6-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Trek

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Hiking & Trekking Adventure Overview:

The 6-day Umbwe Route offers one of the shortest and steepest climbs on Kilimanjaro, providing a direct path to the summit. This challenging route is ideal for experienced climbers with altitude familiarity, as it requires stamina and acclimatization readiness. After reaching Barranco Hut, trekkers join those on the Machame Route, with a descent via the Mweka Trail.

Our Kilimanjaro treks are available as private journeys on any preferred date, with select group departures also available. Conclude your climb with a thrilling safari to complete the adventure!

This Tour Great For:

Adventure Seekers

Nature
Lovers

Solo & Groups

Active
Families

Eco-
Tourists

Tour Highlights:

Challenging and direct 6-day Kilimanjaro ascent via the steep Umbwe Route.

Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a quiet, less-traveled path.

Begin with a steep climb through dense rainforest and narrow ridgelines.

Merge with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp for the scenic Southern Circuit.

Climb the dramatic Barranco Wall and continue through alpine desert to Barafu Camp.

Midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Descend via the Mweka Route with a final night at Mweka Camp.

Professional guides, porters, mountain chef, meals, camping gear, and park fees all included.

Challenging and direct 6-day Kilimanjaro ascent via the steep Umbwe Route.

Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a quiet, less-traveled path.

Begin with a steep climb through dense rainforest and narrow ridgelines.

Merge with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp for the scenic Southern Circuit.

Climb the dramatic Barranco Wall and continue through alpine desert to Barafu Camp.

Midnight summit push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Descend via the Mweka Route with a final night at Mweka Camp.

Professional guides, porters, mountain chef, meals, camping gear, and park fees all included.

Detailed Itinerary - Day by Day:

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Moshi

Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, Transfer to Moshi.

A driver will meet you at the Kilimanjaro Airport after you go through immigration and customs. Look for someone with a sign that shows your name. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to get to Arusha city with no traffic.

There will be a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide today and an opportunity to get any rental items that you may need and also pack for the trek. You can leave extra luggage that is not needed on the trek at the hotel.

If you have time, we recommend an extra rest day before your trek.

Meals included: n/a
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp (BLD)

Drive from Arusha city to the Umbwe Gate. Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.

  • Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
  • Distance: 11km/7mi
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Umbwe Cave Camp

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)

Hike from Umbwe Camp to the Shira Plateau and then continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elev 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.

— Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
— Distance: 6km/4mi
— Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
— Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

  • Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
  • Distance: 5km/3mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa! From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

  • Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
  • 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 included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha city (B)

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha city. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

  • Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
  • Distance: 10km/6mi
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Forest

Meals included: Breakfast
Mid-Range Accommodations: Hotel or Lodge

Day 8: Depart Arusha city (B)

If you are starting a safari today, your guide will meet you at your hotel. We can also arrange a transfer to the Kilimanjaro Airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Package Inclusions:

INCLUDES

=> All accommodations per itinerary

=> All meals per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

=> All tours and entrance fees per itinerary (unless listed as excluded)

=> All transportation and transfers per itinerary

=> National Park fees + Camping fees

=> Transport from Arusha to trail head and return to Arusha

=> Certified, experienced guides for all routes

=> Porters, cooks, assistant guides as required

=> Rescue fees (as required by national park)

=> Tents, cooking equipment, and eating utensils

=> Oximeters

=> First aid kit

=> Emergency Oxygen

EXCLUDES

=> International and domestic flights

=> Meals not listed

=> Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff

=> Optional tours

=> Personal expenses (visas, airport taxes, Internet, etc.)

=> Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (budget $400-600/person)

Photo Gallery:

Still Have Questions? We’re Here to Help! Contact Us

Everything You Need to Know Before You Climb.

Will I have a certified mountain guide during the climb?

Yes, all our climbing packages include certified, experienced mountain guides to ensure your safety and enhance your trekking experience.

Our guides are trained in altitude-related first aid and monitor all climbers closely. We carry oxygen and first aid kits, and our team is prepared to safely assist you back to base if necessary.

Yes, we cater to a variety of dietary needs. Let us know your preferences when booking, and our mountain chefs will prepare meals accordingly.

While mobile signal may be limited at higher altitudes, our base team and guides are in constant communication via radio to provide support and emergency response 24/7.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and selected online gateways. Some packages may offer installment plans.

Refund policies depend on the cancellation timeframe and package terms. We’ll always share clear terms upfront.

Yes, just contact our support team to update or switch your preferred payment method.

We strive for transparency. Any additional costs (e.g., optional activities or upgrades) will be clearly communicated before payment.

Do I need a visa for my trip?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination. We’re happy to help with the application process if needed.

Yes, some regions may require specific vaccinations. We recommend checking with your local travel health clinic or consulting us directly.

Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance to cover emergencies, trip cancellations, and medical expenses.

Of course! We can help arrange international and domestic flights as part of your travel package.

How do I book a tour package?

You can book a tour through our website, by phone, or by visiting our office. Simply choose your desired package, provide traveler details, and complete the payment to confirm your booking.

Yes, you can make a reservation and secure your spot with a deposit. Full payment will be required closer to the departure date, as per our terms and conditions.

We recommend booking at least 2 to 6 months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Absolutely. Once your booking is complete, we’ll send a confirmation email with your itinerary, payment receipt, and other important details.