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
Inquire The Tour
Ready to plan your next trip?
Experience personalized travel at its finest with Kermali Tours & Safaris. Every journey we create is thoughtfully tailored to match your individual tastes, passions, and dreams, making sure every detail reflects what matters most to you.
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)
Related Tours You May Like
- Mountain Hiking
- Mountain Hiking
- Mountain Hiking
- Mountain Hiking
Words from Satisfied Customers
Posted on Sonu M2024-05-13Verified Luxury in the wild. A Tanzanian safari with Kermali Tours felt like a journey into luxury amidst the wild. The precisely selected luxurious lodges, charismatic driver guide (Honest), gourmet dining, and exclusive game drives made our wildlife experience truly exceptional.Posted on Vasantbhai P2024-04-29Verified Better experience Absolutely amazing safari experience with Kermali Tours and Safaris! Our Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari was excellent and flawless. Our guide James was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about conservation, which added depth to our experience. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious. I would definitely book a safari again with Kermali Tours.Posted on Relax625637326952024-04-29Verified Unforgettable experience An unforgettable experience with Kermali Tours and Safaris! From the moment we arrived in Tanzania, the staff made us feel like family. Our guide Godwin was incredibly knowledgeable, taking us on thrilling safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro where we saw lions, elephants, and more. The accommodations were luxurious, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend Kermali Tours to anyone who wants to enjoy a Tanzanian safari.Posted on Bharat S2024-04-28Verified Best experience Kermali Tours and Safaris delivered an exceptional Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti lodge safari experience from start to finish. The itinerary was well-planned, allowing us to see a wide variety of wildlife and landscapes. Our guide Godwin's expertise and professionalism made us feel safe and comfortable at all times. The accommodations were luxurious, and the food was delicious. I can't wait to return and explore more with this fantastic company.Posted on Shabnam H2024-02-29Verified Going on a VIP Safari and Kili Climb with Kermali Tours & Safaris was an unparalleled experience! Our VIP group was trea Going on a VIP Safari and Kili Climb with Kermali Tours & Safaris was an unparalleled experience! Our VIP group was treated to a new level of luxury as we conquered Kilimanjaro's Lemosho Route, and the indulgent safari at Ngorongoro and Serengeti elevated our journey even further. Kermali Tours provided us with an unwavering commitment by offering us with exceptional VIP services and lavish experiences which truly distinguishes them in the realm of luxury travel.Posted on RAJABALI HASSAN K2023-12-30Verified An amazing experience Kermali Tours & Safaris planned a lavish retreat for our sophisticated group of explorers. The exclusive Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro offered a unique experience, and Kermali's top-tier services enhanced the entire expedition. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari presented luxury harmoniously intertwined with nature. Our group was thoroughly impressed by Kermali's flawless incorporation of extravagance into every facet of the adventure.Posted on Fizza K2023-12-26Verified Lovely Adventure Our adventurous team went on an exciting journey with Kermali Tours & Safaris! Choosing the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro delivered an exhilarating climb, complemented by Kermali's exceptional safety protocols. The Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park safari offered a distinctive blend of nature and wildlife exploration, underscoring Kermali's mastery in curating dynamic and unforgettable experiences.Posted on Muhammad M2023-12-24Verified Amazing Adventure Kermali Tours & Safaris ensured our family reunion was unforgettable as we took on the Northern Circuit Route up Kilimanjaro. The ascent was tailored to accommodate various age groups, and Kermali's thoughtful consideration of family dynamics added to the overall enjoyment. The Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro safari provided an exceptional experience for wildlife enthusiasts spanning different generations.Posted on bigbellymike232023-12-21Verified A Guy Who Deserves Recognition Abdul at Kermali really knows how deliver true Tanzanian Hospitality. He really understands what we (as visitors) are looking for which is why I personally vouch for his services all the time. We needed a lot of flexibility during our trip and he wasn't too fussed about all the changes we kept making. All he cared about was our comfort and that's it. Yeah - everyone has glowing reviews on TripAdvisor - but it's the ones who treat you best that really count. And Abdul's one of those who puts you above everything else when you're in his care.Posted on dally S2023-12-16Verified Great great experience Going on an unforgettable expedition with Kermali Tours & Safaris was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Choosing the Marangu Route for its distinctive challenges added an extra layer of excitement. Kermali's seasoned guides and tailored assistance significantly enhanced the overall climbing enjoyment. The subsequent exploration of Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater revealed the captivating beauty of Tanzania. Kermali Tours' unwavering dedication to responsible tourism and environmental preservation was apparent at every step of the journey. Without a doubt, this was an expedition filled with meaningful adventure!