6 Days Umbwe Route
Overview
In this trek, we will cover the challenging and scenic Umbwe Route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro over 6 days. Known for its steep, direct path and breathtaking views, this route is perfect for adventurous hikers. The journey begins and ends in Moshi, passing through diverse landscapes from rainforest to arctic-like conditions at the summit.
Stay Locations
- Day 1 - Umbwe Cave Camp
- Day 2 - Barranco Camp
- Day 3 - Karanga Camp
- Day 4 - Barafu Camp
- Day 5 - Uhuru Peak
- Day 6 - Mweka Camp
Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation: 5,905 ft (1,800 m) to 9,514 ft (2,900 m) | Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast at your hotel in Moshi, you’ll have a short drive to the Umbwe Gate (1,800m) for registration. The hike begins through the lush rainforest, with steep ascents along a ridge. As you trek through this dense forest, you may spot monkeys and other wildlife. The day ends at Umbwe Cave Camp for your first night on the mountain.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 9,514 ft (2,900 m) to 13,044 ft (3,960 m) | Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Heath and Moorland
On the second day, the trail becomes steeper as you ascend through moss-covered forests and onto the heath zone. The landscape changes dramatically, with fewer trees and more open vistas. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, set in a scenic valley beneath the Great Barranco Wall. The camp offers stunning views of Kibo Peak and the southern glaciers.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft (3,960 m) to 13,106 ft (4,035 m) | Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek begins with a challenging climb up the Great Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble. After reaching the top, the trail leads through several ridges and valleys, with spectacular views of the southern icefields of Kibo. The day ends at Karanga Camp, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft (4,035 m) to 15,239 ft (4,640 m) | Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is relatively short but serves as crucial acclimatization ahead of the summit attempt. The trail gradually ascends toward Barafu Camp, where you’ll prepare for the final ascent to the summit. From Barafu Camp, you can see both the summit of Kibo and the Mawenzi peak. Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak – Descend to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,239 ft (4,640 m) to 19,341 ft (5,895 m), then down to 10,065 ft (3,068 m) | Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles (ascent) and 12 km / 7.5 miles (descent)
Ascent Time: 6-8 hours | Descent Time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Arctic / Moorland
Summit day! Around midnight, you’ll begin the final and most demanding ascent towards the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trail is steep and challenging as you climb the switchback path toward Stella Point on the crater rim. After a short rest, continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 19,341 ft (5,895 m). After celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a short rest and then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Return to Moshi
Elevation: 10,065 ft (3,068 m) to 5,380 ft (1,640 m) | Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours | Habitat: Montane Forest
Your final day on Kilimanjaro is a descent through the rainforest from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The trail is lush, and you’ll enjoy your last views of the mountain before reaching the gate. After checking out, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Moshi for a well-deserved celebration.
Book This Tour
Included
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Sleeping Mattress
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Exclusions
- International flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour (Unless mentioned otherwise).
- Tips.
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance
Are you ready to begin planning your Trekking Experience?
Our team specializes in crafting personalized journeys through Tanzania, ensuring a unique safari experience for everyone. Anticipate unforgettable encounters with diverse breathtaking sunsets, all tailored to your individual preferences.
This isn’t just a trip; it’s a customized adventure. Begin planning today!
Mountain Trekking - Packages
Marangu Gate, Mandara Huts, Horombo Huts, Kibo Huts, Uhuru Peak
Mti Mkubwa, Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak
Machame Gate, Machame Camp, Shira Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Uhuru Peak
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
Contacts
Office Locations
Marangu - Moshi
Call Us
+255 786 623 552
Email Us
Contact@iggy-expeditions.com
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