Kilimanjaro route
Umbwe Route
The 6 and 7-day itineraries from Umbwe Gate to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Every day's distance, walking time and habitat, gate to summit.
- Duration
- 6–7 days
- Price from
- $2,300
- Difficulty
- Very challenging
- Starting point
- Umbwe Gate
About the Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct route on Kilimanjaro, offering a rapid ascent through dense forest into the Southern Circuit. It is a challenging route best suited for experienced trekkers, with fewer crowds and a more remote feel early in the climb.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Best for: Experienced trekkers, direct ascent, fewer crowds
Prices
Prices are per person and vary slightly based on group size and season. Contact us for an exact quote.
| Duration | Itinerary | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| 6 days | Day by day below | $2,300 |
| 7 days | Day by day below | On request |
6-day Umbwe Route itinerary
The 6 day Umbwe Route follows a fast and direct ascent profile with minimal acclimatization time. It is physically demanding and best suited for experienced climbers comfortable with rapid elevation gain.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
- 1,600 m / 5,250 ft → 2,900 m / 9,515 ft
- 11 km / 7 miles
- 6 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through steep rainforest trails along the Umbwe valley. The climb is continuous and demanding from the start. Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp.
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
- 2,900 m / 9,515 ft → 3,970 m / 13,025 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Moorland
Continue ascending as the forest gives way to moorland. The landscape opens with views toward the Western Breach. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,970 m / 13,025 ft → 3,930 m / 12,894 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles
- 4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and traverse into the Karanga Valley beneath glaciers. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,930 m / 12,894 ft → 4,600 m / 15,090 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 3 hours
- Alpine Desert
Continue to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit. Prepare for the summit attempt.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,600 m / 15,090 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles up; 23 km / 14 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 7–8 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt followed by a long descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,100 m / 10,170 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Descend through forest to Mweka Gate and transfer back to Arusha.
7-day Umbwe Route itinerary
The 7 day Umbwe Route adds an extra acclimatization day, improving summit success by allowing a more gradual progression through the Southern Circuit. This version is recommended for those who want the Umbwe experience with a better margin for altitude adjustment.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
- 1,600 m / 5,250 ft → 2,900 m / 9,515 ft
- 11 km / 7 miles
- 6 hours
- Rainforest
Begin trekking through steep rainforest trails along the Umbwe valley. Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp.
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
- 2,900 m / 9,515 ft → 3,970 m / 13,025 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 4–5 hours
- Moorland
Ascend into moorland terrain with expanding views. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- 3,970 m / 13,025 ft → 3,930 m / 12,894 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles
- 4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Climb the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
Karanga Camp — acclimatization day
- about 3,930 m / 12,894 ft sleeping altitude; optional hike to about 4,200 m / 13,780 ft
- 0 km
- 2–4 hours optional
- Alpine Desert
Spend an extra day at Karanga Camp to acclimatize. Optional hikes higher into the valley help support the climb high, sleep low strategy.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- 3,930 m / 12,894 ft → 4,600 m / 15,090 ft
- 6 km / 4 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Alpine Desert
Ascend to Barafu Camp and prepare for the summit.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- 4,600 m / 15,090 ft → 5,895 m / 19,341 ft → 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
- 7 km / 4 miles up; 23 km / 14 miles down
- 6–8 hours up; 7–8 hours down
- Arctic to Forest
Summit attempt followed by descent to Mweka Camp.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha
- 3,100 m / 10,170 ft → 1,640 m / 5,380 ft
- 10 km / 6 miles
- 3–4 hours
- Rainforest
Final descent and return to Arusha.
Climb the Umbwe Route with Baraka
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Other Kilimanjaro routes
- Lemosho Route · 8 and 9 days
- Machame Route · 6 and 7 days
- Marangu Route · 5 and 6 days
- Rongai Route · 6 and 7 days
- Shira Route · 6 and 7 days
- Northern Circuit · 10 days
