6 Days Umbwe Route
6 Days Umbwe Route - Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Umbwe Route is the most challenging and direct route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its steep ascent and low traffic, this trail offers a raw and scenic wilderness experience for seasoned trekkers seeking a physically demanding adventure. Contact us to book your 6 days Umbwe Route adventure.
Though less popular than other routes, Umbwe attracts climbers looking for solitude and a faster ascent. The trail joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, allowing climbers to experience the famous Barranco Wall and finish at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
6 Days Umbwe Route Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day (Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha)
Day 2: Umbwe Gate 1,800m → Umbwe Cave Camp 2,850m
- Drive Time: 3 hours from Arusha to Umbwe Gate
- Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
- Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles
- Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
You’ll start with a drive from Arusha to the Umbwe Gate where registration is completed. The trail immediately ascends sharply through dense rainforest. Expect a steep and muddy path with tree roots and limited switchbacks. It’s a physically demanding first day.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp (tent camping)
Acclimatization Tip: Stay hydrated and pace yourself — this route is steep right from the start.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp → Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft)
- Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
- Distance: ~6 km / 3.7 miles
- Vegetation Zone: Heath / Moorland
The forest thins quickly as you ascend steep ridgelines into the moorland zone. Today you’ll get your first real views of Kibo Peak if the skies are clear. The trail merges with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, one of the most scenic campsites with the iconic Barranco Wall looming above.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
View: Spectacular sunset over the Western Breach.
Day 3: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,035m)
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: ~5 km / 3 miles
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Begin the day by scrambling up the Barranco Wall – a non-technical but fun and challenging ascent. After the wall, the trail undulates with several valleys and ridges before arriving at Karanga Camp, nestled in a broad valley.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Brief: This is your last water point before summit night, so porters will collect water here.
Day 4: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m)
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: ~4 km / 2.5 miles
- Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Today is a short hike across rocky terrain with low vegetation. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp in the early afternoon, giving you time to rest and prepare for summit night. Try to nap and eat an early dinner.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Summit Attempt: Wake up around 11 PM for a midnight start.
Day 5: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Hiking Time:
- Ascent: 6–8 hours
- Descent: 5–7 hours
- Ascent: 6–8 hours
- Distance:
- Ascent: ~5 km / 3 miles
- Descent: ~12 km / 7.5 miles
- Ascent: ~5 km / 3 miles
- Vegetation Zones: Arctic → Alpine Desert → Heath
You’ll begin the summit push around midnight, climbing in the dark over rocky switchbacks. The ascent is grueling, with cold temperatures, wind, and altitude. You’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) around sunrise and then push on to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa.
After photos and a brief celebration, descend carefully back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Highlight: Standing at Uhuru Peak with glaciers and panoramic views all around.
Day 6: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Transfer to Arusha
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: ~10 km / 6.2 miles
- Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest
Final descent through rainforest, often slippery. Upon arrival at Mweka Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will meet you and transfer you back to Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Green Mountain Hotel or related
Recovery: Hot shower, fresh food, and some rest!
DAY 7: Departure
Today is your last day in Tanzania. We can arrange a day-trip tour to Arusha Park, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Napuru Waterfalls, or Ilkidinga Cultural Tourism before airport time. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your stay and explore more of Tanzania’s attractions.
Thank you for choosing Precious Safaris!
Enquire this Tour
PRICE FOR 6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE
Mount Kilimanjaro-
1 Person = $2030
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2 People = $1800
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3 People = $1680
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4 People = $1590
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5 People = $1570
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6+ People = $1550
PRICE INCLUDE
– Airport pick-up and return transfers
– 2 nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (Bed and Breakfast)
– Lunch box and drinking water
– Transfer from the hotel to Umbwe Gate
– Pick up from Mweka Gate to the hotel
– Conservation fees, Camping fees, Rescue fees
– Enough food for all days on the mountain (Three meals per day)
– Quality Tents, Sleeping mats, Comfortable Chairs and Tables
– Wages for Porters, Cooks and Guides
– Mountain Climbing Certificate
– First Aid Kit
– Pulse Oximeter and Oxygen Cylinder
PRICE EXCLUDE
– Passport and Visa
– Mountaineering Insurance( cover up to 6000m is recommended)
– Lunch and dinner at the Hotel
– Domestic and International flights
– Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary
– Extra night at the Hotel
– Hiking Gear, Sleeping Bag (available on rental)
– Private Toilet
– Items of a personal nature
– Value Added Tax (VAT 18%)
– Tip for your climbing crew