Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its steep ascents, rugged trails, and breathtaking scenery. The route begins on the mountain’s south side and offers a direct approach to the summit. Due to its difficulty level, it is recommended for experienced trekkers who are physically fit and mentally prepared for the demanding climb.
Vertical Ascents and Stunning Views
The Umbwe Route is characterized by steep and direct ascents, providing trekkers a thrilling and adventurous experience. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the lush rainforests, rocky ridges, and majestic glaciers. The beauty and grandeur of the natural surroundings balance the challenging terrain.
Tour Itinerary
Arrival & Briefing
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel for briefing. Your guides will provide you with a detailed orientation and will examine your gear. If you arrive at midday or before, you will have time to explore Moshi, a chilled-out blend of African and Asian influences with a colorful market and a choice of coffee houses and bars. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest to prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Kaliwa Lodge (Premium
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation Gain: 2,800 meters / 9,500 feet
Your adventure always starts with the preparation of having all the equipment at the Hotel and then taking a drive up to the Umbwe gave where the real adventure will commence. After all the park registration regulation formalities, you will start Hiking up to the Umbwe cave camp.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation Gain: 4,200 metres / 13,100 feet
On this day of your adventure you will be climbing further through the moorland forest up to reaching the Baranco camp, while climbing up there, you will be enjoying the greater view of the Baranco valley.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 3: Acclimitization Day at Barranco Camp (optional)
Elevation Gain: 3,960 metres / 12,992 feet
As one of the factors to increase the rate of climbing success through the Umbwe route, you will have to spend this day at the Baranco camp, as there are altitude changes over there is a need to adapt to the altitude changes. This day will be spent the day around just taking some shots with your beautiful cameras and having the great scenery view of the groundsel-clad campsite. As this will be just a lazy spending day, if you are body is active and good at acclimatization you can skip this day.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation Gain: 4,040 metres / 13,254 feet
On this trekking day you will be having a short day from Baranco to Karanga you will be starting your day by climbing the Baranco wall and then climbing up through some hills reaching the Karanga valleys.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation Gain: 4,640 metres / 15,223 feet
On this trekking day you will be having a short day from Baranco to Karanga you will be starting your day by climbing the Baranco wall and then climbing up through some hills reaching the Karanga valleys.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descending to Mweka Camp
Elevation Gain: 1,095m/3,590ft
Elevation Loss: 2,785m/9,140ft
In the early hours of the morning begin your final ascent to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking approximately 5-7 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be warm by the end of the hiking day and you need clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve reached your limit, the sun will rise and you’ll be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi.
At Stella Point (5,750m) join the crater rim. From here, climb less steeply to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa. From the summit descend to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way, taking around 6 hours. Enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Overnight: Mweka Hut Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation Loss: 1,280m/4,200ft
Descend to the gate through the lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. You will be collected from Mweka Village and taken to your hotel in Moshi.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Pink Flamingo Boutique Hotel (Premium)
Trip Includes
Trip Excludes
- Park Fees
- Camping Fees
- Rescue Fees
- Head Guide
- Assistants Guides
- Cook, & Porters Salaries
- All Food & Drinking Water
- Tents
- Emergency Oxygen
- Transport To / From Park Entry
- & 18% VAT Tax
- Accommodation in Moshi including breakfast pre- climb and complimentary celebration dinner from Mallya Tours and lunch post climb
- Two airport transfers
- Hiring of personal equipment including clothing , sleeping mat, sleeping bag etc.
- Tipping to your crew. (The standard recommendation is USD$22 per day to the head guide , $20 per day per assistant guide, 20 per day to the cook and 10$ per day per porter)
- Private Toilet upon request
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Spending money
- Any drinks and lunches in Moshi
