Umbwe route

The shortest, steepest and most
challenging trail on Mt Kilimanjaro.
Recommended for the seasoned travellers.

6 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $1943

Kilimanjaro Umdwe Route - 6 day trek

Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice - will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.

Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way - Umbwe camp. In spite of the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, well thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization.

The trek through the Umbwe trail is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape, as the Umbwe route difficulty is quite high for inexperienced trekkers.

DAY 1: Arrival

Pick up from the airport & Briefing

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will a member of out team that will transfer you to your hotel. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

DAY 2: Trekking from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Your guide and climbing support crew will arrive at your hotel in the morning. Introductions and the final brief equipment check will precede your drive to the Umbwe Gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. This entrance, situated at 1,800m/5905f above sea level, is where your trek starts. The chief guide will finalize the permits and registration for search and rescue services.

Your first day of trekking is meant to bring you to Umbwe Camp for your first overnight camping. Climbing up to 2,850m/9350f is a long haul with a significant increase in altitude, so find the right pace for the whole group and stick with it. As this part of the Umbwe route goes through the rainforest, there is a high probability of rain showers - do not forget your raincoat! Your support crew will have prepared the camp and dinner by the time you arrive at the camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your breathing pattern at night, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and experience a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:

Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine;
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently);
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip to discuss potential allergies.

Elevation: 1,640 m to 2,930 m
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Rainforest

DAY 3: Trekking from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

This day starts with an early wake-up and filling breakfast before your team starts the trek to Barranco Camp. The rainforest will quickly give way to moorland, and if it is not too cloudy you will be able to see Meru Volcano for the first time. This day's trek is moderate in length and around lunchtime it is expected that you will reach Barranco Camp (3,900m/12795f), which is nestled inside a huge volcanic fault. Lunch will be provided here, and then you will have the opportunity to relax for the rest of the day, which significantly facilitates the acclimatization process.

Elevation: 2,930 m to 3,960 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

DAY 5: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

In the morning, after a warm breakfast you begin your hike to Barafu Summit Camp, the starting point for the night summit to Uhuru Peak. Our team will set up a camp for you ahead of time, including tents and sleeping bags, so you can relax as soon as you arrive. After regaining strength, you may complete an acclimatization hike towards the intermediate Kosovo Summit Camp and then back to Barafu Camp, where you will be served a hot dinner. It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before the night summit.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15331f) Kosovo Camp (4,870m/15977f)
Hiking distance: 2 km (1.2 mi)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation: 4,035 m to 4,640 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Alpine desert

DAY 7: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Millennium Camp is situated in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will feel relief from the reduction of altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After a warm breakfast, you will head for the park's exit: Mweka Gate. After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, followed by offering you a chance to share your opinions on the climb in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates in our office and provide you with a transfer back to your hotel.

Elevation: 3,820 m to 1,640 m
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 12 km
Difficulty: Low
Habitat: Rainforest

DAY 6: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

You will depart from Barafu Camp at night and start the final summit to Uhuru Peak of Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19340f). Technically speaking, the climb is relatively simple; however, at this high altitude, even regular physical activity can feel strenuous. Therefore, every two climbers will be paired with a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor their physical and mental well-being more closely. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier, if desired. Then you will return to Barafu Camp and after a 2-hour rest continue your descent to Millennium Camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that while descent brings relief from high altitude, it is also where most accidents and injuries (as much as 90%) happen. It is easy to avoid falling and possibly breaking a limb, as well as damaging your toenails if you just watch your step.

Elevation: 4,640 m to 5,895 m / 5,895 m to 3,820 m
Hiking Time: 8-12 hours
Distance: 15 km
Difficulty: High
Habitat: Arctic

DAY 4: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

This day begins with another early wake-up and a filling breakfast before your group starts to climb Barranco Wall. We recommend you leave the camp as early as possible to avoid other groups and crowds on the way, which can slow you down. Hiking up the gorge wall is not difficult and only takes around an hour. After the climb, you can have a rest and take photos in front of the Kibo volcano.

Then you will start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours, you will have to go on an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200-meter (656-foot) gain in altitude and then descend back down to the camp.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,995m/13107f) Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270m/14009f)
Hiking distance: 2.5 km (1.5mi)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Elevation: 3,960 m to 4,035 m
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Medium
Habitat: Moorland

Our classic adventures are what the majority of climbers are looking for. The combination of great comfort and high safety standards makes our classic Kilimanjaro hikes enjoyable and memorable. This is the most popular option among our clients.

This climbing package includes everything that a climber may need for the hike - our experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, nutritionist-designed meals. Our safety protocols, though, are the same for all our hiking adventures - only the guides with Wilderness First Responder certification are assigned to lead a party. Other safety measures include a supply of oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits and compulsory medical check-ups (two per day).

The progress of each trekking party is tracked with GPS device. You may share the link with your family and friends, who will be able to monitor your progress in a real-time mode.

Before and after the adventure you will stay in a good hotel with caring staff, hot water, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.

The climb cost includes:

Transfers:
Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;
Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

Entry fees:
Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

Accommodation:
Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Brubru Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool;
Accommodation in huts. An average hut fits in 6-8 people. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups. Marangu huts are fitted with bunk beds. Our comfortable 4-inch thick mats will be put on your bunk beds, and you’ll feel safe and snug in your sleeping bag. During the rainy season huts will provide extra shelter from rain and wind!

Meals:
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;
All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;
All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Hiking and safety equipment:
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;
All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;
GPS-tracking service;
Complete medical kits.

Climbing crew:
Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

Taxes:
18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. We are an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The climb cost excludes:

International flights;
Tips (250-300 USD per climber for the whole mountain crew);
Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);
Personal gear rentals;
Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);
Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;
Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

Package and Quote Details:

The quote will be in USD since all payments in Tanzania will be done in USD. The prices in EUR and GBP are given for indicative purposes only and may vary based on the exchange rate of the day.
Please take the time to read the side tabs of what is included and what is excluded from the quote that will be provided to you. We believe in total transparency and proper communication of all the particulars of your itinerary so orientation with the details of your quote will give you a clear understanding of all associating costs for your trips.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tour

via Marangu route (5 day trek)

Superb Acclimatization

Our climbing itineraries are crafted in a way that ensures the smoothest acclimatization transition.

Overnight Stays in Huts

Marangu is the only route on Kilimanjaro with overnight stays in huts. Excellent for rainy season climbs.

Stunning Sceneries

Mesmerizing scenic vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro await you. Visual euphoria and amazing photos guaranteed.

Book with confidence

Umbwe route

The shortest, steepest and most
challenging trail on Mt Kilimanjaro.
Recommended for the seasoned travellers.

6 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $1943

DAY 2: Trekking from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

DAY 3: Trekking from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

DAY 5: Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

DAY 8: Start your Safari, Depart for home or visit Zanzibar

Rest in the hotel, transfer to the airport to depart from home or continue your adventure by starting your safari or relaxing at the white shores of Zanzibar.

DAY 7: Descent from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

DAY 6: Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Millennium Camp

DAY 4: Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Umbwe route The shortest, steepest and most challenging trail on Mt Kilimanjaro. Recommended for the seasoned travellers. 6 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $1943

Tanzania Office

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania P.O. Box 94158

European Office

2, Byzantium str, 1100 Nicosia, Cyprus

Umbwe route

The shortest, steepest and most
challenging trail on Mt Kilimanjaro.
Recommended for the seasoned travellers.

6 day climb + 2 days in a hotel from $1943

1530, Sokoine Road, Arusha, Tanzania
P.O. Box 94158