Umbwe Route 8 Days
- 8 day adventure, 6 of which include 3 meals a day
- 2 nights of accommodation in Moshi, breakfast included
- Airport Pickup from Kilimanjaro Airport
- All Ground Transfers
- Accommodation while trekking*
- National Park Entry Fees
- Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
- Porter service on the trek
- First aid kit
- Trip completion certificate
- Farewell Dinner
What's Included?
*The Umbwe Route is tent camping.
The Umbwe Route, while not technically difficult, is certainly the most challenging route to Uhuru Peak. If you are up to the challenge you will be rewarded with stunning views and fewer crowds while you climb through Kilimanjaro's pristine forests and foothills.
As you climb the environment shifts around you, from lush forest to alpine mountains while the Kibo Massif looms above you. The route combines with the Machame Route at the Barranco Camp, and continuing up the famous Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp. It's a half-day climb from Karanga Camp through high alpine desert to get to Barafu Camp where you will take a brief rest before the final push to the summit.
You'll break camp shortly before midnight for the legendary Kilimanjaro summit hike, a night climb for the last few kilometers to the Roof of Africa. Enjoy the sunrise from Uhuru Peak, bask in the view from the highest point on the continent for a few moments, and then it's time to start the descent to Mweka camp for a well-earned rest before your return to Moshi.
This route is faster and steeper than others on the mountain. Climbers have to be careful in regards to acclimatization on this route since they are spending a longer time at higher elevations with a relatively quick ascent.
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Meet your guide and review your equipment in the evening in preparation for the trek the following day.Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1800m) - Umbwe Cave (2850m)
(2850 meters / 9350 feet)Distance: ~10.5km / 6 miles
Trekking time: 5-7 hours
The day begins with a drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, where you'll check in with the Park Service, weigh your bags and meet your porters. From there, you'll start your climb through the rainforest foothills of Kilimanjaro for 5 to 7 hours to reach Umbwe Cave Camp.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave (2850m) - (2940m) - Barranco Camp (3950m)
(3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)Distance: ~6.5km / 3.5 miles
Trekking time: 4-6 hours
Today the landscape shifts from rainforest to mountain heaths as vegetation gives way to large rock outcroppings. You'll follow the narrow Umbwe Ridge into the Barranco Valley, where the Umbwe Route begins to merge with the Machame Route before ending the day at the Barranco Camp. You'll rest in the shadow of Kibo summit before climbing the famous Barranco Wall in the morning.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3950m) - Karanga Camp (4000m)
(4000 meters / 13,123 feet)Distance: 9 km / 5 miles
Trekking time: 5-8 hours
The day starts with a challenging climb up the steep Barranco Wall. This includes some scrambling, but is not a technical climb. Remember to use your hands and look where you step and you'll be over the wall and dropping into the Karanga Valley before lunch. You'll follow the circuit across the valley to Karanga Camp, resting at 4000m.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4000m) to Barafu (4645m)
(4645 meters / 14,240 feet)Distance: 3.5 km / 2 miles
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
Day 5 is a shorter climb as you make your way to Barafu and prepare for your assault on Uhuru Peak. You'll arrive in camp early, and have some time to rest and prepare for your ascent that night. Pack your headlamp, water, and other essentials and get a few hours' sleep, you'll be back on the trail by midnight for the fabled climb to Kilimanjaro's summit.
Day 6: Barafu (4645m) - Summit (5895m) - Mweka (3090m)
(5,895 meters / 19,340 feet)Distance: 5 km / 3 miles ascent, 12 km / 7 miles descent
Trekking time: 10-16 hours
Today's the day. You'll leave Barafu at midnight and begin your night climb to the Roof of Africa. This stretch will push you, as your body is tired and the climb keeps going through the night. Keep a steady pace and listen to your guides as you make it through the final stage of the climb.
Standing at Uhuru Peak, watching the sun rise and the clouds run below you, you'll be glad you kept pushing.
After a brief rest and a few photos from the peak you'll be back on the trail. Descending is faster and easier, but you have a ways to go today. Going down you will head back to Barafu Hut for a short nap and snacks before continuing down to Mweka camp (3068m/10,065feet) for the night.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi
(1640 meters / 5380 feet)Distance: ~9km / 6 miles
Trekking time: 3-5 hours
From Mweka campsite it is a half-day descent through the forest to Mweka gate to collect certificates and meet the vehicle. Return to Moshi for the night, enjoy a hot shower and have a final farewell dinner with your guides.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, according to your flight time we will drop you at the airport or assist you in catching the shuttle to Nairobi. End of our services.
- For visas please click here.
- All the meals are included on the climb but we only include breakfast while you are in Moshi.
- We suggest a minimum tip for your climbing staff of $250. (Please Review our Tip Guidelines).
Extra Cost and Exclusions
- We will provide tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad.
- We will provide a duffel bag that you repack your personal gear into for the porter to carry.
- You are responsible to bring your own personal gear (Check gear list).
