Umbwe Route – 6 Days (Steep & challenging)
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Destinations: Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave → Barranco → Karanga → Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Trek Types: Private • Small-Group on request • Camping (advanced/fit hikers)
Starting Point/End: Moshi or Arusha (hotel pickup/drop-off)
Overview
The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s most direct and steep ascent—fast elevation gain, fewer crowds, and dramatic ridgelines through pristine forest. It joins the southern circuit at Barranco, then follows the scenic traverse to Barafu for the summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Best for fit, experienced trekkers comfortable with sustained climbs and thinner acclimatization margins.
Itinerary (Day by Day)
Day 1: Moshi/Arusha → Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave (Rainforest Ridge)
Register at the south-side gate. A steep, rooty trail climbs a narrow ridge through thick montane forest to Umbwe Cave Camp (~2,850 m).
Hike: ~4–6 hrs
Day 2: Umbwe Cave → Barranco Camp (Heath/Moorland)
Continue steeply onto open heath, then traverse to the head of the Great Barranco Valley under towering cliffs. Camp at Barranco (3,960 m).
Hike: ~5–6 hrs
Day 3: Barranco Wall → Karanga Valley
Fun, non-technical scramble up the Barranco Wall (hands for balance at times) with big views, then rolling terrain to Karanga Camp (~4,035 m). Afternoon rest and hydration.
Hike: ~4–5 hrs
Day 4: Karanga → Barafu (Summit Camp)
Short, steady climb over alpine scree to Barafu (4,673 m). Early dinner, summit briefing, and lights out—night ascent ahead.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Day 5: Summit Day – Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) for sunrise. Descend to Barafu for a hot drink, then continue down the Mweka route to Mweka Camp (~3,100 m).
Hike: 12–15 hrs total (ascent + descent)
Day 6: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi/Arusha
Final forest descent to Mweka Gate for summit certificates. Private transfer to your hotel—hot shower and celebration.
Hike: ~3–4 hrs
Safari Booking
Professional mountain team: lead guide(s), assistant guides, cook, and porter crew
Kilimanjaro park/conservation fees and mountain camping fees
Quality camping gear: sleeping tents, dining tent with tables/chairs, sleeping mats
All meals on the mountain (hearty breakfasts, packed or hot lunches, hot dinners) + hot drinks
Treated drinking water throughout the trek
Basic medical kit on the mountain (pulse oximeter; supplemental oxygen for emergencies)
Pre-trek briefing and gear check in Moshi/Arusha
Private transfers: hotel ↔ park gates (start and finish)
Summit certificates
International flights and Tanzania visa
Pre/post-trek hotels in Moshi/Arusha (available on request)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, down jacket; rentals available)
Travel insurance (recommended for high-altitude trekking)
Optional upgrades (private toilet tent, single-tent supplement)
Snacks/energy gels, bottled drinks, and personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for the mountain crew
Any services not mentioned as included