6 Days Kilimanjaro Summit Umbwe Route

Overview

The Umbwe Route is a lesser-known trail that deserves attention. Once considered a difficult path, it is indeed steeper during the first two days but remains accessible to many hikers. Starting from the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, it merges with the Lemosho and Machame routes on the third day, just before the Barranco Wall. One notable feature of the Umbwe Route is the solitude you’ll experience during the first two days, as you’ll rarely encounter other trekkers.

The route is available in 6- or 7-day itineraries, with the 7-day option being recommended for beginners without prior acclimatization. This scenic trail offers some of the best views on Kilimanjaro, takes you through all of the mountain’s climatic zones, and allows you to observe its unique flora and fauna.

Tour Itinerary

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by Kermali Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

After a hearty breakfast, a short drive will take you from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete park registration and officially begin your trek. The trail winds through lush rainforest, offering glimpses of exotic flora and fauna along the way. As you ascend, you’ll gradually gain elevation, eventually reaching Umbwe Cave Camp, your home for the night. Dinner will be served amidst the tranquility of the forest, setting the stage for the days ahead.

  • Elevation: 1,000m/3,280ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Distance: 11km/7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Leaving Umbwe Cave Camp behind, you’ll continue your journey through diverse terrain, including the challenging Barranco Wall. As you climb, the scenery changes from lush forest to open moorland, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s towering peaks. By midday, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, nestled in a scenic valley. Here, you’ll rest and recharge for the adventures to come.

  • Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,960m/13,000ft
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Distance: 6km/3.7 miles
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Habitat: Moorland

Today’s trek takes you from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, traversing the rugged landscapes of Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert. Along the way, you’ll navigate steep ridges and valleys, with breathtaking vistas unfolding at every turn. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night beneath the star-studded African sky.

  • Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to 4,035m/13,106ft
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 5km/3.1 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

As you ascend to Barafu Camp, the air grows thinner, and the landscape transforms into a barren, lunar-like expanse. Despite the challenging terrain, the camaraderie among your fellow trekkers and the promise of reaching new heights keeps you motivated. Upon reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll enjoy a hearty meal before resting in preparation for the final push to the summit.

  • Elevation: 4,035m/13,106ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 4km/2.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is the culmination of your journey as you embark on the exhilarating trek to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Beginning in the darkness of night, you’ll navigate steep switchbacks and icy terrain under the guidance of your experienced guides. As the sun rises over the horizon, you’ll reach Stella Point before continuing to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views and a profound sense of accomplishment. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the descent to Mweka Camp, where a warm meal and well-deserved rest await.

  • Elevation: 4,640m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft, then down to 3,100m/10,170ft
  • Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
  • Distance: 17km/10.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Very Difficult
  • Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest

Your final day on the mountain begins with a leisurely descent through the lush rainforest, retracing your steps back to Mweka Gate. Along the way, you’ll savor the sights and sounds of the forest, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll bid farewell to your guides and porters before transferring back to Moshi. Here, you’ll enjoy a hot shower, a delicious meal, and a well-deserved night of rest in the comfort of your hotel.

  • Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,650m/5,413ft
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 10km/6.2 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Habitat: Rainforest

Say goodbye to the extraordinary Kilimanjaro trek. We’ll transport you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Alternatively, extend your journey with a thrilling wildlife safari or a peaceful vacation to Zanzibar.

Tour Route Map

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Tour Includes & Excludes

  • Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
  • Park fees.
  • Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
  • 18% VAT.
  • 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
  • Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
  • Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
  • Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
  • Camping tables (On camping routes only).
  • Solar lighting in dining tent.
  • Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
  • Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
  • Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
  • Altitude sickness checklist.
  • Full trip and safety briefing.
  • Fully stocked first aid kit.
  • Wash basin for each climber at camp.
  • Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
  • Snacks upon arrival in camp.
  • Drinking water and fruit juices.
  • Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
  • 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn OR Sal Salinero Hotel depending on availability.
  •  Tips.
  • Visas.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Laundry.
  • Insurances.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
  • Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
  • Transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
  • Park fees.
  • Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
  • 18% VAT.
  • 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
  • Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
  • Foam camping matress (On camping routes only).
  • Camping chairs (on camping routes only).
  • Camping tables (On camping routes only).
  • Food resupply (Once on trek).
  • Solar lighting in dining tent.
  • Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
  • Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
  • Hyperbaric presuure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
  • Chemical toilet (1 per every 5 pax).
  • Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients (B/L/D).
  • AED heart saving machine.
  • Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
  • Altitude sickness checklist.
  • Full trip and safety briefing.
  • Fully stocked first aid kit.
  • Wash basin for each climber at camp.
  • Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
  • Snacks upon arrival in camp.
  • VHF radios.
  • Drinking water and fruit juices.
  • Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
  • Food resupply (once on trek).
  • 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
  • Tips.
  • Visas.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Laundry.
  • Insurances.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
  • Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)
  • Private transport from our base hotel in Moshi to the Mountain gate and back to our base hotel in Moshi.
  • Park fees.
  • Fees of national park approved guide and porters.
  • 18% VAT.
  • 4 Season mountaineering tents (On camping routes only).
  • Comfortable mess tents (On camping routes only).
  • 2 Foam camping mattresses for each client (On camping routes only).
  • Camping chairs (On camping routes only).
  • Camping tables (On camping routes only).
  • Hot water bottle for sleeping bag.
  • Personal porter for carrying day packs.
  • Bottled water throughout the climb.
  • Food resupply (Once on trek).
  • Solar lighting in dining tent.
  • Solar lighting in sleeping tent.
  • Kilimanjaro Map for each client.
  • Daily health monitoring (Twice a day with an oximeter).
  • Oxygen cylinder (1 cylinder per every 4 pax).
  • Hyperbaric pressure bag (1 per every 5 pax).
  • Chemical toilets (1 per every 5 pax).
  • Delicious food on the mountain depending on the dietary requirements of the clients. (B/L/D).
  • AED heart saving machine.
  • Souveniers for each client after the climb.
  • Hot water for getting fresh in the morning and once you reach camp.
  • Altitude sickness checklist.
  • Full trip and safety briefing.
  • Fully stocked first aid kit.
  • Wash basin for each climber at camp.
  • Three delicious and hearty meals per day.
  • Snacks upon arrival in camp.
  • VHF radios.
  • Bottled drinking water and fruit juices.
  • Experienced cooks, guides and porters.
  • 2 Nights hotel in Moshi HB (B/A the climb) in either Park View Inn, Sal Salinero Hotel OR Panama Garden Resort depending on availability.
  • Tips.
  • Visas.
  • Airline tickets.
  • Airport transfers.
  • Airport taxes.
  • Laundry.
  • Insurances.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Other beverages apart from fruit juices and mineral water given on the first day of the climb and boiled water given during the climb.
  • Other equipments on the mountain. (other than tents, camping table and chairs). (Mountain gear)

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