5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025, The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest route on Kilimanjaro, known for its rapid ascent and limited acclimatization opportunities. This 5-day itinerary is best suited for experienced hikers with high-altitude trekking experience and strong fitness levels. Due to its difficulty, the success rate is lower than other routes, and altitude sickness can be a challenge.
The best Reasonable price for 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025. There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka route.
This route is the steepest with the shortest and most direct routes to the Southern Glaciers, Western Breach and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. However it is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. Very steep route best suited to experienced trekkers.
Duration: 6 – 7 days.
Difficulty: Very High
Scenery: Very good
Traffic: Very low
The detailed day by day 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025 itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 2,850m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The climb starts at Umbwe Gate, where you’ll register before trekking through a dense rainforest. The trail is steep and follows a ridge with stunning views of deep valleys. After a demanding hike, you’ll reach Umbwe Cave Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
Elevation: 2,850m to 3,900m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
The forest begins to thin as you ascend into the heath and moorland zone. The trail remains steep and exposed as you follow the ridge toward Barranco Camp, where the path merges with the Machame Route. This camp sits below the Great Barranco Wall, offering spectacular views of Kibo Peak.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
Elevation: 3,900m to 4,640m
Distance: 9 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day begins with a scramble up Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb. Once at the top, the trail descends slightly before gradually rising towards Karanga Camp (4,035m). After a short break, you’ll continue to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit push. You’ll have an early dinner and rest before the final ascent.
Day 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,100m
Distance: 5 km ascent, 12 km descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
The summit push begins around midnight. You’ll ascend in the dark, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) before making the final trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After enjoying breathtaking sunrise views, you’ll descend quickly to Mweka Camp, passing Barafu Camp on the way.
Day 5: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
The final stretch takes you through lush rainforest back to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. A vehicle will then take you back to Moshi or Arusha for celebration and rest.
Key Points About the 5-Day Umbwe Route: 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
Steepest and most challenging route – only recommended for experienced climbers.
Fast ascent with limited acclimatization – high risk of altitude sickness.
Low traffic and solitude – fewer climbers compared to other routes.
No technical climbing required, but physical fitness is essential.
This route is best for those looking for a fast, direct, and challenging way to the summit of Kilimanjaro!
Inclusions, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Mess tents Day 1
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Exclusions, 5-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 2025
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
- Tanzania Visa
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)