6-Day Umbwe Route Trek
trip overview
Africa's highest peak, by its quietest northern route.
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct route up Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching from the south through untouched rainforest. This 6-day trek climbs quickly through the forest to the Barranco Valley, scrambles up the Barranco Wall and joins the Southern Circuit to Barafu Camp before a pre-dawn push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. You'll be supported by experienced guides, porters and a cook throughout, and descend by the Mweka Route to Mweka Gate.
Trip Highlights
day-by-day itinerary
Where you walk, how high you climb, and where you sleep each night.
You'll camp every night: at Umbwe Cave on Night 1, Barranco on Night 2, Karanga on Night 3, Barafu on Night 4 and Mweka on Night 5. Hours and distances are approximate and depend on your pace and the conditions.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, your guide collects you from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and drives you to Umbwe Gate (1,400 m) on the southern side of the mountain. You'll register with the park, meet your crew and begin climbing straight away on a steep trail through dense, mossy rainforest, with a chance of spotting colobus monkeys.
You'll arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp in the afternoon, where your tent is set up and dinner is served.
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
You'll climb steadily out of the forest along a narrow ridge and into open heather and moorland, with the Barranco Valley and the Western Breach coming into view. The pace is slow and steady to help your body adjust to the altitude.
You'll reach Barranco Camp in the afternoon, set in the valley beneath the Barranco Wall and among giant groundsel trees, with time to rest before dinner.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast you'll scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep rocky section that is more of an adventure than a technical climb, then cross the Karanga Valley on the way to camp. Climbing high during the day before sleeping lower helps your body acclimatise.
You'll arrive at Karanga Camp early in the afternoon for lunch and a long rest.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today you'll climb through a stark alpine desert with very little vegetation, joining the Southern Circuit and walking beneath the glaciers of Kibo. The air is thinner and the walking is slow.
You'll arrive at Barafu Camp around midday for an early dinner and a few hours of rest before the summit attempt, with your guide briefing you on the night ahead.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp
You'll be woken around midnight for tea and a light snack, then set off in the dark for the summit. The climb up the steep scree slope to Stella Point is the hardest part of the trek, and you'll reach the crater rim around sunrise.
From there you'll continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After time at the summit, you'll descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and meal, then continue down to Mweka Camp for your last night on the mountain.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate — Trek Ends
After breakfast, you'll walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificate if you reached Stella Point or Uhuru Peak, and say goodbye to your crew.
You'll have lunch at the gate before being driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, marking the end of your trek.
what's included
Exactly what's covered — and what isn't.
- Licensed English-speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters and a mountain cook
- 5 nights camping with sleeping tents and a mess tent
- All meals on the mountain, as listed above
- Drinking water on the mountain
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping, hut & rescue fees
- Transfers between your hotel in Moshi or Arusha and the park gates
- International flights
- Travel & medical insurance (required)
- Tips for your mountain crew — we'll share a guideline before the climb
- Personal climbing gear — ask us about rental options
- Hotel nights before or after the trek
- Meals in town and drinks not listed above
- Souvenirs & personal expenses
Important to know before booking
- Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — ask us when booking if you need a night either side.
- You'll sleep in tents every night, as there are no huts on the Umbwe Route. Facilities on the mountain are basic, so bring your own warm sleeping bag.
- The Umbwe Route is the steepest route on Kilimanjaro and gains altitude quickly, so the 6-day schedule leaves less time to acclimatise. It is best suited to fit trekkers with previous hiking or altitude experience.
- Summit night is long and cold, with temperatures well below freezing — warm layers, a headlamp and good boots are essential.
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m is required for all climbers.
- A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
- A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. Reaching the summit depends on weather, altitude and fitness and cannot be guaranteed.
what to bring
Your packing list for the climb.
The trek passes from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so layers are the key. Here's what to pack for the 6 days.
- Moisture-wicking base layers, top and bottom
- 2–3 quick-dry t-shirts and hiking trousers
- Fleece or insulated mid layer
- Warm down or synthetic jacket for summit night
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and a sun hat or cap
- Neck gaiter or buff and UV sunglasses
- Thin liner gloves and warm waterproof gloves
- Waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks, plus warm socks for camp
- Headlamp with spare batteries — essential for summit night
- Trekking poles
- Daypack (25–35 L) with rain cover
- Soft duffel bag for the porters to carry
- Warm sleeping bag for freezing temperatures
- 2–3 litres of water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
- Personal first aid kit, blister plasters and any prescription medication
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toilet paper
- Energy bars and snacks you enjoy
- Power bank and camera
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
- Passport and Tanzania e-Visa
- Travel insurance details covering trekking to 6,000 m
- Yellow fever certificate, if required
- Small US dollar notes for crew tips
- Printed or saved copies of your documents
- Camp shoes or light sandals for the campsites
- Warm layers for evenings, which get cold at the higher camps
- Earplugs for windy nights in camp
- A book, journal or cards for the evenings
- Zip-lock or dry bags to keep gear dry
Packing tips
- Your main bag is carried by the porters, while you carry only your daypack. Pack the main bag in a soft duffel, and we'll confirm the weight limit when you book.
- Dress in layers: the trek moves from warm rainforest to freezing summit conditions, so being able to add and remove layers matters more than any one item.
- Ask us if you'd rather rent some of the heavier items, such as a sleeping bag, jacket or trekking poles, than bring them.
pricing
What you'll pay — no hidden extras.
| Option | Price per person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-day Umbwe Route trek 5 nights camping, all meals on the mountain, park fees included | $2,100 | Per person |
Payment & extras
A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.
Additional hotel accommodation before or after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost.
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro?
Reach out and we'll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.
frequently asked questions
Questions we get asked most often.
The trek starts at Umbwe Gate on the southern side of the mountain on Day 1, with a pick-up from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, and ends at Mweka Gate on Day 6 before you are driven back to your hotel.
You'll camp in tents every night, at Umbwe Cave, Barranco, Karanga, Barafu and Mweka. Our crew sets up and takes down camp each day.
The Umbwe Route is steep from the first day and is one of the more challenging routes, with a shorter acclimatisation profile. No technical climbing is needed, but a good level of fitness and some hiking experience helps. Summit night is steep, cold and long.
Yes. Additional hotel accommodation before and after the trek can be arranged for an extra cost — just let us know when booking.
Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.
We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.
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