6 Days Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is known for being steeper and shorter than the Machame Route. It is a more direct path up the mountain, making it faster but also more challenging due to the rapid ascent. Because of the steepness, the route is often considered difficult for hikers with limited altitude experience. Once you reach Barranco Hut, you will continue on the same path as hikers on the Machame Route. The descent from the summit is via the Mweka Trail.

Due to the short and direct nature of the route, it’s not typically recommended for first-time climbers or those who haven’t had much experience with high-altitude trekking. Proper acclimatization is crucial for success on the Umbwe Route.

Itinerary

Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the trek begins. Today, we will conduct a pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Moshi. We’ll review your gear and rent any equipment needed.

Day 1: Hotel to Umbwe Cave Camp
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (approximately 1 hour). Once there, commence the climb through the rainforest, with a packed lunch along the way.
Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path through open moorland to Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, where we connect with the Mweka Trail.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue our ascent to Barafu Camp. You will have completed the South Circuit, offering stunning views of the summit from multiple angles. Here, we will rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Starting very early in the morning (between midnight and 2 am), we ascend toward the summit via the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, heading northwest through a heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. After a short rest at Stella Point, you will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise. From here, you will continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

After enjoying the summit, we begin our descent, continuing to Mweka Camp, with a lunch stop at Barafu Camp. Expect loose gravel, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft (Up) / Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi Hotel
After breakfast, we descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. The terrain can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Afterward, we continue to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us for the 30-minute drive back to your hotel in Moshi.
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast

Price Includes

  • Four-Season Sleeping Tents: Twin-sharing, waterproof mountain tents.
  • VAT (18%): Included in the package cost.
  • Rescue Fees: Covered as part of park fees.
  • Meals on the Mountain: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
  • Transfers: Round-trip from Moshi hotel to mountain gate.
  • Nutritious Food: Fresh, healthy meals prepared by mountain chefs.
  • Professional Guides: Experienced, licensed guides for a safe climb.
  • Purified Drinking Water: Provided daily.
  • Sleeping Mattress: Comfortable mats for restful sleep.
  • Conservation Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Mess Tents: Dining tents with tables and chairs.
  • Summit Certificate: Awarded to all who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak.
  • Camping Fees: Included in park fees.
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder: For high-altitude safety.
  • Staff Salaries and Fees: Fair wages and park fees for guides, porters, and cooks.
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Price not Includes

  • Alcoholic and Bottled Beverages: Not included.
  • Online Payment Surcharge: 5% on advance and balance payments.
  • Tanzania Visa: To be arranged by the traveler.
  • Travel Insurance: Not provided.
  • Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, and other personal costs.
  • Flights: International and domestic airfare.
  • Tips and Gratuities: For guides, porters, and staff.
  • Hotel Accommodation: Available as an optional add-on.
  • Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags, boots, and clothing (available for rent).
  • Unlisted Meals: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Optional Transfers: Available upon request.