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Kilimanjaro Climb
Umbwe Route
The Steepest and Most Direct Path to the Summit
About
The Umbwe Route is considered the steepest and most direct trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the south and is known for its rapid altitude gain, making it a challenging option best suited for experienced trekkers.
The route is remote and less crowded, offering a raw and untouched mountain experience. After joining the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, the trail follows the Southern Circuit, providing better altitude adaptation before the summit attempt. The 6-day version includes an extra acclimatisation day.
Key Information
Duration
5 or 6 days
Best Season
January – March, June – October
Starts At
Arusha, Tanzania
Success Rate
82%
Group Size
1–8 people
Itinerary
Day 1 of 6
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, you'll be transferred from Arusha to Umbwe Gate. Once registration is complete, the trek begins with a steep climb through dense rainforest.
The trail is narrow and less frequently used, providing a strong sense of wilderness from the start. Wildlife and birdlife are often seen along the way.
You will arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp at the forest edge, where tents will be ready and dinner prepared.
1,640m to 2,850m
11km
5-7 hours
Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
The forest begins to thin as you climb a ridge with impressive views of the Western Breach. The ascent is steep and demanding.
Later, you descend into Barranco Valley, filled with giant senecios and lobelias. Barranco Camp sits below the famous Barranco Wall with stunning views of Kibo.
2,850m to 3,986m
6km
4-6 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp via Karanga
The day starts with the famous Barranco Wall - a fun, non-technical scramble. At the top, you are rewarded with wide panoramic views.
From there, the trail crosses the Karanga Valley before continuing to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt.
3,986m to 4,662m
8.5km
7-8 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Night 3: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
The summit climb begins around midnight. The ascent is slow, steep, and cold, requiring both physical and mental strength.
You will reach Stella Point around sunrise, then continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
4,640m to 5,895m
4.86km
7-8 hours
Day 4: Summit to Mweka Camp
After reaching the summit, you descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and breakfast, then continue down via the Mweka Trail.
Depending on your condition, your guide will decide whether to stop at Millennium Camp or proceed to Mweka Camp.
5,895m to 3,106m
11.5km
6-7 hours
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tent
Day 5: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A gradual descent through rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where you receive your certificates.
You will then be transferred for lunch and back to your hotel.
3,106m to 1,633m
9.1km
3-4 hours
Breakfast & Lunch
Pricing
Per person in USD.
| Group Size | 5 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 3,368 |
| 2 people | USD 2,564 |
| 3 people | USD 2,285 |
| 4 people | USD 2,069 |
| 5 people | USD 2,021 |
| 6 people | USD 2,000 |
| 7 people | USD 2,038 |
| 8+ people | USD 1,954 |
| Group Size | 6 Days |
|---|---|
| 1 person | USD 3,711 |
| 2 people | USD 2,862 |
| 3 people | USD 2,558 |
| 4 people | USD 2,328 |
| 5 people | USD 2,277 |
| 6 people | USD 2,249 |
| 7 people | USD 2,288 |
| 8+ people | USD 2,200 |
Prices include all services listed under "What's Included". International flights and personal equipment are not included.
What's Included
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Two nights accommodation on a bed & break fast basis (one night before the trek and one night after the climb)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
- Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro National Park gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and permits
- Camping or hut accommodation fees (depending on the route selected)
- Crater camping fees (where applicable)
- Emergency rescue service fees
- Premium-quality four season mountain tents
- Comfortable high-density sleeping mattresses
- Experienced, professional and friendly mountain crew, including certified Wilderness First Responder guides, cooks and porters
- Three freshly prepared and nutritious meals per day during the trek
- Safe, filtered, and treated drinking water throughout the climb
- Hot water for basic washing during the expedition
- Fair wages and Ethical treatment of all mountain staff in accordance with KINAPA & KIPAP standards
- All government taxes and statutory charges
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Certified English-speaking mountain guide (other language available upon request)
- Pulse Oximeter and first aid kit
- Mountain communication radio for safety and emergency support
- Official Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
Not Included
- International flights to and from Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fee (approx. $50–100 depending on nationality)
- Travel insurance (altitude coverage required)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rentals
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended $300–450 per participant)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Photos
FAQ
Who is the Umbwe Route suitable for?
The Umbwe Route is best suited for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. The steep gradient and rapid altitude gain make it physically and mentally demanding. We do not recommend this route for first-time Kilimanjaro climbers.
Why does the Umbwe Route have a lower success rate?
The rapid altitude gain on the first two days gives the body less time to acclimatise compared to longer routes. The 6-day version significantly improves success rates by adding an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp.
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Quick Facts
- Duration5 or 6 days
- Best SeasonJanuary – March, June – October
- Starts AtArusha, Tanzania
- Success Rate82%
- Group Size1–8 people