Tanzania · Trekking

6-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek to Uhuru Peak

6 Days Round trip from R76H+2VW Easy pace
Umbwe Route
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the steepest and most challenging route
  • 02 Trek through diverse landscapes from rainforest to alpine desert
  • 03 Experience a remote and less crowded trail with dramatic scenery
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for breathtaking views

Challenge yourself on the Umbwe Route, the steepest and most demanding trail up Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its direct approach and rapid ascent, this route is best suited for experienced trekkers seeking adventure and solitude away from the crowds. Over six days, you'll trek through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point. Expect tough climbs, exposed ridges, and rewarding panoramic views.

Challenge yourself on the Umbwe Route, the steepest and most demanding trail up Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
City Mount Kilimanjaro
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp Through Rainforest

  • Register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting the trek.
  • Follow a narrow, steep path through dense rainforest along the Umbwe River.
  • Reach Umbwe Cave Camp (2900 m) for the first overnight stay.

Elevation: 1600 m to 2900 m. Distance: 11 km. Hiking time: 6 hours.

2
Day 02

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp Across Moorland

  • Leave the forest behind as the trail opens into moorland.
  • View the dramatic wall of the Western Breach through afternoon mist.
  • Camp overnight at Barranco Camp (3970 m).

Elevation: 2940 m to 3970 m. Distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 4-5 hours.

3
Day 03

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp via the Great Barranco Wall

  • Start with a scramble up the Great Barranco Wall.
  • Traverse over scree slopes with views of glaciers above.
  • Descend into the Karanga Valley and camp at Karanga Camp (3930 m).

Elevation: 3950 m to 3930 m. Distance: 7 km. Hiking time: 4 hours.

4
Day 04

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp on the Southern Circuit

  • Continue the ascent along the Southern Circuit trail.
  • Pass the junction with the Mweka descent route.
  • Arrive at Barafu Camp (4600 m) with views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
  • Rest and prepare for the summit push.

Elevation: 3930 m to 4600 m. Distance: 6 km. Hiking time: 3 hours.

5
Day 05

Midnight Summit Push to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp

  • Wake around midnight for the summit attempt.
  • Climb past Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point (5732 m).
  • Reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m), the highest point in Africa.
  • Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp (3100 m) for overnight stay.

Elevation: 4600 m to 5895 m, then down to 3100 m. Distance: 30 km total. Hiking time: 13-16 hours.

6
Day 06

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Hotel Transfer

  • Continue descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate (1800 m).
  • Collect summit certificates and meet driver at the gate.
  • Transfer to hotel for rest or onward journey.

Elevation: 3100 m to 1800 m. Distance: 8 km. Hiking time: 3-4 hours.

Umbwe Cave Camp, Great Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp and Uhuru Peak

Where this trip takes you

Umbwe Cave Camp, Great Barranco Wall, Barafu Camp and Uhuru Peak

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from R76H+2VW 1 city · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Trekking tour according to the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water
  • Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • National park fees

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Beverages other than water, alcohol, and soft drinks
  • Tips, personal expenses, and travel insurance

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
R76H+2VW, Umbwe, Tanzania
Tour start
R76H+2VW, Umbwe, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in R76H+2VW.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,580 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total