because altitude is gained quickly, suitability should be discussed carefully before booking.
Barranco is an important acclimatization area on Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.
The Barranco Wall is a steep hiking section that is completed on foot with guide support; it is not a technical rock climb on the standard route.
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb.
After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Experience & Practical Details
Barranco is an important acclimatization area on Kilimanjaro’s southern circuit.
The Barranco Wall is a steep hiking section that is completed on foot with guide support; it is not a technical rock climb on the standard route.
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers.
Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Experience & Practical Details
Machame is a camping route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the south and uses a varied ascent profile before descending via Mweka.
The route includes important acclimatization sections, and the daily pace is controlled by the mountain guides.
Barafu is the main high camp used before summit attempts on several southern Kilimanjaro routes.
Rest, hydration, equipment preparation and an early night are important before the summit departure.
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek.
The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring.
The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Experience & Practical Details
Barafu is the main high camp used before summit attempts on several southern Kilimanjaro routes.
Rest, hydration, equipment preparation and an early night are important before the summit departure.
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 metres above sea level.
Summit timing depends on pace, weather, trail conditions and each climber’s response to altitude.
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
Experience & Practical Details
Mweka is the standard descent route for several Kilimanjaro itineraries.
The descent moves rapidly from alpine terrain back toward rainforest and the park exit.
What Is Normally Included
- Professional guiding for the confirmed tour
- Transport and transfers specifically shown in the final itinerary
- Accommodation and meals specifically listed in the quotation
- National park, conservation or activity fees specifically listed in the quotation
- Drinking water during the operating tour where stated
- Government taxes applicable to the included services where stated
What Is Normally Excluded
- International flights and Tanzania visa costs
- Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal equipment, laundry and beverages unless included
- Optional activities not shown in the final quotation
- Any service not specifically listed under inclusions
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