Journey to Umbwe Gate, Trek to Umbwe Cave Camp

Umbwe Trail - Elevation: 1660m to 2850m | Distance: 11km/7mi | Hiking Duration: 5-6 Hours
Travel from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (approximately 1 hour). Begin the ascent through the rainforest, enjoying a packed lunch along the way.

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Umbwe Trail - Elevation: 2850m to 4000m | Distance: 6km/4mi | Trekking Duration: 4-5 Hours

Following breakfast, depart from the forest glades and take an upward path across the open moorland to reach Barranco Camp.

Trek from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4000m to 4050m | Distance: 5km/3mi | Hiking Duration: 3-4 Hours

After breakfast, leave Barranco and proceed along a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley, reaching the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail.

Trek from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4050m to 4700m | Distance: 4km/2mi | Hiking Duration: 3-4 Hours

Continue the journey to Barafu Camp. The South Circuit is now complete, offering views of the summit from various perspectives. Set up camp here, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Barafu Camp to Summit Uhuru Peak, then Descend to Mweka Camp

Mount Kilimanjaro - Elevation: 4700m to 5895m | Descend to 3090m | Distance: 5km/3mi Up / 13km/8mi Down

In the early morning hours (midnight to 2 am), continue towards the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head northwest, ascending through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most mentally and physically demanding of the trek. At Stella Point, take a brief rest and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise. Faster hikers may witness the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, snow may be encountered during the 1-hour ascent to the summit. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, you have arrived at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent! Begin the descent straight down to Mweka Camp, pausing at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and trekking poles are recommended for the loose gravel on the descent. Arrive at Mweka Camp and savor the final evening on the mountain.

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, then drive to Moshi

• Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters and cook
• Salaries for mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
• Basic first aid kit for emergencies
• Lunch
• Fresh and warm water for drinking and washing up daily
• Emergency oxygen for emergencies only
• Hotel accommodation before and after the climb, with meals included
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• All fees and/or taxes
• Camping equipment including tents, chairs, tables, and sleeping mattress
• Return transfers between Kilimanjaro airport and Moshi

• Visas, Flights, Health & Travel Insurances
• Gratuities
• Items of personal Nature
• Personal hiking/trekking gear – we can rent some of the gear from our equipment store in Tanzania
• Optional but highly recommended Portable toilet
• Snacks, personal medicine and water purifying tablets
• Meals & drinks not specified and snacks

The Umbwe Route is the most infrequently travelled and least crowded path on the mountain, primarily because it presents the greatest challenges. As the steepest route on the climb, Umbwe is a relentless, continuous ascension to the summit.

Climbers largely steer clear of this route due to its fast ascent profile leaving them with little time for acclimatizing to the high altitudes, leading to a significantly lower success rate.

A minimum of six days is required to complete the route, though seven days is the recommended duration. The descent involves proceeding down Mweka, situated on the mountain’s south-eastern side. In terms of scenic diversity, Umbwe cannot compete with the likes of Machame, Lemosho and Shira because the upward and downward trails are in close proximity.

The Umbwe is most suitable for individuals seeking a demanding climb and are sure of their capability to traverse consistently steep inclines. It is also ideal for experienced climbers accustomed to high altitudes, confident that the gruelling climb won’t affect their acclimatization. Furthermore, Umbwe is perfect for those who prefer a more private hike.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.