Tour Overview - 6 Days Umbwe Route

Duration: 6 days
Starting Price: from $2,199 USD

The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most direct routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, making it ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging and adventurous climb. This route ascends quickly, joining the Machame Route at Barranco Hut, and descends via the scenic Mweka Trail.

Because of its short and steep profile, the Umbwe Route is not recommended for climbers with limited altitude experience. Those who attempt it should be prepared for a physically demanding trek and rapid acclimatization.

All our Kilimanjaro treks are offered as private trips, starting on any day, with group departures available on select dates. Enhance your adventure by following your Kilimanjaro trek with a Tanzania safari.

Tour Highlight:

Day 1: Arrive Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to Arusha City

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp (BLD)

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)

Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)

Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Arusha city (B)

Day 8: Depart Arusha city (B)

Full Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to Arusha city
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer to Arusha city. Your driver from Superior Kilimanjaro And Safaris will meet you after immigration and customs. Look for a sign with your name or the company logo. The drive to Arusha city takes approximately 45 minutes without traffic.

Today, you will have a trek orientation with your Kilimanjaro guide and the opportunity to collect any rental equipment you may need. Extra luggage that is not required for the trek can be stored safely at the hotel. We recommend taking a rest day if time allows to acclimatize before the climb.

• Meals included: None

• Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge or Outpost lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 2: Drive to Umbwe Gate – Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp (BLD)
Drive from Arusha city to Umbwe Gate (approx. 30 minutes) and begin the climb through lush rainforest with a packed lunch on the way.

• Elevation: 1,660m / 5,450ft → 2,850m / 9,350ft

• Distance: 11 km / 7 mi

• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

• Habitat: Montane Forest

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp

Day 3: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)
Climb from Umbwe Camp to the Shira Plateau, then proceed east along a ridge, passing junctions leading toward Kibo and the Lava Tower (“Shark’s Tooth”) at 4,650m / 15,250ft. Descend gently to Barranco Camp, joining other Machame Route hikers.

• Elevation: 2,850m / 9,350ft → 4,000m / 13,000ft

• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi

• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

• Habitat: Semi-Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)
After breakfast, scale the Barranco Wall and descend to the Karanga Valley, connecting with the Mweka Trail junction.

• Elevation: 4,000m / 13,000ft → 4,050m / 13,250ft

• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)
Ascend to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit and enjoying panoramic views of the summit from different angles. Prepare for the final ascent the next day.

• Elevation: 4,050m / 13,250ft → 4,700m / 15,350ft

• Distance: 4 km / 2 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit – Descend to Mweka Camp (BLD)
Start very early (midnight–2am) for the summit climb, navigating scree and snow toward Stella Point on the crater rim, then onward to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. After celebrating at the summit, descend via Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.

• Elevation: 4,700m / 15,350ft → 5,895m / 19,340ft → 3,090m / 10,150ft

• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up → 13 km / 8 mi down

• Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up → 5–6 hours down

• Habitat: Stone scree & ice-capped summit

• Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Drive to Arusha city (B)
Descend through lush forest to Mweka Gate to receive your summit certificate. Continue to Mweka Village where a vehicle will transfer you back to Arusha city (approx. 30 minutes). Remember to tip your guides and porters for their support.

• Elevation: 3,090m / 10,150ft → 1,680m / 5,500ft

• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi

• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

• Habitat: Forest

• Meals included: Breakfast

• Accommodation: Mvuli Lodge or Outpost Lodge (Mid-Range)

Day 8: Departure from Arusha city (B)
Your adventure concludes in Arusha city. If continuing on a safari, your guide will meet you at your hotel. Transfers to Kilimanjaro Airport can also be arranged.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Included & Excluded:

What’s Included

• Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

• All meals and purified drinking water during the trek

• Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees

• Tents and camping gear

• Pre- and post-climb hotel accommodation

• Airport and trailhead transfers

• Emergency oxygen and first aid kit

What’s Not Included

• International flights

• Tanzania visa fees

• Tips (approx. $350–$400 per climber)

• Personal trekking equipment (available for rent)

• Extra hotel nights if needed

• Portable toilet (available on request)

• Bottled and alcoholic beverages

Price Range: