6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via the Mweka route.
The Umbwe Route is known for being the steepest and most direct route to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach, and Uhuru Peak. It is highly scenic and non-technical, but it is also the most challenging due to the rapid ascent to high altitudes. This route is best suited for experienced trekkers who are accustomed to high-altitude climbing.
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Difficulty: Very High
- Scenery: Very Good
- Traffic: Very Low
UMBWE ROUTE ELEVATIONS
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at The Maridadi Hotel B&B. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing, gear check, and to arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.
- Distance: 9.6 km / 6 mi
- Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
- Altitude Gained: 1293m
Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After obtaining permits and watching the preparations, start your trek through the rainforest, enjoying the local flora and fauna. The trail can be muddy and slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. The path follows a ridge between two valleys up through dense montane forest to Umbwe Cave Camp.
- Distance: 4.75 km / 3 mi
- Time: 4-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft
- Altitude Gained: 1042m
After breakfast, continue on a steep ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. The path becomes less steep as you approach Barranco Camp, located in a valley. Temperatures start to drop as you gain altitude.
- Distance: 5.2 km / 3 mi
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
- Altitude Gained: 48m
Today’s trek involves climbing the Barranco Wall, an adventurous and challenging section. After ascending the wall, traverse ridges and valleys to reach Karanga Camp. Enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape and the agility of the porters.
- Distance: 3.3 km / 2 mi
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
- Altitude Gained: 628m
Continue upwards towards Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers various stunning views of the summit from different angles. After reaching Barafu Camp, have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the summit attempt.
- Distance: 4.86 km / 3 mi up, 11.5 km / 7.1 mi down
- Time: 5-7 hours up, 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Glaciers, Snow-Capped Summit
- Elevation: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
- Altitude Gained: 1233m
Descent to: 3106m/10,190ft - Altitude Lost: 2789m
Start the summit attempt early, between midnight and 2 a.m. The ascent is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. Proceed in a switchback motion towards Stella Point on the crater rim. After a short rest, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating the achievement, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest and then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.
- Distance: 9.1 km / 5.7 mi
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Elevation: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
- Altitude Lost: 1473m
After breakfast and a farewell ceremony with your crew, continue the descent to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificates. The descent path can be wet and muddy; gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. A vehicle will transfer you from Mweka Village to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.
Overnight at The Maridadi Hotel B&B before transferring to your journey home, safari, or a relaxing trip to Zanzibar.
ITINERARY MAP
Trekking Costs
- Solo Climber Add-on Charge: $350
- Solo climber add-on charge: $350.
Crew List Idea for 2 Clients
- 1 Lead guide
- 1 Assistant guide
- 1 Cook
- 1 Waiter
- 1 Toilet porter (magic word: Pilot)
- 8 Regular porters
- Prices quoted are subject to current Government Regulated Park Fees at the time.
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PRICE
Includes
Excludes
- 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
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Portable private toilet and porter
- Quality imported equipment
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel or medical insurance
- Gamow Bag
- Medication
- Tips for porters and mountain crew (recommended $350 per person).
- Personal spending money for souvenirs, etc.
- Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.
- Additional lodge nights for acclimatizing ($150 for one room bed and breakfast)
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