Tour view
The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most challenging paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 6-day trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a short, direct route with spectacular scenery and fewer climbers.
Duration: 6 Days
Difficulty: Strenuous
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (via Machame Drive)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
Highlights
- Shortest and most direct route to the summit
- Spectacular south and southwest views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks
- Quiet and less crowded than Machame or Lemosho
- Excellent acclimatization through steep climbs and ridge trekking
Detailed Itinerary
Drive (~50 min) from Moshi to Machame Gate for registration, then continue through villages and plantations to Umbwe Gate. Trek through dense rainforest along steep forestry tracks to Umbwe Camp.
- Elevation: 5,249 ft → 9,514 ft (1,600 m → 2,900 m)
- Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
- Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
- Habitat: Heath & Montane Forest
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner Included
Ascend rockier terrain with sparse vegetation. Enjoy views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers as you approach Barranco Valley, descending through the unique Senecio Forest.
- Elevation: 9,514 ft → 13,044 ft (2,900 m → 3,975 m)
- Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Descend into the ravine at the base of Barranco Wall, then climb the steep 900 ft wall. Cross hills and valleys to Karanga Camp. A shorter day designed for acclimatization.
- Elevation: 13,044 ft → 13,106 ft (3,975 m → 3,995 m)
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Trek from Karanga via the junction connecting to Mweka Trail. Reach Barafu Camp, the final stop before the summit. Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Early dinner and rest for the summit push.
- Elevation: 13,106 ft → 15,331 ft (3,995 m → 4,670 m)
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Wake around midnight for the summit push. Ascend steep scree toward Stella Point (5,861 m) for sunrise over Mawenzi. Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
- Elevation: 15,331 ft → 19,341 ft → 10,065 ft (4,670 m → 5,895 m → 3,070 m)
- Distance: 5 km up / 12 km down
- Hiking Time: 7–8 hours up / 4–6 hours down
- Habitat: Arctic Summit & Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Descend through montane forest to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificate, then transfer to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation: 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft (3,070 m → 1,640 m)
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast Included
Includes/Excludes
What’s Included
- Private Transportation to and from your selected Route
- Airport pick up
- Certified, experienced, English speaking mountain guides
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- All Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
- Government Climbing Taxes
- Camping fees (part of park fees)
- Climbing permits
- All hot Meals prepared by our cook while on Mountain
- Guides, Porters and Cook Salaries
- Fair and ethical treatment of Porters
- Enough porters to carry your luggage
- Personal Summit Certificate signed by the National
- Park and your Guide
Not Included
- Personal items and toiletries
- Accommodation before & After trek
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Tips for guides, porters and cook
- International airfares and departure taxes
- All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Visa and International flight tickets fees.
FAQ – Umbwe Route
No, Umbwe is steep and challenging; recommended for experienced hikers.
Approximately 65–75%, depending on fitness and acclimatization.
January–March and June–October offer the best weather conditions.
