Umbwe Route – 6 Days / 5 Nights

Tour Overview

The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s most direct, steep, and least-traveled path—ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and a bold challenge. Known for its dramatic ridgelines and rapid elevation gain, this route offers unmatched adventure, panoramic views, and a sense of true wilderness. While not technical, it demands solid fitness, strong willpower, and the ability to adapt quickly to altitude.

Tour Type

Trekking

Place To visit

Umbwe Gate, Umbwe Cave, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Summit, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate

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FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi – Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp

Your Kilimanjaro climb begins at Umbwe Gate after registration. The trail starts with a steep ascent through dense montane rainforest, following a narrow, winding path alongside the Umbwe River. The air is humid and the trail can be slippery, so tread carefully. After 6 hours of hiking, you’ll reach UMBWE CAVE CAMP at approx. 2,900 meters, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by forest canopy.                     
Hiking Distance: 11 km
Elevation: 1,600 m to 2,900 m
Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp

The trail quickly exits the forest zone, transitioning into moorland. The path becomes steeper and more rugged as you climb along exposed ridges. As you gain altitude, the dramatic Western Breach and towering cliffs of Kibo become visible through the mist. After about 4–5 hours, you’ll reach BARRANCO CAMP at approx. 3,970 meters, set in a scenic valley below the Breach Wall.
Hiking Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 2,940 m to 3,970 m
Habitat: Moorland / Montane Forest

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

You begin the day with a scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, an exhilarating and scenic start to the morning. From the top, traverse through alpine desert terrain, with panoramic views of the icefalls on Kibo’s southern face. After a 4-hour hike, descend into the Karanga Valley and reach KARANGA CAMP at approx. 3,930 m
Hiking Distance: 7 km
Elevation: 3,950 m to 3,930 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Continue ascending gradually across arid highlands to BARAFU CAMP, situated at 4,600 meters. This is the base for your summit push. The trail joins the Mweka descent route here. Once at camp, rest and prepare your gear for the night’s summit attempt. Enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo rising above the clouds.
Hiking Distance: 6 km
Elevation: 3,930 m to 4,600 m
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

You’ll begin the final ascent just before midnight. The trail leads steeply up scree slopes to Stella Point (5,732 meters), where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise. Continue along the crater rim to UHURU PEAK (5,895 meters) – the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point in Africa. After taking photos and soaking in the views, descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and meal, then continue down to MWEKA CAMP (3,100 meters) for your overnight stay.
Hiking Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent
Elevation: 4,600 m to 5,895 m (then down to 3,100 m)    
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 7–8 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic / Alpine Desert / Montane Forest

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha/Moshi

Enjoy breakfast and begin your final descent through lush rainforest to MWEKA GATE (approx. 1,800 meters). After receiving your summit certificates, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. Expect muddy trails, especially if it has rained—gaiters and trekking poles are useful here.
Hiking Distance: 8 km
Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,800 m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

Book This Tour

Book This Tour