Umbwe Route 6 Day Adventure

The Umbwe Route in Kilimanjaro is the steepest route up the mountain. It is the hardest, but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. It follows a forested ridge to the moorlands and then traverses below the Southern Icefields to reach Barafu Camp, which is followed by the summit. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to a higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Fewer people, pristine forest, and shorter walking distances make it an excellent option for fit hikers. Overnights are spent camping in tents.


Itinerary

  • Day 1: Johannesburg / Kilimanjaro Airport / Moshi

    After clearing immigration at Kilimanjaro Airport and collecting your luggage, our friendly Kilimanjaro team will meet you for our transfer to Moshi, based at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Once checked in at the hotel, you’ll have the day at leisure. 

    Stay: Springlands Hotel 

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Day 2: Moshi / Umbwe Gate / Umbwe Cave Camp

    1,661m (5,449ft) – 2,850m (9,350ft) 

    Average hiking time: 6 hours

    Transfer from Moshi to the Machame Park Gate. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rainforest. The path follows a narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River to the West and the Umbwe River to the east. Lush vegetation with very old trees, ferns, and mosses mark this area. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections and scramble rocks. The route takes you to the first camp in the forest by some rock overhangs.   

    Stay: Umbwe Cave Camp

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp / Barranco Camp

    2,850m (9,350ft) – 3,985m (13,074ft) 

    Average hiking time: 7 hours

    Shortly after leaving the camp, you will see the forest making way for a path along a narrow ridge with spectacular views. The forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. As you hike towards your camp the Breach Wall appears and disappears as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. From the Umbwe ridge, the route descends slightly to the Great Barranco. The camp overlooks the Barranco Valley with upwards views of Arrow Glacier.  

    Stay: Barranco Camp

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 4: Barranco Camp / Karanga Valley Camp

    3,985m (13,074ft) – 4,040m (13,255ft)

    Average hiking time: 4 hours

    A steep climb up the Barranco Wall leads us to an undulating trail on the southeastern flank of Kibo, with superb views of the southern ice fields. Karanga Valley is the last water point on this route.  Stay: Karanga Camp

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 5: Karanga Valley Camp / Barafu Camp

    4,040m (13,255ft) – 4,681m (15,358ft) 

    Average hiking time: 4 hours

    Start your hike up the steep walk of the Karanga Valley. The terrain changes to scree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu Camp late afternoon.  The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.   

    Stay: Barafu Camp 

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 6: Barafu Camp / Uhuru Peak (SUMMIT!!) / Mweka Camp

    4,681m (15,358ft) – 5,895m (19,341ft)

    Average hiking time to the summit: 7 hours

    An early start is required (+/- 11h30pm) for the summit attempt and Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. The trail is tougher than anything that you’ve experienced on your ascend with a sustained switchback climb through steep scree. Slowly and with regular stops is the best way to do it. After Stella Point on the crater rim, it is a very short but very long walk to Uhuru Peak. SUMMIT!!!!! the highest peak in Africa. 


    Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp (descend)

    5,895m (19,341ft) – 3,090m (10,138ft) 

    Average descending time: 3 hours

    After the summit, you will return to Barafu camp, before continuing to where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

    Stay: Mweka Camp

    Meals: Lunch, dinner & breakfast

  • Day 7: Mweka Camp / Mweka Gate / Moshi

    3,090m (10,138ft) – 1,641m (5,384ft) 

    Average hiking time: 4 hours

    The day is spent descending through open moorlands and the rainforest to the Park Gate. Transfer to a heavenly shower and a real bed at the RIGHT altitude. 

    Overnight at ().

    Stay: Springlands Hotel 

    Meals: Lunch & breakfast

  • Day 8: Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport / Johannesburg

    Transfer from Springlands Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.

    End of service

*Hiking times are estimated only but have been calculated to give the hiker a comfortable pace throughout the hike.

Map

  • Return flights from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro Airport, including airport taxes.
  • Airport transfers 
  • 2 Nights in Moshi at Springlands Hotel with breakfast (1 night before and 1 night after the climb)
  • Expedition briefing 
  • 6 Days hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro 
  • National Park / Camping & Hut fees.
  • Government tourist taxes.
  • Rescue fees (excluding evacuation by helicopter).
  • Qualified English speaking guide 
  • Assistant guides, cook, waiter & porters.
  • Salaries for your mountain crew.
  • Meals on the mountain 
  • Camping equipment 
  • Boiled water for drinking and washing.
  • Portable oxygen for emergencies.
  • Uhuru or Stella Point certificate issued by the National Park Board.

  • Entry visa to Tanzania 
  • Malaria – Tanzania is a malaria area
  • Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
  • Meals & Beverages not specified  
  • Sightseeing 
  • All items of personal nature
  • Gratuity
  • Tips for the guides and porters 
  • Drinks not specified.
  • Climbing gear.
  • Personal first aid kit.

Dates & Prices

Dates:

PRIVATE CLIMBS ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERRED DATES

Rates:

RAND Rate (SA residents ONLY) USD Rate
Rates available on request. Rates available on request.
(Excluding International flights & airline taxes)

 

  • Please request a quote from our Kilimanjaro Specialists for the best, most current rates according to your preferred time of travel.
  • Prices are based on 2 - 5 climbers– if more people travel discounted rates are available. 
  • All rates are subject to increases beyond our control, including fuel price, government taxes and exchange rate fluctuations.
  • For travel outside of these dates, the price may vary according to season rates.