Kilimanjaro Tours

6-Day Umbwe Route – Kilimanjaro Climb

Tour Overview

The Umbwe Route is known for being the shortest and steepest trail to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Best suited for experienced trekkers or those seeking a true challenge, this route offers breathtaking views, dense rainforest paths, and dramatic ridgelines leading to the majestic Uhuru Peak. Though physically demanding, it’s one of the most scenic and least crowded routes. Climbers ascending via the Umbwe Route are rewarded with panoramic vistas of towering cliffs, glacier views, and the unique alpine desert of Kilimanjaro’s upper reaches. The rapid ascent, however, allows limited time for acclimatization, so this route is ideal for well-prepared adventurers. This 6-day itinerary allows determined trekkers to push through remote wilderness, reach the summit via the Southern Circuit, and descend through the lush Mweka Route. With the guidance of professional mountain crews, each step brings you closer to Africa’s highest peak and a life-changing adventure.

Tour Gallery

Day by Day

Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Moshi

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After check-in, take time to rest, explore the town, or attend a pre-climb briefing with your mountain guide. You’ll go through equipment checks and get introduced to the team who’ll accompany you on the climb. Dinner and overnight at your hotel, preparing mentally and physically for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to Umbwe Gate for registration and final preparations. The trail starts with a steep ascent through lush, dense rainforest, often misty with the sounds of tropical birds. The path is narrow and winding, climbing rapidly along a ridge. You’ll take breaks to enjoy the forest scenery and occasional glimpses of Kibo Peak. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp. Here, nestled in the thick forest, you’ll have dinner and rest for the night. Elevation gain: 1,050m.

Leaving the forest behind, you’ll ascend along a steep, rocky ridge with decreasing vegetation. The landscape shifts to heather and moorland zones as you reach higher altitudes. Expect panoramic views of the valleys below and towering cliffs above. By midday, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, situated beneath the impressive Barranco Wall. This scenic campsite offers great views of the Southern Icefields. Dinner is served while your body adjusts to the altitude. The trek lasts about 5–6 hours, and today’s gain helps acclimatization.

The day starts with the exciting scramble up Barranco Wall, a challenging but non-technical climb offering stunning views of the mountain’s southern glaciers. After the wall, the trail becomes gentler, traversing valleys and ridges. You’ll stop at Karanga Camp for acclimatization, a crucial step in your summit preparation. The terrain here is semi-desert, with surreal alpine scenery. Rest, hydrate, and enjoy dinner at camp. The trek takes 4–5 hours, allowing plenty of time for acclimatization before pushing higher.

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll continue upward across barren alpine terrain toward Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The trail is steady but challenging due to the thinning air. Upon arrival in the early afternoon, you’ll rest, eat an early dinner, and prepare for the midnight summit push. Get your gear ready, as the next day is the most demanding and rewarding of your climb. Trek duration is around 3–4 hours, conserving energy for the summit.

You’ll begin your summit trek just after midnight, navigating by headlamp over scree slopes. The trail is tough and cold, but steady pacing leads to Stella Point (5,756m) by sunrise. From there, it’s a final push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. Celebrate at the summit, take photos, then begin the long descent. You’ll return to Barafu for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for dinner and overnight. Expect 12–14 hours of trekking today—your greatest triumph on Kilimanjaro!

Your final descent continues through the rainforest, rich in birdlife and lush undergrowth. After 3–4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will transfer you back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned shower and rest at your hotel. Celebrate your incredible achievement with your guides and fellow climbers—conquering Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route is no small feat!

This Tour Includes

  • Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International)
  • Pre and post-trek hotel accommodation in Moshi
  • All park fees and mountain rescue fees
  • Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
  • Accommodation in mountain huts
  • All meals on the mountain
  • Drinking water and oxygen cylinder (emergency use)
  • Government VAT and climbing permits

This Tour does Not Includes

  • International flights
  • Tanzanian visa
  • Tips for crew (recommended)
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Snacks, drinks, and personal items

TOUR PRICE

From

$ 3250

Per Person

WHY BOOK WITH US?

Tour Price

Number of people
1 Pax
2 Pax
3 Pax
4 Pax
5 Pax
6 Pax
7 Pax
Tour Price
$ 3070
$ 2375
$ 2160

$ 2092

$ 2040

$ 1950

$ 1900

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

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