6 Day Umbwe Route

Umbwe Route – The Shortest, Steepest, and Most Challenging Trail on Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Overview

The Umbwe Route is a challenging yet rewarding path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. This route is shorter, steeper, and offers stunning scenery as it approaches the summit from the south. It’s considered one of the less traveled routes on the mountain.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi or Arusha

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our driver will greet you. The journey to Moshi takes about 45 minutes, while Arusha is about an hour away with no traffic. You’ll have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and the opportunity to get any rental items you may need and pack for the trek. You can store extra luggage at your hotel. If time allows, we recommend an extra rest day before starting your trek.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Chanya Lodge or Forest Hills Hotel in Arusha City (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp

We’ll drive from Moshi or Arusha to the Umbwe Gate and begin the climb through the rainforest with a packed lunch.

Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (Budget)

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Today, the first section of the trail will be steeper than on the first day, with muddy slopes making the ascent more challenging. As you climb higher, you’ll enter the heather and moorland zone, characterized by Erica tree heathers. You’ll continue on the ridge with views into the Umbwe Valley until you reach Rope Rock, the steepest wall on any of the mountain’s routes. Your guide will assist you in navigating this rocky passage. Afterward, the trail’s gradient eases as you make your way to picturesque Barranco Camp, where you’ll rest for the night and enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and the Great Barranco Wall.

Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft

Distance: 11km/7mi

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Budget)

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, you’ll ascend the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, where you’ll connect with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft

Distance: 5km/3mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Budget)

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continuing upwards, you’ll reach Barafu Camp, marking the completion of the South Circuit. This route offers varied summit views.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft

Distance: 4km/2mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Budget)

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, Descend to Mweka Camp

In the early morning (between midnight and 2 am), continue your ascent to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. After reaching Stella Point on the crater rim, take a short rest and enjoy a magnificent sunrise. Then, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may need gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel during the descent.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Descending to 3090m/10,150ft

Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Mweka Camp (Budget)

Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi or Arusha

After breakfast, continue your descent to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it may be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts will be sufficient to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka Village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft

Distance: 10km/6mi

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Chanya Lodge in Moshi or Forest Hills in Arusha City (Mid-Range)

Day 8: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport

Drive to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure or continue your safari.

Meals: Breakfast