Explore the Kilimanjaro National Park

7-Day Umbwe Route

Tour Overview

The Umbwe Route is known for being the most challenging path to the summit, characterized by its steep and strenuous ascent through dense jungle. In some sections, climbers use tree roots as makeshift rungs to navigate the vertical terrain. Due to the high risks associated with the Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, our standard Umbwe route hikes are re-routed to join the Machame route from the second night on the mountain.

For those seeking a more adventurous experience, we can arrange special requests for Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit via the Western Breach/Arrow Glacier path and overnighting at the Crater camp. This option is available through our higher quality Standard packages and comes with an additional supplement rate.

The main difference between the 6-day and 7-day Umbwe routes is the inclusion of an extra acclimatization day at Barranco camp.

Tips:

  • Crater camping is possible with an extra day and additional costs.
  • Enjoy the scenic Kilimanjaro trail.
  • Experience the challenge of crossing the Barranco Wall.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our guide will be there to greet you. He will transfer you to your hotel where you can unwind after your flight. If you arrive via a different airport or location, just let us know, and we can arrange convenient transfers. Before your climb begins, you’ll meet with your guide for a briefing. He’ll provide details on what to wear, what to pack in your backpack, and other important tips to ensure your climb is as comfortable as possible.

Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1614m) – Umbwe Cave camp (2850m)

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 10.3 km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Machame Gate to complete the registration formalities. From there, we proceed to the Umbwe Gate (1641m), passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is thick with moisture, and the path is often muddy.

The route starts on a forestry track winding up through the lush rain forest. As you continue, the trail narrows and becomes steeper as it climbs the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, surrounded by towering trees. Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular views of deep gorges and, if you are fortunate, glimpses of Kilimanjaro in the distance. The camp is set in a secluded area surrounded by massive trees and dense undergrowth.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave camp (2850m) – Barranco camp (3985m)

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 6.3 km
Habitat: Moorland

Shortly after departing from the camp, the forest begins to thin, giving way to rockier terrain and sparser undergrowth, with moss-covered trees dotting the landscape. The path follows a narrow yet spectacular ridge, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro rising majestically against the blue sky as you gain altitude.

The trail flattens as you approach Barranco Valley, and from the Umbwe Ridge, the route descends slightly to the Barranco Camp. Located in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, this campsite provides a breathtaking sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

Day 4: Barranco camp (3985m) – Karanga Camp (4040m)

Hiking time: 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert

After a night at the Great Barranco Wall, you’ll tackle this impressive obstacle, which often turns out to be less challenging than expected. As you reach the top just below the Heim Glacier, you’ll gain a renewed appreciation for the stunning beauty of Kilimanjaro.

The route then descends through the Karanga Valley, crossing intervening ridges and valleys, and eventually joins the Mweka route. Note that the Karanga Valley is the last water stop before reaching Barafu Camp, where no water is available.

Day 5: Karanga camp (4040m) – Barafu camp (4681m)

Hiking time: 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 3.4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, we head left up the ridge, ascending 640 meters to reach Barafu Camp. Barafu, meaning “ice” in Swahili, is a stark and exposed campsite situated on a narrow, stony ridge with constant strong winds. Familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to prevent accidents.

The summit is another 1,214 meters higher. You’ll begin your final ascent later that night. Ensure your equipment, hiking poles, and thermal clothing are ready, including spare headlamp and camera batteries. To prevent freezing, carry your water in a thermal flask.

Day 6: Summit Attempt- Mweka

Barafu Camp (4681m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3090m)
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | 6 to 8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp
Distance: Approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will wake around 23:20 and, after a light snack of tea and biscuits, begin your ascent. Heading northwest, you will tackle the heavy scree on your way to Stella Point on the crater rim. This 6-hour climb is often the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

At Stella Point (5739m), take a brief rest and enjoy the stunning sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, the final 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak is typically snow-covered. Minimize your time at the summit to avoid the cold and fatigue making it difficult to continue.

Afterward, descend back to Barafu Camp, a journey of about 3 hours. Following a short rest, continue your descent to Mweka Camp (3090m). The route, while not difficult, leads through rocky and scree paths into moorland and eventually the forest. Expect mist or rain in the late afternoon as you settle into camp.

Day 7: Mweka camp (3090m) – Mweka Gate (1641m)

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
Distance: Approximately 8.5 km
Habitat: Forest

Begin your scenic hike back to the park gate, which typically takes 4 to 6 hours. Be aware that some hikers may experience knee problems, potentially extending the descent. At Mweka Gate, successful climbers receive their summit certificates: green for reaching Stella Point (5739m) and gold for reaching Uhuru Peak (5895m).

From Mweka Gate, continue your descent into Mweka Village, a muddy 3 km hike (about 1 hour). Enjoy a delicious hot lunch in the village before driving back to Arusha. There, you’ll have the chance to relax with a long-overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrate your accomplishment.

Price Inclusions

IncludedExcluded

 

  • Park fees
  • Pickup and transfer airport
  • Porters who carry your luggage
  • Private cook speaking fluently English
  • Private guide speaking fluently English
  • Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • High quality tents (including dinner-tent
  • International flights and visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

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+255 753 512 104

info@mtembezisafaris.com