Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Umbwe Route
Safari Overview
The Umbwe Route is known for being one of the shortest but steepest routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a challenging trek with fewer crowds and more scenic, remote experiences. It’s suited for experienced climbers or those seeking a more adventurous ascent. The route joins the Machame Route on Day 3, making for a varied and rewarding journey.
Trekking
Safari Itinerary
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Your journey starts at the Umbwe Gate, where you’ll register and begin the steep climb through the dense rainforest. This is one of the steepest ascents on Kilimanjaro, with narrow ridges and thick vegetation surrounding the trail. The day ends at Umbwe Cave Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After leaving the rainforest behind, the path ascends steeply through the heath and moorland zone, with expansive views of the Kibo peak and the surrounding landscape. The trail continues upward until reaching Barranco Camp, where you’ll join the Machame Route and camp below the Barranco Wall, with spectacular views of the Southern Icefields.
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day starts with a challenging scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that requires basic scrambling skills but offers breathtaking views. After the wall, the trail leads through a series of ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The trek continues through the alpine desert, with a gradual ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt. The path is rocky and barren, offering incredible views of the summit and Mawenzi Peak. You’ll arrive in the afternoon, allowing time for rest before the early morning summit push. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Distance: 17 km (5 km ascent, 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic zone at the summit, then alpine desert to rainforest
Your summit attempt begins around midnight. You’ll hike through the night, reaching Stella Point (5,739m) at dawn before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro and the African continent. After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, and then continue down to Mweka Camp for your overnight stay.
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final day of your trek descends through the lush rainforest to the Mweka Gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificates. From the gate, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
This day is reserved for rest and travel, depending on your schedule. You can explore Moshi or depart for your next destination.
Route Map :
What's Included & Excluded
Included
12 items- 1 Pre & Post Trek accommodation
- 2 Professional guides, cooks and porters
- 3 Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- 4 Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 5 VAT fees and Charges
- 6 Double layered Sleeping Mats
- 7 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- 8 Filtered water throughout the trek
- 9 Portable toilets and toilets tents
- 10 Hot Water For Washing Purpose
- 11 Pick up and drop off at the airport
- 12 Fair wages for the mountain crew
Not Included
6 items- 1 International flights
- 2 Tip to the driver guide and hoteliers
- 3 Insurance fees
- 4 Cost of Tanzania Visa.
- 5 Bank charges
- 6 Personal Expenses
