Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from Umbwe Easy pace

Trek in the terrains of Mount Kilimanjaro

Witness majestic sunrise views at Mount Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights

01 The steepest and most direct route to Uhuru Peak, ideal for experienced climbers seeking a challenge
02 Breathtaking scenery around the Southern Glaciers and Western Breach
03 Less crowded than other routes, offering a more isolated trekking experience
04 Tackle the adventurous Barranco Wall on the way to Karanga Camp
05 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa

Embark on a thrilling 6-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the Umbwe Route, trekking from lush rainforest through moorland and alpine desert to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This steep and demanding route is best suited to experienced trekkers seeking a more direct and less crowded climb. Along the way, take in breathtaking summit views, tackle the adventurous Barranco Wall, and experience strong team camaraderie with your mountain crew. Your journey ends with a summit certificate and a well-earned return to Moshi.

Congratulations - one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Through Rainforest Trails

Depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate.
We will patiently wait for the permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife.
At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here.
The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys, climbing through dense montane forest. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.

Day 02

Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp Along the Umbwe Ridge

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft | Altitude gained: 1042m
After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on a steep ascending path along the Umbwe Ridge as it descends slightly to Barranco Camp, situated in the valley. Temperatures begin to drop.

Day 03

Barranco Wall Climb to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.
This is one of the most impressive days to witness the power, agility, and strength of your crew as they zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease.
Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Day 04

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the South Circuit

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft | Altitude gained: 628m
We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once reached, you will have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles.
Enjoy an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night.
Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Day 05

Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

Excitement builds as morning comes with an early start between midnight and 2 a.m.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead.
With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction, we ascend through heavy scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.
You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From here, on your remaining 1-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.
Congratulations - one step at a time, you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say goodbye.
We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates.
As the weather is drastically warmer, the terrain is wet, muddy, and steep, and we highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles.
From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi, about 30 minutes away.

Where this trip takes you

Umbwe Ridge, Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Umbwe 2 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi
2 nights of accommodation before and after the climb
Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
4-season mountain tents
Double-layered sleeping mats
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
Enough treated and filtered drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Fair treatment and payment of our crew
Portable oxygen tanks and an ox meter
Portable flush toilet with a toilet tent
Emergency first-aid kit and portable oxygen tanks and ox meter

What's Not Included

Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel before and after the climb
Travel insurance
Flights
Laundry (available at the hotel)
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters, and cook

What to bring

Clothing

Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
Insulating Layer: Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and breathable jacket and pants.
Hiking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying fabric; consider zip-offs for versatility.
Warm Hat and Gloves: For colder temperatures at higher altitudes.
Buff or Neck Gaiter: For warmth and sun protection.

Footwear

Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or sneakers for relaxing at camp.

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping Bag: Rated for low temperatures, ideally -10°C to -15°C.
Sleeping Pad: Insulated pad for comfort and warmth.

Backpack

Daypack: 30-40 litres for daily essentials, snacks, and water.

Hydration

Water Bottles: At least 2 litres capacity; consider a hydration reservoir.
Water Purification: Tablets or a filter, especially if refilling from streams.

Trekking Gear

Trekking Poles: Useful for stability on steep trails.
Headlamp/Flashlight: With extra batteries for night-time use.

Personal Items

Sunscreen: High SPF for UV protection.
Lip Balm: With SPF to protect against sun and wind.
Insect Repellent: Especially for lower altitudes.
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper.

Extras

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or trail mix for quick energy boosts.
Camera: For capturing the stunning views.
First Aid Kit: Include personal medications, pain relievers, and blister treatments.
Guidebook or Map: For reference and navigation.

Optional

Gaiters: For extra protection against mud and dust.
Sunglasses: With UV protection for high-altitude glare.
Portable Battery Charger: For charging devices on the go.

Know before you go

Kilimanjaro climb Umbwe route is the steepest, with the shortest and most direct routes to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach, and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However, it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. This very steep route is best suited to experienced trekkers.

Umbwe is considered to be a very difficult, taxing route - one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are also confident in their ability to acclimatize to altitude. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, and seven days is preferred when attempting to climb using Umbwe.

Logistics