- Duration: 7 Days trekking
- Tour Type : Daily Tour
- Group Size: Unlimited
- Languages: Africa, English
Overview
The Umbwe Route is the steepest, most direct route to Kilimanjaro’s summit, making it one of the most challenging but also the least crowded. It is recommended for experienced trekkers or those with strong physical fitness. The route offers breathtaking scenery, from dense rainforest to alpine desert and finally to the glaciated summit.
Itinerary Overview:
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Elevation Gain: 5,895m (19,341ft)
- Accommodation: Tents
- Difficulty: Challenging
Itinerary
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), transfer to a hotel in Moshi/Arusha.
- Meet the mountain guides, briefing on the climb, and final equipment check.
- Overnight stay in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Distance: 11km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Elevation Gain: +1,050m
- Habitat: Montane rainforest
Trek Details:
- Drive from Moshi/Arusha to Umbwe Gate (1,800m) (~2-hour drive).
- Register with Kilimanjaro National Park before beginning the ascent.
- The trail starts steeply through dense rainforests, home to colobus monkeys and tropical birds.
- Steep terrain with thick vegetation, requiring strong endurance.
- Reach Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m) for dinner and overnight camping.
- Distance: 6km
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Elevation Gain: +1,050m
- Habitat: Moorland
Trek Details:
- The forest thins as you ascend into heath and moorland.
- Views of Kibo Peak and the Western Breach start emerging.
- Join the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, offering stunning views of the Barranco Wall.
- Overnight at Barranco Camp (3,900m).
- Distance: 5km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +95m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Trek Details:
- Start the day by climbing the Barranco Wall (4,200m)—a thrilling scramble with panoramic views.
- Descend into the Karanga Valley, followed by a final ascent to Karanga Camp (3,995m).
- A shorter hike to help with acclimatization.
- Rest, relax, and prepare for the next stage.
- Distance: 4km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Elevation Gain: +678m
- Habitat: Alpine desert
Trek Details:
- Hike through a barren, rocky landscape, with strong winds and cold temperatures.
- Arrive at Barafu Camp (4,673m)—your base for the summit attempt.
- Early dinner, followed by rest before the midnight summit push.
- Distance: 17km (Uhuru Peak: 5km | Descent: 12km)
- Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
- Elevation Gain: +1,222m (summit)
- Elevation Loss: -2,827m (descent)
- Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
Trek Details:
- Midnight departure for the summit attempt.
- The route leads through steep, rocky terrain to Stella Point (5,739m) on the crater rim.
- A final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
- After enjoying spectacular sunrise views, descend back to Barafu Camp, rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp (3,068m)
- Distance: 10km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Elevation Loss: -1,428m
- Habitat: Rainforest
Trek Details:
- Descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m).
- Receive a summit certificate at the park office.
- Transfer back to Moshi/Arusha for a celebration meal and overnight stay.