6 days · Tanzania · Challenging trek
Kilimanjaro: Umbwe Route
The shortest, steepest and most direct way up Kilimanjaro. Umbwe climbs sharply through rainforest along narrow ridges and is recommended only for fit, experienced hikers who have been to altitude before.
Enquire about this safariDuration
6 days on the mountain
Route
Umbwe Gate · Barranco · Barafu · Uhuru Peak
Best time
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
Ideal for
Experienced hikers
Steep and direct
Umbwe is the least-used route on Kilimanjaro. It gains height very quickly, which makes it physically demanding and gives less time to acclimatise, so we recommend it only for strong hikers with high-altitude experience. In return you get solitude, dramatic forest ridges and a fast approach to the southern circuit, which it joins at Barranco Camp. We can add an extra acclimatisation day on request.
Itinerary
Day by day
A sample route. Your planner will adjust camps and order to match the herds' position in your travel month.
Day 1 · Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave
A steep climb through dense rainforest along ridges to about 2,850 m.
Day 2 · To Barranco Camp
Continue steeply up the ridge to join the southern circuit at Barranco (about 3,950 m).
Day 3 · Barranco Wall to Karanga
Scramble up the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
Day 4 · To Barafu Camp
Climb to Barafu high camp at about 4,670 m and rest before the summit.
Day 5 · Summit day
Leave around midnight for Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 6 · Down to Mweka Gate
Walk down through the rainforest to the gate.
Included
— Park, camping and rescue fees
— Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
— Quality tents, sleeping mats and mess tent
— All meals and treated water on the mountain
— Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
— Hotel nights before and after the climb
— Airport transfers
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Travel insurance with high-altitude cover (required)
— Sleeping bag and personal gear (rental available)
— Tips for guides and crew
— Drinks and personal items
Climb Kilimanjaro with us
Climb privately with your own crew, or join one of our small group departures to share the adventure and the cost. Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the best option.
Enquire now