7 Days Umbwe Route - Kilimanjaro's Most Adventurous Climb

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  • Arusha/Moshi Town
  • Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Umbwe Route

Overview of the Umbwe Route

Conquer Africa’s highest peak via the most direct and challenging route.

The 7 Days Umbwe Route is known for being one of the most direct and challenging routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is perfect for trekkers looking for a tougher challenge, as the route is steeper and more demanding than other routes, especially in the first few days. Despite the physical challenge, the Umbwe Route rewards climbers with stunning views, diverse ecosystems, and a true sense of adventure as they ascend through dense rainforests, moorlands, and high-altitude deserts. This route offers a true Kilimanjaro wilderness experience, but due to its challenging nature, it requires good physical conditioning and an adventurous spirit.

7-Day Umbwe Route Itinerary

Day 0: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you’ll be met by our team and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the evening, you’ll meet your experienced mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, final gear check, and packing recommendations. This is also your last chance to rent any missing gear before the climb. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Moshi or Arusha..

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,650m) to Umbwe Camp (2,850m)

We begin the trek from Umbwe Gate, located on the southern side of Kilimanjaro. The trail quickly enters a dense rainforest, with steep ascents right from the start. The path through the forest is narrow and winding, providing an immersive trekking experience. After a steady climb, we reach Umbwe Camp, where we’ll rest for the night.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~6km (~4–5 hours)
  • Accommodation: Umbwe Camp

Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,960m)

Today we will continue our climb through rainforest and moorland. The trail becomes steeper as we approach Barranco Valley. The landscape starts to open up, providing expansive views of the Kilimanjaro landscape. We will reach Barranco Camp, which sits at the base of the famous Barranco Wall, a large cliff that we will ascend tomorrow. This camp offers incredible views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding area.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~8km (~6–7 hours)
  • Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp

This extra day for acclimatization is crucial for adjusting to the altitude and improving the chance of summit success. You will go on a short hike to higher altitudes before returning to Barranco Camp for the night.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~3km (~2–3 hours)
  • Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,960m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m)

The day begins with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, a steep climb that is considered one of the most technical parts of the trek. While the climb can be strenuous, it’s an exhilarating experience and provides one of the best views on the mountain. After reaching the top, we continue our trek through moorland to Karanga Camp, a popular spot for acclimatization.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~5km (~4–5 hours)
  • Accommodation: Karanga Camp

Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,640m)

Today’s trek takes us on a steady climb to Barafu Camp, located at a higher altitude. As we ascend, the landscape becomes more barren, with a desert-like appearance. Barafu Camp is where we will rest and prepare for the summit attempt. After a quick dinner, we will rest before our midnight summit push.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~6km (~5–6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,640m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and Mweka Camp (3,080m)

We start the summit attempt early in the morning, leaving Barafu Camp at midnight to ascend towards Gilman’s Point and continue to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m). After reaching the highest point in Africa, we take a moment to celebrate before beginning our descent to Mweka Camp. The descent is gradual but long, and we reach Mweka Camp for our final night on the mountain.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Trekking Distance: ~13km (~12–14 hours)
  • Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,080m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) and Return to Moshi/Arusha

After a restful night at Mweka Camp, we make the final descent to Mweka Gate. Here, we’ll complete the formalities, and you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will take you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.

Day 8: Departure Date/Flight Day

A long or short safari and Zanzibar beach holiday adventure can seamlessly be arranged before or after your Kilimanjaro trek with us. For those wishing to explore Moshi Town and immerse themselves in its vibrant culture, including visits to local attractions, markets, and communities, we recommend adding an extra overnight stay. We’ve curated a dedicated guide to Moshi’s top destinations to enhance your experience. Explore Our Moshi Destination Guide Here.

If you prefer to conclude your journey after the trek, we’ll arrange a timely transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.

  • Meals Included : Breakfast Only.

Tour Includes

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s covered in your trekking package.

  •  Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT.
  •  4 Season mountain tents
  •  Camping Equipments. Tables, Chairs etc
  •  Transportation to & from the mountain gate
  •  Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
  •  All Meals (as specified in the itinerary) While On Mountain
  •  Hot Water For Wash on all days
  •  Drinking water on all day
  •   Fair wages for the mountain crew.
  •  Pick up & Drop Off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
  •  All accommodation before and after your trek (Bed & Breakfast ONLY)

Tour Excludes

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need to plan independently.

  •   Portable chemical toilet - $150 per toilet (including tent & porter)
  •   Lunch and dinner before and after trek
  •   Domestic and International flights (from/to home)
  •   Personal Climbing Gear. You can rent from us See Rental Prices or See Packing List
  •   Laundry Services
  •   Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover of 6,000m and above)
  •   Spending a night in the crater - $200 per person
  •   Western breach approach without a night at the crater camp - $100 per person
  •   Tanzanian mountain doctor - $200 per group per day
  • Tips to mountain crew
    • Tip on Mountain Kilimanjaro is recommended for group sharing as following:
      • Guide $20/guide/day
      • Cook $15/day
      • Porters $10/porter/day.

Umbwe Route Frequently Asked Questions

The Umbwe Route is the most difficult of all Kilimanjaro routes. It has steep ascents, rapid elevation gain, and little time for acclimatization. The 7-day itinerary helps improve acclimatization compared to the 6-day version, but it remains a very tough trek. This route is best suited for experienced trekkers with excellent fitness levels.
The best times to climb the Umbwe Route are during the dry seasons, which are from June to October and December to March. These months offer more predictable weather conditions, with less rain and clearer skies for the summit.
The success rate for the Umbwe Route is generally lower than other routes, with approximately 60-70% of climbers reaching the summit. The steep ascent and the limited acclimatization time can be tough, so it’s important to be properly prepared physically and mentally.
To successfully summit via the Umbwe Route, physical conditioning is essential. Focus on cardiovascular training, strength training, and hiking on rough terrain. Training at higher altitudes will also help acclimatize your body. It’s also important to have the correct gear and clothing for the mountain’s various weather conditions.
While the Umbwe Route is one of the most direct routes to the summit, it is not the best choice for first-time climbers due to its steepness and challenging terrain. We recommend this route for trekkers who have previous hiking experience and a good fitness level.
Umbwe route and Western Breach are sometimes considered to be the shortest and hardest Kilimanjaro routes. However, the second statement is debatable. The 7-day Umbwe route itinerary is challenging due to the steep hikes during the first two days and less time to fully acclimate to the altitude. On the other hand, the distinct feature of the Western Breach is not difficulty per se, but the danger of rockfalls and the challenge of finding a safe path up.

If you're a seasoned trekker seeking a challenge, the Umbwe 6 route is an excellent choice. While our guides are skilled in navigating the Western Breach, it's crucial to recognize the inherent risks of this Kilimanjaro route. It's only recommended for those fully aware of these challenges and unwavering in their decision to proceed.
The Umbwe route is approximately 53km or 32 miles long, with the longest hike on the summit night. It’s one of the shortest routes up Kilimanjaro’s summit. The most challenging route section is the final summit day, when you need to hike all the way to Uhuru Peak in the alpine desert zone. However, no technical skills or special equipment other than trekking poles will be required. The descent goes via the Mweka route.

Route Comparison: Umbwe Route vs. Other Kilimanjaro Routes

Route Length Acclimatization Difficulty Crowds Success Rate
Umbwe Route 6-7 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low 60–70%
Machame Route 6-7 Days ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High 85-95%
Marangu Route 5-6 Days ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ High 85-90%
Lemosho Route 6-9 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low 90-99%
Rongai Route 6-7 Days ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Low 70-80%

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