6 Days – Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Trek
The Umbwe Route is the steepest, shortest, and most challenging route up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its rugged beauty and solitude, Umbwe is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a fast ascent and dramatic scenery.
In 6 days, you’ll traverse through dense rainforest, steep ridges, and alpine desert — merging with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. Though physically demanding, Umbwe offers a thrilling, less-crowded experience with rewarding views and a direct line to Uhuru Peak.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp
Altitude: 1,600m – 2,850m
Hiking Time: ~5–6 hours | Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
Start your journey through a steep rainforest trail. The trail is physically demanding from the first step but offers a serene wilderness experience.
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (Tented)
Day 2: Umbwe Cave – Barranco Camp
Altitude: 2,850m – 3,950m
Hiking Time: ~6 hours | Distance: 7 km
Habitat: Moorland
Climb up a steep ridge before descending slightly into the Barranco Valley with magnificent views of Kibo and the Southern Glaciers.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,950m – 3,995m
Hiking Time: ~4–5 hours | Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical climb. Enjoy views of the Heim Glacier before reaching Karanga Camp.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Day 4: Karanga – Barafu Camp
Altitude: 3,995m – 4,673m
Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours | Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short but steep ascent leads to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit push. Early dinner and rest before the midnight climb.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Day 5: Summit Attempt (Uhuru Peak – 5,895m) – Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,673m – 5,895m (Summit) – 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours | Distance: 17 km
Begin your summit push at midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak by sunrise. After celebrations, descend to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
Altitude: 3,100m – 1,640m
Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours | Distance: 10 km
Descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your climbing certificate before heading back to Arusha or Moshi.
- Group Size
- 1–2 Pax (Private) – $2,062
- 3+ Pax (Group) – $1,880
All-inclusive pricing: park fees, tents, meals, transfers, guides & porters.
- Inclusion
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
5 nights mountain camping (high-quality tents)
Camping gear: tent, sleeping mat
All meals while on the mountain
Certified mountain guide(s), cook & porters
Private portable toilet (on request)
Drinking water, first-aid, pulse oximeter
Return transfers from Arusha or Moshi
Pre-climb briefing & gear inspection
- Exclusion
Flights & visas
Sleeping bag (rental available)
Tips (guide/porter/cook)
Extra hotel nights before/after trek
Travel insurance
Personal gear
- Start/End Point: Arusha or Moshi, Tanzania
- Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Transfers: Included to and from trailhead
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