The Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro is the steepest and most challenging path to the summit, but it is also the most direct and spectacular. The route climbs a forested ridge, passes through the moorlands, and skirts below the Southern Icefields to reach Barafu Camp before the final push to Uhuru Peak. Its rapid ascent to higher altitudes makes it demanding, but hikers are rewarded with pristine forests, fewer crowds, and shorter daily walking distances. Overnight stays are in tents along the route.
Flight from Johannesburg to Kilimanjaro Airport. 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
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
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
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
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
4,681m (15,358ft) – 5,895m (19,341ft)
Average 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
Transfer from Springlands Hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight home.
End of service
1 January to 31 December 2026
SA Resident Price per Person Sharing: R33,623 pps
International Traveller Price per Person Sharing: US$1,957 pps
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA:
International flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town are available on Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
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