Umbwe Route
UMBWE ROUTE
- 9 days / 8 nights (6 days on the mountain)
- Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe route is the most physically taxing and least used up Mount Kilimanjaro. On the first two days you will have a steep uphill climb almost the whole way and breath taking views off the ridges, all without the clutter of other climbers – sweet reward for the physical demands on your legs that the route makes. You eventually join trails with those coming from the Machame route and Lemosho route, and carry on up the Great Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp before your summit push to Uhuru Peak in the wee hours of the morning of your 5th day on the mountain.
Route climbable year-round. January through March and mid-June through October are driest months.
Demanding route for those seeking to push themselves in fewer days than advised and seeking solitude on the lower sections.
- On days 1 and 2 enter a dense rain forest to a steep climb on a narrow ridge which follows the route used by all record-setting speed ascents.
- A challenging and exhilarating rock scramble up the Great Barranco Wall.
- From Barafu incredible views of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s remnant volcanic cone.
- Satisfaction of an accomplishment few have achieved in the short timeframe.
GALLERY / PHOTOS
Start from $1512
ROUTE MAP
DISCOVER THE UMBWE ROUTE
Explore the stunning landscapes of Kilimanjaro with our detailed Umbwe Route map. Known for its breathtaking scenery and less crowded trails, this route offers an unforgettable climb to the summit. Plan your adventure with confidence and experience the beauty of Tanzania like never before!
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival Day, Kilimanjaro
Your trip leader will pick you up upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and bring you to Marangu, Kilimanjaro, located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, approximately 2 hours from the airport.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: D
Day 2: Marangu, Kilimanjaro
You have the morning to rest and relax. Your trip leader will provide a climb orientation and equipment check. This is also a day to take a guided tour around Marangu Villages and swim in the river and waterfall.
Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast and obtaining climb permits from Marangu Gate, we drive to Umbwe Gate. The steep and rugged trail winds through lush rainforest before reaching a ridge leading to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
A steep uphill climb leads us through ridges and rock scrambles, transitioning from forest to moorland, where we encounter unique flora such as giant groundsels and senecios.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today begins with the exhilarating ascent of the Great Barranco Wall. After reaching the top, we descend into Karanga Valley before climbing to our ridge-top camp.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
As we hike uphill, the landscape becomes sparse, and temperatures drop. Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Kiswahili, is the staging point for our summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
A midnight ascent under the stars takes us to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, we descend to Millennium Camp for the night.
Overnight: Millennium Camp
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate; Moshi Town
A final descent brings us to Mweka Gate. After a celebration lunch, we transfer to Moshi Town for relaxation.
Overnight: Ameg Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Moshi Town
For those continuing to safari or Zanzibar, transfers will be arranged. Those returning home can enjoy a guided tour of Moshi Town before their airport transfer.
Meals: B
Inclusions ✅
✔️ All accommodations for 9 days / 8 nights
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Bottled or filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa
✔️ Services of trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
✔️ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
✔️ All camping and dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag and pad)
✔️ Portable private toilet at all camps
✔️ Supplemental oxygen for emergency descents
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport and park gates
✔️ Guided Village walking tour
✔️ Guided Moshi Town walking tour
Exclusions ❌
❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Additional accommodations & meals due to airline schedule changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
Disclaimer
Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices if affected by:
Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
Exchange rate fluctuations
Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs
Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.