Umbwe Route (6 Days)

Duration 6 Days / 5 Nights

Route Umbwe Gate • Umbwe Cave • Barranco • Karanga • Barafu • Uhuru Peak

Trek Type Kilimanjaro Trek • Steep & Challenging • Camping

Starting Point Umbwe Gate (≈1,800 m), South Kilimanjaro

Trek Highlights

Steepest and most direct route on Kilimanjaro — for experienced, very fit hikers.
Fast altitude gain through dense rainforest ridges to the Barranco Valley.
Joins the southern circuit at Barranco, then follows Karanga → Barafu → Summit.
Fewer crowds and dramatic scenery; lower success if rushed — consider adding a day for acclimatization.

🗓️ Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Moshi Arrival

Arrive in Moshi for gear check and pre-climb briefing. Overnight at a base hotel.
Meals: — Overnight: Moshi

Day 2: Umbwe Gate (≈1,800 m) → Umbwe Cave Camp (≈2,850 m)

Register at Umbwe Gate. A steep ridge climb through lush rainforest (5–6 hrs) to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Meals: L, D — Overnight: Umbwe Cave (tents)

Day 3: Umbwe Cave → Barranco Camp (3,960 m)

Continue up the narrow ridge, breaking out of the forest into heath and moorland with towering views of Kibo. 5–6 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp (3,995 m)

Climb the Barranco Wall (non-technical scramble) and traverse to Karanga Valley for rest. 4–5 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp (4,673 m)

Short, steady ascent to Barafu Base Camp. Early dinner and rest before summit push. 3–4 hrs.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Summit – Barafu → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Mweka Camp (3,100 m)

Midnight start via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak for sunrise. Descend to Mweka Camp for recovery. 12–14 hrs total.
Meals: B, L, D — Overnight: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate for certificates and transfer to Moshi.
Meals: B, L — Overnight: —

Booking Safari

Safaris Booking

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Number of Travellers

Start Date

End Date

Nationality (for park fees and visa advice)

Additional Information / Special Requests

Kilimanjaro park & rescue fees, government taxes
Camping equipment (mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent)
All meals on trek (B, L, D) + purified drinking water
Professional licensed guides, cook & porters
Private transfers: Moshi ↔ Umbwe/Mweka Gates
Pulse oximeter checks & first-aid kit
Base hotel in Moshi (pre/post climb if booked)

International flights & Tanzania visa
Travel/medical insurance (mandatory)
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, poles, layers, headlamp, etc.)
Extra hotel nights/meals in Moshi not stated
Tips for guide, cook, and porters
Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry, souvenirs)