6-Day Kilimanjaro Climbing via Umbwe Route

A Scenic and Challenging Adventure on Kilimanjaro [6-Day Umbwe Route]

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary adventure by climbing Kilimanjaro through the iconic and challenging Umbwe Route. This path is one of the steepest and most direct routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it an ideal choice for experienced hikers who are eager to take on the ultimate trekking challenge. With its rugged terrain and rapid elevation gain, climbing Kilimanjaro vi Umbwe Route offers a thrilling and rewarding journey that leads you to Africa’s highest point, Uhuru Peak.

As you ascend the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the journey takes you through pristine rainforests, offering a close connection with nature. This route is known for its solitude, allowing climbers to experience the untamed beauty of Kilimanjaro without the crowds. The route quickly transitions from lush forest to towering ridgelines, offering spectacular views at every turn. Climbing Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe Route will challenge your stamina and determination, but the reward is worth every step.

Unlike the more popular routes, Umbwe is steep and demanding, requiring trekkers to be in excellent physical condition. However, for those who are prepared, the Umbwe Route offers one of the most exhilarating experiences of climbing Kilimanjaro, with dramatic landscapes and fewer distractions along the way. The adventure culminates at Uhuru Peak, where you’ll witness the most breathtaking sunrise over the African continent.

Whether you’re looking for a physically demanding trek or an off-the-beaten-path experience, climbing Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route promises to deliver an unforgettable journey to the top of Africa’s tallest mountain.

INCLUDED & EXCLUDED

All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi Hotel
Professional, Experienced, Mountain Guides
Porters and Chef
Quality, Waterproof and Four-Season Mountain Sleeping Tents
Sleeping Mattress
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
All Meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess Tents with Table and Chairs
Large Portions of Fresh, Healthy, Nutritious Food
Clean and Purified Drinking Water
All Park Fees and VAT/Tax Fees (18%)
Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate

International Flights
Visa and Travel insurance
Tips (tipping guideline US $10.00 pp per day)
Personal Climbing Equipment such as Sleepings Bags, Hiking Boots, Clothes, e.t.c., (Available for Renting)
The government-imposed Increase of Taxes and/or Park Fees
Alcohol drinks
Accommodations for Arrival and Departure Days (Available as Optional Add-on)
Airport Transfer Fees (From/To)

ADVENTURE ITINERARY

Arrival in Moshi

Upon arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for overnight accommodation. The next day marks the beginning of your thrilling adventure in climbing Kilimanjaro. Your experienced head guide will conduct a comprehensive briefing to prepare you for the journey ahead. This includes a detailed gear check to ensure you have everything needed for the climb. Additionally, if you require any equipment rental, your guide will assist you in securing the necessary gear, setting you up for a successful and enjoyable trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Overnight at a lodge or hotel in Moshi.

Day 1: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave

Departing from Moshi, your journey towards climbing Kilimanjaro begins with a drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Here, you’ll wait for your permits to be issued while observing the vibrant activity as various teams prepare for their treks. As you set out on the trail, you’ll be surrounded by the lush rainforest scenery and experience the captivating views of the windy paths. Your guide will provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and wildlife, enriching your Kilimanjaro experience.

At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended for stability and comfort. The path will traverse a ridge between two deep valleys, ascending through the dense montane forest. Your camp for the night will be nestled among towering trees and thick undergrowth, providing a serene and immersive environment.

Habitat: Montane Forest

[Elevation: 9,659 ft ∼ 2944 m, and Trekking time: 6 to 8 hours].

Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure continues as you emerge from the rainforest. You’ll tackle a steep ascending path along the Umbwe Ridge, which eventually descends slightly towards Barranco Camp, nestled in the valley below. As you make your way, you’ll notice the temperatures beginning to drop, marking the transition to higher altitudes.

Habitat: Semi-Desert

[Elevation: 13,077 ft ∼ 3986 m, and Trekking time: 4 to 6 hours].

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After a nourishing breakfast, your climbing Kilimanjaro adventure takes you on an exhilarating ascent up the steep Barranco Wall. This iconic climb leads you to the Karanga Valley and the crucial junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. As you tackle the wall, you’ll witness the impressive skill and agility of your crew, who navigate the challenging terrain with remarkable ease.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 13,235 ft ∼ 4034 m, and Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours].

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Continuing your climbing Kilimanjaro journey, you will ascend towards Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you will have completed the South Circuit, a section renowned for offering a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from multiple angles. At Barafu Camp, you’ll enjoy an early dinner and take time to rest, mentally and physically preparing for the upcoming summit night. This pivotal stage of climbing Kilimanjaro sets the stage for the final, exhilarating push to Uhuru Peak.

Habitat: Alpine-Desert

[Elevation: 15,295 ft ∼ 4662 m, and Trekking time: 3 to 4 hours].

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit

As the excitement builds, you’ll embark on the most challenging part of climbing Kilimanjaro, starting between midnight. This demanding section tests both your mental and physical endurance. You will navigate between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, focusing on staying warm and motivated as you ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.

The switchback ascent in a northwesterly direction will eventually bring you to Stella Point, where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise during your brief rest. If you’re among the faster hikers, you might catch the sunrise from the summit itself. From Stella Point, the final hour-long ascent to Uhuru Peak will likely involve encountering snow-covered terrain.

Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). Take time to savor this incredible achievement with photos, celebrations, and perhaps a few tears of joy.

Afterward, you’ll begin your steep descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a brief rest. Given the loose gravel and volcanic ash, gaiters and trekking poles will be highly recommended. Enjoy a well-deserved rest at Mweka Camp, your final evening on the mountain, reflecting on the remarkable accomplishment of climbing Kilimanjaro.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi

After a celebratory breakfast and a heartfelt ceremony of appreciation with your crew, it’s time to bid farewell to Kilimanjaro. You will descend to Mweka Park Gate to receive your well-earned summit certificates. As you make your way down, you’ll experience warmer temperatures and wet, muddy, and steep terrain, making gaiters and trekking poles highly recommended for stability and comfort.

Upon reaching the gate, a vehicle will meet you and transport you to your hotel in Moshi, a journey of about 30 minutes. Once back at your hotel, you can enjoy a long-overdue hot shower, a delicious dinner, and celebrate your incredible achievement. This final leg of climbing Kilimanjaro marks the end of an extraordinary adventure, filled with unforgettable moments and the satisfaction of reaching Africa’s highest peak.

Departure from Moshi

Depending on your flight time, our representative will arrive at the hotel to transfer you to the airport and have our farewell. This will mark the end of the Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Good luck!

Add-On

For the Arrival day (pre-hiking) and Departure day (post-hiking), you have the option to decide whether you would like us to arrange accommodation in Moshi and include it in the total Tour budget, or if you prefer to book it yourself and be excluded from the total Tour budget. “You will let us know”.

Our Hotels in Moshi

ParkView Inn
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Panama Garden Resort

Private Gears

Private Toilet

Transfer [From/To]

Airport Transfer [From/To]

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