7 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro, Umbwe Route, Tanzania
| 7 Days |
Max People : 100 |
Every Day |
| Min Age : 10+ |
Pickup : Airport |
Langauge - English, French, Germany, Chines |
The 7-day Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and challenging trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its steep ascent, this route is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a thrilling and less crowded climb. The extended 7-day itinerary allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of a successful summit.
The route begins in the dense rainforest, where the trail is narrow and steep, cutting through rugged ridges and untouched wilderness. As climbers gain altitude, the landscape transitions from lush forests to heath and moorland, then to alpine desert and glaciers near the summit. The added acclimatization day enhances adaptation to the high altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Unlike other routes, the Umbwe Route maintains its steep nature throughout, demanding endurance and determination. Despite the challenge, it rewards climbers with stunning scenery, panoramic views, and an immersive wilderness experience. The route eventually joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, offering a mix of solitude and scenic highlights.
With fewer climbers compared to other routes, the 7-day Umbwe Route provides a quieter and more intense trekking experience. Expert guides, porters, and chefs support trekkers throughout the journey, ensuring safety, comfort, and a well-managed climb. This route is a perfect choice for those seeking an adventurous, high-altitude trekking challenge with a higher success rate due to the extended duration.
Departure & Return Location
Moshi, Tanzania (Google Map)
Accommodation
Camping (Umbwe Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, and Barafu Camp)
Departure Time
Early Morning Start (Around 8:00 AM)
Return Time
Mid to Late Afternoon on Day 6
6 Days Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climbing Itinerary
Day 0 - Arrival in Tanzania and Transfer to Moshi
Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. You will have a briefing with your mountain guide, where you will receive an equipment check and final preparation tips for the climb. If time permits, you can explore Moshi town or relax at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Meals: Not included
Day 1 - Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, you will be driven to Umbwe Gate (1,640m/5,380ft) for registration and meet the trekking crew. The hike begins through a dense rainforest with steep and narrow trails, making this one of the most challenging Kilimanjaro routes. Expect muddy and slippery paths as you ascend continuously until reaching Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,350ft) in the moorland zone.
Elevation: 1,640m/5,380ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
Distance: 11km/7mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included
Day 2 - Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Today, you will leave the rainforest and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you hike along a rocky ridge with breathtaking views of Kibo Peak. This day is physically demanding, but the landscape makes it rewarding. You will reach Barranco Camp (3,960m/13,000ft), famous for its stunning view of the Barranco Wall and towering glaciers above.
Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,960m/13,000ft
Distance: 6km/3.7mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 3 - Acclimatization at Barranco Camp
Acclimatization is crucial for altitude adjustment. Today, you will take a short hike towards Lava Tower (4,600m/15,092ft) and then descend back to Barranco Camp. This climb high, sleep low approach helps your body adapt to the altitude. The day is relatively relaxed, giving you time to explore the surroundings and prepare for the challenging climb ahead.
Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to Lava Tower and back
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 4 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Start the day by tackling the Barranco Wall, a steep but enjoyable rock scramble that offers breathtaking views. After conquering the wall, follow a series of up-and-down trails through valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp (4,035m/13,200ft). This is a shorter hiking day, allowing you to recover for the final ascent.
Elevation: 3,960m/13,000ft to 4,035m/13,200ft
Distance: 5km/3mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 5 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today’s hike is relatively short but steep as you make your way to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft), the base camp for the summit. You will pass through barren, rocky terrain with strong winds and extreme temperatures. Upon arrival, have an early dinner and rest as the final push to Uhuru Peak begins at midnight.
Elevation: 4,035m/13,200ft to 4,673m/15,331ft
Distance: 4km/2.5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 6 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the climb. You will wake up at midnight for a hot drink and a light snack before starting the summit push. The ascent is steep, passing through Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), the highest point in Africa! Enjoy the stunning sunrise and take photos before descending back to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Later, continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) for the night.
Elevation: 4,673m/15,331ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m/10,170ft
Distance: 17km/10.5mi (total ascent and descent)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours
Habitat: Arctic at the summit, then rainforests
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included
Day 7 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Moshi
After breakfast, descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft), where you will sign out. A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi for a celebratory meal and your well-deserved rest. Congratulations on your successful climb!
Elevation: 3,100m/10,170ft to 1,640m/5,380ft
Distance: 10km/6.2mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch included
Table Price
| Group Size |
Estimated Price per Person (USD) |
| 2-4 Travelers |
$1,995 |
| 5-7 Travelers |
$1,870 |
| 8-10 Travelers |
$1,750 |
| Group Sharing |
$1,500 |
Price Includes
- Park entry fees (for non-residents)
- Camping fees or hut accommodation
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Porters to carry equipment and supplies
- All meals on the mountain
- Drinking water and hot drinks
- Return transport from Moshi/Arusha to the park gate
- Oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter
- All government taxes and VAT
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining tent, chairs, and tables)
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Accommodation before and after the climb (unless paid)
- Personal items (e.g., gear, toiletries, snacks)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Additional transport services outside the itinerary
- Portable toilet rental (available on request)
- Meals not mentioned in the package
