6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route, 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.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via The Umbwe 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
This route is not used much. The Umbwe route is only suitable for people with extensive mountain climbing experience.
Day by Day 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Umbwe Camp (2,850m)
Distance: 11km (6.8 miles)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Description: Begin the trek at the Umbwe Gate, passing through dense rainforest with steep and muddy trails. Reach Umbwe Camp in the evening.
Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,850m) to Barranco Camp (3,950m), 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Distance: 6km (3.7 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Vegetation Zone: Moorland
Description: The trail becomes steeper, with sections of exposed ridges before merging with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (4,035m), 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Distance: 5km (3.1 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Description: Climb the famous Barranco Wall, a non-technical but steep section, followed by a relatively short trek to Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp (4,035m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m), 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Description: A gradual climb through alpine desert terrain to reach Barafu Camp. Rest early before the summit attempt.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m), 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Distance: 16km (9.9 miles)
Hiking Time: 12-15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Arctic to Moorland
Description: Start the summit push at midnight, reaching Stella Point (5,756m) before the final trek to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m), 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Description: A final descent through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate and return to Moshi/Arusha.
Best Time to Climb, 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Dry Seasons: January–March & June–October
Challenging Conditions: The Umbwe Route is steep and best suited for experienced trekkers.
Includes: 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking Wilderness First Responder & CPR certified Guide
- Proper Ration of Mountain crew (Cook & Porters)
- Pre and Post accommodations (2 nights Bed and Breakfast)
- Airport Transfers
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water and Full Board Meals
- All National Park & Hut Fees, Crew Permits and VAT
- Fair and Sustainable Salary Crew Wages
- Gate Transfers
- Complimentary Oxygen Cylinder
- Quality Imported Equipments
Excludes: 6-days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Additional lodge nights if early descent from the mountain $150 per room
Flights
Visa fees
Travel or Medical Insurance is required and you should ask for Recommendation
Gamow Bag
Medication
Tips for porters and mountain crew (20% Industry Standard Recommended)
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Energy food & beverages, alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal hire gear such as trekking poles, sleeping bags, etc.