Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the steepest, most direct way up Kilimanjaro, for fit and experienced hikers. What to expect, and our Umbwe climbs.
Also on this route: 8 Days Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro climb
6 Days Umbwe Route
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro offers six established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. Marangu, Machame and Umbwe start on the south side of the mountain. Lemosho and Shira start in the west. Rongai comes in from the north, close to Kenya. Every route except Marangu and Rongai comes down via Mweka.
The 6-Day Umbwe Route: hard work, big views
The Umbwe Route is known as the steepest and most direct way up to the Southern Glaciers, the Western Breach and Uhuru Peak. Many climbers think it is the best-looking non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is also very hard going, so it is not for everyone.
Because it gains height so quickly, the Umbwe Route asks a lot of your body.
Route itinerary
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Day 1 Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Distance 9.6km / 6miHiking 6-8hrsZone Moorland
We drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. While we wait for the permits, you can watch the crews pack and get ready for the climb. Then you set off through the rainforest on winding trails, and your guide tells you about the plants and animals along the way. Down here the trail can be muddy and slippery, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys, up through thick montane forest. Camp sits among huge trees and dense undergrowth.
- Elevation
- 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
- Altitude gained
- 1293m
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Day 2 Umbwe Cave – Barranco Camp Distance 4.75km / 3miHiking 4-6hrsZone Moorland
After a night’s sleep and a big breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind. The path climbs steeply along the Umbwe ridge, then drops a little to Barranco Camp in the valley. It starts to get colder from here.
- Elevation
- 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude gained
- 1042m
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Day 3 Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp Distance 5.2km / 3miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
After breakfast, you climb the steep Barranco Wall, a fun scramble, and go on to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Today you really see how strong and nimble your crew are. They move up the wall with heavy loads as if it were nothing. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
- Elevation
- 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude gained
- 48m
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Day 4 Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp Distance 3.3km / 2 miHiking 3-4hrsZone Alpine Desert
You keep climbing to Barafu Camp. When you get there, you have finished the South Circuit, which shows you the summit from many different angles. Dinner is early, then you rest before summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
- Elevation
- 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude gained
- 628m
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Day 5 Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp Distance 4.86km / 3mi up; 11.5km / 7.1mi downHiking 5-7hrs; 5-6hrsZone Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Altitude gain: 1233m
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude lost: 2789mYou wake up very early and set off between midnight and 2 a.m. Everyone is a bit nervous and excited. This is the hardest part of the trek, for both body and mind.
You climb between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, working to stay warm and keep your mind on the goal. The path zigzags to the northwest through heavy scree up to Stella Point on the crater rim. You stop here for a short rest, often just as the sun comes up, and the sunrise is beautiful. Faster hikers may see it from the summit instead. The last 1 hour up to Uhuru Peak usually has snow the whole way.
Well done. One step at a time, you have reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in all of Africa.
There is time for photos, hugs and maybe a few happy tears. Then the steep descent to Mweka Camp begins, with a stop at Barafu for lunch and a short rest. The ground is loose gravel and volcanic ash, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. In the evening you can finally rest and enjoy your last night on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp.
- Elevation
- 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude lost
- 2789m
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Day 6 Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi Distance 9.1km / 5.7miHiking 3-4hrsZone Rainforest
After breakfast, you say thank you and goodbye to your crew in a small ceremony. Then you walk down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. It gets much warmer on the way down, and the trail is wet, muddy and steep, so we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
- Elevation
- 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude lost
- 1473m
Tour price includes
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Quality Imported Equipments
Tour price excludes
- Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
- beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
- Flights, Visa fees, Gamow Bag, and Medication
Before you go
Route guide
About the Umbwe Route
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