8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route
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Price:
$2050.00
Duration
6 Days
People:
21
Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most direct path to the summit, offering a challenging and thrilling climb for experienced trekkers. Over 6 days, hikers traverse lush montane forests, dramatic cliffs, and rugged alpine desert, with spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks along the way.
This route emphasizes rapid altitude gain and features iconic highlights such as the Great Barranco Wall and the lunar landscape of Barafu Camp, culminating in a midnight summit ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). The descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate completes the adventure, leaving climbers with unforgettable memories of Africa’s highest summit and the unique terrains of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes.
What Included
All meals while on the Mountain
All activities
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Clean, purified drinking water
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp (Entering the Rainforest)
After registering at Umbwe Park Gate, we begin the trek along a small winding path that climbs through lush rainforest and follows the Umbwe River. The journey gradually gains altitude, taking approximately 6 hours over 11 km, and ends at Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900m / 9,514ft). The trail offers a peaceful introduction to Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty, with dense forest and vibrant wildlife. -
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp (Exiting the Forest, Entering Alpine Terrain)
We leave Umbwe Cave Camp and soon exit the forest, gaining views of the Western Breach through rolling afternoon mists. The trail gradually opens into the high-altitude terrain of the Great Barranco area. Today’s hike covers 6 km over 4–5 hours, ending at Barranco Camp (3,970m / 13,025ft), positioned beneath dramatic cliffs and volcanic formations. -
Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp (Climbing the Great Barranco Wall)
The day begins with a short but exhilarating scramble up the Great Barranco Wall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. We then traverse over rocky scree down into the Karanga Valley, beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken glaciers. We overnight at Karanga Camp (3,930m / 12,894ft), resting in preparation for higher elevations. -
Day 4: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp (Approaching the Summit)
From Karanga Camp, we continue to the junction connecting with the Mweka descent trail, then ascend to Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,092ft). Today’s hike is approximately 6 km over 3 hours through the alpine desert, with stunning views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This is the final camp before the summit, providing time to rest, prepare equipment, and enjoy dinner under the stars. -
Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (Summit Day)
Wake-up is at 11:30 PM for tea and biscuits, starting the trek in darkness toward the summit via the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The climb through heavy scree leads to Stella Point (5,732m / 18,799ft) on the crater rim, where climbers are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise. The final ascent takes us to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating, we descend via Barafu for lunch and continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft). The descent requires trekking poles to navigate loose gravel, and we enjoy our final dinner on the mountain. -
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Return to Hotel
After breakfast, we complete the final 8 km descent through montane forest to Mweka Park Gate, where summit certificates are awarded. The trail can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Once at the gate, we transfer back to the hotel for a hot shower and well-deserved rest.
