Umbwe Gate (1,800m) to Bivouac Camp (2,900m)

Umbwe Trail - Begin your adventure with an early breakfast at your hotel, followed by a pick-up from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. Here, you can purchase mineral water and receive a packed lunch. The porters will organize and pack your belongings for the hike while you and your guide register with the Tanzania National Park (TANAPA). Your journey into the rainforest begins here. Expect rain, mud, and fog, and keep an eye out for wildlife, such as Colobus monkeys! Midway through the trail, you’ll take a lunch break and reach Bivouac Camp (2940m) by late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who ascend the mountain swiftly, will arrive at camp ahead of you to set up tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After freshening up, a hot dinner will be served. Be prepared for freezing temperatures overnight!

Bivouac Camp (2940m) – Barranco Camp (3950m)

Umbwe Trail - Hiking time: 6 hours

Habitat: Moorland

After an early breakfast, you’ll continue your ascent, leaving the rainforest and entering the heathland moorland vegetation. In the moorland, you’ll encounter exotic plants like giant lobelia and groundsel. As you climb, the trail offers stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The path then levels out before descending into the Barranco Valley, where you’ll reach Barranco Camp. This campsite is situated next to a stream and offers a breathtaking view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall to the east. As with the first night, your tents will be set up before you arrive, and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water. Enjoy evening snacks and a dinner prepared by our chef. Prepare for a cold night as temperatures can drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Barranco Camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park - Habitat: Moorland/Semi-desert

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave the moorland and enter the semi-desert and rocky landscape. After 5 hours of hiking east, you’ll encounter the Lava Tower (4630m). Packed lunches are served at the Tower, and hikers have the option to climb the massive Lava Tower, weather permitting. At this stage, it’s common for hikers to experience altitude effects, including headaches and shortness of breath.

After lunch at Lava Tower, hikers will ascend the steep Class 2 trail to Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m). Vegetation at Arrow Glacier is sparse, and hikers are surrounded by stone scree. Snacks, dinner, and washing water will be provided as hikers stay warm in their tents at this camp.

Arrow Glacier (4800m) – Crater (5700m)

Summit Attempt

Uhuru Peak - Crater (5700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)

Hiking time: 2 hours to Uhuru and 7-8 hours to Mweka

Distance: Approximately 7-kilometre ascent and 23-kilometre descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Your guide will wake you around 0400 for tea and biscuits. You’ll then begin your summit attempt. During the ascent, many hikers find this to be the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. For about 2 hours, you’ll hike on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime achievement! You’ll have a short time at the summit to take photographs and enjoy tea before beginning the descent to Barafu. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours.

At camp, you’ll rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you’ll continue descending to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will guide you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rainforest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rainforest, so fog and rain are likely. You’ll have dinner, wash, and enjoy a restful night at camp.

Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)

• Fresh Water for drinking & Hot water for a wash daily
• Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Moshi and Moshi to Kilimanjaro airport
• Lunch
• All Fees and Taxes
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress)
• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook & Their Wages
• Emergency oxygen (for use in emergencies only – not as summit aid) and the Basic first aid kit

• Visas & Flights
• Travel & Health Insurances
• Gratuities
• Personal hiking/trekking gear–you opt to rent the gears from equipment stores in Moshi
• Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
• Personal medicine and water purifying tablets + Meals & drinks not specified and snacks
• Items of Personal Nature

Take on the ultimate challenge and excitement with the 6-Day Umbwe Route to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak. Renowned for its steep climb and direct approach to the summit, the Umbwe Route is ideal for seasoned trekkers who desire a quicker, less crowded, and adventurous ascent. This rigorous path provides breathtaking views and a fulfilling journey through a variety of ecosystems, ranging from rainforests to alpine deserts. For those in search of a thrilling, high-energy route to conquer Africa’s tallest peak, the Umbwe Route is the pinnacle of Kilimanjaro adventures.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.