6 days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

Overview

The Umbwe Route is the most direct and challenging path to Kilimanjaro’s summit, known for its steep ascents and spectacular scenery. This 6-day trek takes hikers through lush rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, and glaciers before reaching Uhuru Peak. Due to its rapid elevation gain, it is recommended for physically fit trekkers seeking a shorter, demanding route with high adventure.

Highlights

• Umbwe Route, a steep and direct approach to Kilimanjaro.

• Diverse habitats: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers.

• Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.

• Challenging trek with excellent panoramic views.

• Full support from experienced guides, porters, and cooks.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate – Hike to Umbwe Camp
Depart Arusha early and drive to Umbwe Gate for park registration. Begin trekking through dense rainforest toward Umbwe Camp. Enjoy the lush environment and streams, preparing for the steep ascent ahead.

Elevation: 1,800 m → 2,700 m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Umbwe Camp
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Camp – Barranco Camp
Trek through steep slopes and moorlands as you ascend toward Barranco Camp. The trail offers challenging climbs, stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi, and acclimatization for higher altitudes.

Elevation: 2,700 m → 3,960 m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest → Heath → Moorland

Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Climb out of Barranco Valley via the famous Barranco Wall, then continue across alpine desert terrain to Karanga Camp. This section provides excellent acclimatization and dramatic scenery.

Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,035 m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Trek across rocky alpine terrain toward Barafu Camp, the base for the summit attempt. Prepare for the midnight climb, rest, and hydrate.

Elevation: 4,035 m → 4,640 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Begin the midnight summit climb to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) and witness sunrise from Africa’s highest point. Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for recovery and overnight.

Elevation: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic → Rainforest

Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, collect summit certificates, and transfer back to Arusha, concluding the challenging Umbwe Route trek.

Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,600 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest

Accommodation: Not applicable (day of departure)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Camping along the route

• Meals on the mountain (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

• Kilimanjaro park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Professional guides, porters, and cook team

• Transfers from/to Arusha and Umbwe Gate

• Summit certificate

Excluded

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Travel insurance

• Personal trekking gear (boots, sleeping bags, poles)

• Tips and gratuities

• Optional excursions in Arusha