• Arusha, Tanzania
  • +255-714 094 921 or +255-689 332 181
  • info@maasaiwanderlust.co.tz or booking@maasaiwanderlust.co.tz

6 Days Umbwe Route | Kilimanjaro Climb

  • 6 Days, 5 Nights Climb
  • Total Climb Distance: 51km
  • Start From: $ 2,180

Climb Highlights

Umbwe is the most scenic and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak but is recommended only for experienced climbers. Because of the fast ascension it does not provide enough time to acclimatize. It is generally not recommended but it does have the advantage of very little traffic. This route became famous when it was featured in the dramatic IMAX film Kilimanjaro—To the Roof of Africa. On the Umbwe, you will pass through strange landscapes as you climb through five climate zones ranging from rainforest to the summit's glaciers. The route follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, then traverses below the southern ice fields to reach the Machame Route, which you follow to the summit.

Mountain diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional cooks. A typical diet on mountain includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian, gluten-free & halal options are available at no extra cost. All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

Comfortable tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro, on sharing basis. If you travel alone, we will match you with a same-sex fellow climber.

Why Choose Umbwe Route?

  • The least traffic of all Mount Kilimanjaro routes.
  • Extremely physically & mentally demanding.
  • Recommended only for experienced climbers.
  • Single travelers can join this group climb.
  • This climb can be customized on request.
  • Best price that won't break the bank.
  • Less acclimatization time for climbers.
  • It is steep and strenuous climbing route.
  • Most scenic route on the mountain.
  • Starts any day, if availability permits.
  • Joining group keeps climb costs down.
  • Signature camping & amazing meals .

Additional Info

Location

Duration

Min Age

Min Pax

Landing

Pick Up

Drop Off

Tanzania

6 days

18+

2

KIA

KIA

KIA

Climb Itinerary

0

Day 0: Arrive at KIA and transfer to Arusha City

After you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by Maasai Wanderlust representative and be transferred to Arusha City. In the evening there will be a briefing with our chief guide, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.

Please Note

  • Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
  • 1

    Day 1: Umbwe Gate -Umbwe Cave Camp (1,600m- 2,940m)

    To do on this route, a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. You will then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track that winds up the dense rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.

    At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:-

  • √Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine.
  • √Drink over 4 liters of water daily (little by little, frequently).
  • √Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
  • √Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
  • -Altitude Attained: 1330m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Montane Forest.
  • -Hours trekking: 5-7 Hours.
  • -Distance: 11 km.
  • -Difficulty: Low.
  • -Meals: Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.
  • -Dinner and Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp.
  • 2

    Day 2:Umbwe Cave Camp - Barranco Camp (2,940m- 3,976m)

    The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As you gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

  • -Altitude Attained: 1,036m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Moorland.
  • -Hours trekking: : 4-6 hours.
  • -Distance: 6 km.
  • -Difficulty: Medium.
  • -Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • -Dinner and Overnight at Barranco Camp.
  • 3

    Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Valley Camp (3,976m- 3,995m)

    This walk takes you along the southern circuit, evading the base of Kibo peak by hiking toward the eastern side of the valley and cross the stream up a steep ridge to the Great Barranco wall. Even though huge and steep as it looks, turn out to be easier than an obstacle. Then you start a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route, but don't worry: our guides are experts at choosing an optimal pace for the group. After reaching the camp you will be offered warm lunch. After a couple of hours you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 300-meter gain in altitude, and then descent back down to the camp.

    Acclimatization hike:

  • Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp (3,995 m) — Destination point en route to Barafu Camp (4,270 m).
  • Hiking distance: 2.5 km.
  • Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
  • NOTE: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.
  • -Altitude Attained: 19m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert.
  • -Hours trekking: 4-5 Hours.
  • -Distance: 5 km.
  • -Difficulty: Medium.
  • -Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • -Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
  • 4

    Day 4: Karanga Valley Camp- Barafu Camp (3,995m- 4,673m)

    This day will be spent trekking towards School Hut. The landscape will change significantly to give way to a rocky semidesert. The actual trekking is not very difficult; just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp, we recommend you sleep well, avoid strenuous activity, and drink as much as you can, because that very night you will be ascending Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

    Acclimatization hike:

  • Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,673 m) — Kosovo Camp (4,800m).
  • Hiking distance: 2 km.
  • Hiking time: 1–2 hours.
  • NOTE: It is better to spend the remainder of the day resting and sleeping before night summiting.
  • -Altitude Attained: 678m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Alpine desert.
  • -Hours trekking: 4-5 Hours.
  • -Distance: 4 km.
  • -Difficulty: Medium.
  • -Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
  • -Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.
  • 5

    Day 5: Barafu Camp- Uhuru Peak – Mweka camp (4673m- 5895m- 3,068m)

    Wake up around midnight and have breakfast before you start hiking up into the night on the steepest and demanding part of the Kilimanjaro. If you are lucky enough, the moonlight will light your steps up on the northwest through the most challenging heavy loose scree and boulders trails all the way to Stella point. Each pair of climbers will get a personal guide for the entire ascent to monitor your physical and mental conditions. At Stella point, you will have a short rest and welcome a new dawn with amazing and stunning sunrise. Then continue to Uhuru Summit, the highest point in Africa and the world’s highest freestanding peak where you create memories of lifetime. Take time to celebrate with your fellow trekkers, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Camp (3,720 m).

  • NOTE: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.
  • -Elevation Attained: 1,222 m.
  • -Elevation Lost: 2,827 m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Arctic.
  • -Hours trekking: 7-13 Hours.
  • -Distance: 15 km.
  • -Difficulty: High.
  • -Meals: Breakfast, Hot/Picnic lunch & Dinner.
  • -Dinner and overnight at Mweka camp.
  • 6

    Day 6: Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate (3,068m- 1,640m) – Arusha City

    Wake up and have an early breakfast as usual, then pack your belonging and descent to Mandara hut. At Mandara, you will have lunch before you continue descending through the most beautiful cloudy, foggy and lush moorland forests to Marangu Gate. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates. After tipping and saying welfare to your mountain crew, you will be transferred back to Arusha City.

  • -Elevation Lost: 1,428 m.
  • -Vegetation Zone: Montane.
  • -Hours trekking: 4-5 Hours.
  • -Distance: 10 km.
  • -Difficulty: Medium.
  • -No accommodation (END OF TOUR).
  • END OF TOUR

  • Additional accomodation can be arranged for an extra cost.You be dropped off at the Kilimanjaro International Airport.
  • Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes Map

    Included

  • √ Professional & licensed guides (10+ years of successful climbing experience).
  • √ Services of dedicated mountain crew (assistant guides, cooks, porters.) 
  • √ Pick-up & Drop Off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • √ Transfer to park entrance gate and back to the hotel in Arusha city.
  • √ Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.
  • √ Equipments (comfortable sleeping & dining tent, camping table and chairs).
  • √ All park fees (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee & VAT.
  • √ Three meals on the mountain as specified in the day-by-day Itinerary.
  • √ Boiled & purified water on the mountain.
  • √ First Aid kit.
  • Excluded

  • √ Accommodation before & after climb.
  • ∆ International flights tickets (from/to home)
  • ∆ Visa fee.
  • ∆ Personal items or souvenirs.
  • ∆ Personal gear climbing rentals.
  • ∆ Mountaineering insurance.
  • ∆ Tips for the mountain crew (10–20 USD per person).