The Umbwe Route offers a direct and steep approach, starting from the Umbwe Gate and winding through dense rainforests alive with Colobus monkeys. As you ascend, the forest gradually gives way to rocky ridges, offering occasional glimpses of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s iconic summit. Each day presents new challenges and rewards—from navigating the formidable Barranco Wall to reaching the strategic Barafu Camp, poised below the summit cone.
Your ultimate test awaits on Day 6 with the predawn climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After conquering the summit and taking in the breathtaking sunrise from Stella Point, descend to Mweka Camp through diverse landscapes, including lush forests teeming with wildlife. Reflect on your achievement back in Moshi, with options to extend your journey through Tanzania’s renowned game parks or relax on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. The Umbwe Route promises an unforgettable adventure, blending personal triumph with unparalleled natural beauty.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi
Our guide driver will warmly meet you upon arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer you to Moshi. Check-in at the Parkview Inn, enjoy overnight. You are booked on bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1,400m/4,600ft) to Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000m/9,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,600 metres / 5,200 feet
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Your head guide will meet you for the drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate where you will need to register for your climb. After entry formalities are complete begin climbing the winding trail through the forest, looking out for Colobus monkeys as you go! The ascent is steady through this magnificent dense rain forest. Trekking time is approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000m/9,800ft) to Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,650ft)
Elevation Gain: 850 metres / 2,850 feet
Soon after leaving camp the forest begins to thin as you climb the narrow ridge with deep valleys either side. The terrain becomes rockier and the surrounding trees are draped with ‘goat’s beard’ moss. You may even have occasional glimpses of Kibo, the imposing summit cone of Kilimanjaro. Closer to camp the trail begins to flatten out finally descending into Barranco Camp where you will spend the night. Trekking time is approximately 4-5 hours.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,850m/12,600ft) to Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) via the Barranco Wall (4,200m/13,800ft)
Elevation Gain: 350 metres / 1,150 feet
Elevation Loss: 250 metres / 820 feet
After breakfast, we leave Barranco Camp and begin our climb up the Barranco Wall. This is an impressive scramble where you will be rewarded with fantastic views back towards camp. The porters climbing the wall are also an impressive sight. From the top, at 4,200m, you will follow an undulating path around the mountain side. On a clear day there are spectacular views of Kibo to your left and Mount Meru to your right. After descending into the Karranga Valley your climb takes you up a short steep path to Karranga Camp. Walking time is approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 5: Karranga Camp (3,950m/13,000ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
Elevation Gain: 650 metres / 2,150 feet
Today you will spend the morning climbing steadily on to Barafu, which is Swahili for ice! This camp is located on the ridge below the summit cone. You have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. This walk will take around 3 hours meaning that you will arrive at Barafu in time to spend the afternoon resting and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit climb. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this position.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,300ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft)
Elevation Gain: 1,295 metres / 4,200 feet
Elevation Loss: 2,785 metres / 9,100 feet
In the early hours of the morning you will begin your final ascent to the summit of Uhuru Peak. This part of the climb takes approximately 6-8 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day and therefore you will want clothing for both extremes. Just when you think you’ve had enough of climbing in the dark the sun will rise and you will be rewarded with a rich red sky framing Mawenzi. At Stella Point (5,750m) you join the crater rim. From here, climb gently to Uhuru Peak which is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit the descent will take you straight down to Mweka Hut, with lunch served on the way. This part of the descent takes about 6 hours. Later in the evening enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,110m/10,200ft) to Mweka Gate (1,830m/6,000ft)
Elevation Loss: 1,280 metres / 4,220 feet
Descend straight to the gate through lush forest (2-3 hours), looking for monkeys along the way. Return to Moshi from Mweka Village. Our guide driver will meet and transfer you to Parkview Inn where you are booked on bed and breakfast. Enjoy remaining part of the day at leisure. Lunch and dinner are on own arrangements. Enjoy overnight.
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check-out. Our guide driver will meet and transfer you to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, you can proceed on Tanzania Safari to some of Tanzania’s finest game parks or to the Zanzibar Island for a beach holiday.