7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Umbwe Route
- Umbwe Route
Trekking Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most challenging routes, favored by experienced trekkers seeking a less crowded path and a shorter trekking period. Starting on the southern side of the mountain, this trail offers lush rainforests, scenic moorlands, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The route emphasizes strong acclimatization, and a 7-day schedule allows climbers to summit with proper preparation and rest along the way.
The following itinerary provides a detailed day-by-day guide to your Kilimanjaro climb, including distances, trekking times, altitude gains, and what to expect at each camp.
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Moshi Town
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, our friendly driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi town. You will meet your trekking guide, who will provide a detailed briefing about the trek, including safety tips, route overview, and a gear check to ensure everything is in order. Any essential equipment may be rented today. This day is designed to help you acclimatize and prepare mentally for your adventure.
- Meals: Not included
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Day 2: Moshi – Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
At 8:00 AM, leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next seven days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the crew makes final preparations. The first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in places. Hike through moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest, gradually emerging into heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Porters and cooks walk ahead to set up camp before your arrival.
- Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters / 3,445 feet
- Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Continue along the ridge, leaving the forest behind and trekking through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is one of the most scenic campsites on the Umbwe Trail, surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. The sun rises later here due to the valley setting, offering a unique experience.
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters / 3,610 feet
- Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Extra day for acclimatization at Barranco Camp. This rest day will help your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of a successful summit. Optional short hikes for acclimatization are possible.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
After breakfast, begin the day with a 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall, the hardest section of the trek. In some parts, you may need to use your hands for climbing. After reaching the top, traverse fairly level terrain and descend steeply into the green Karanga Valley.
- Elevation Gain: 250 meters / 820 feet
- Distance: 7 km
- Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
After breakfast, continue hiking to Barafu Camp. Along the way, enjoy views of Kibo’s glaciers and the junction connecting the Mweka descent route with the Machame trail. The trail passes through alpine desert with minimal vegetation. Barafu Camp provides stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Rest well in preparation for the midnight summit attempt.
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters / 1,320 feet
- Hiking Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Begin the final ascent around midnight. Trek by headlamp for approximately six hours to Stella Point on the crater rim, then continue an additional hour to Uhuru Peak. After summit photos, descend to Barafu Camp for a short break and continue to Mweka Camp.
- Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters / 4,240 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters / 9,170 feet
- Hiking Time: 6 hours to rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3–4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 8: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery after rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the gate for transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.
- Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters / 5,250 feet
- Hiking Time: 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day 9: Departure and Optional Excursions
On your final day, we ensure your adventure concludes smoothly and memorably. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will provide a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Optional activities can be arranged, including cultural experiences, wildlife visits, scenic nature excursions, or relaxing opportunities. Extended stays can include safaris or beach holidays to continue your Tanzanian adventure.
- Meals: Not included
Inclusions (What’s included in your Kilimanjaro adventure)
We ensure you are fully supported throughout your trek. Your package includes:
- Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Transport to and from Umbwe Gate
- National Park entry fees, camping fees, and applicable crater fees
- Rescue fees and emergency support
- Accommodation on the mountain in 4-season tents
- Double-layered sleeping mats (10 cm thick)
- Experienced guides, cooks, and porters
- Three nutritious meals per day while trekking
- Continuous access to treated and filtered drinking water
- Hot water for washing
- Fair wages for all crew, approved by KINAPA and KIATO
- Government taxes
- Portable oxygen tanks, oximeter, and first-aid equipment
- Portable flush toilet facilities on the mountain
- Official Kilimanjaro climbing summit certificate
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
Exclusions (What you’ll need to arrange yourself)
To ensure clarity, these items are not included in your trek package:
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Accommodation in Moshi before or after the trek (2 nights)
- Comprehensive travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal trekking equipment such as trekking poles, and other personal gear
- Personal items and toiletries
- Optional excursions, souvenirs, or extra activities outside the itinerary
- For clients arriving at Arusha Airport, an additional $50 for extended transfer
- Gratuities for the mountain crew – Recommended tipping guidelines are $20 per guide, $15 per cook, and $10 per porter per day per group.
Route Quote
|
Group size
|
1 Pax
|
2 – 3 Pax
|
4 -5 Pax
|
6 -7 Pax
|
8 - 9 Pax
|
10 Pax & Above
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Quote per person
|
$2120
|
$1943
|
$1894
|
$1879
|
$1863
|
$1814
|
Related Tours
- Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Umbwe Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Lemosho Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Machame Route
- Mount Kilimanjaro
