Take on Kilimanjaro’s steepest trail with this 6-day Umbwe Route trek. Designed for experienced climbers, this route offers dramatic views, a thrilling challenge, and a rewarding summit via Barafu.
If you’re looking for the most adventurous and direct route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Umbwe Route is your trail. This route is steeper, shorter, and more physically demanding than any other, making it ideal for experienced trekkers or those up for a bold challenge.
Beginning on the southern slopes, Umbwe cuts through dense rainforest and ascends rapidly to meet up with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. From there, climbers join the Southern Circuit to summit via Barafu Camp and descend through Mweka Gate.
🚀 Fastest ascent route—ideal for experienced adventurers
🌄 Offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s southern face
🌿 Begins in rich rainforest with chances to see colobus monkeys
🧗♂️ Includes the famous Barranco Wall climb
🧭 Descent via the scenic Mweka Route
A Steep Ascent into the Rainforest
Elevation: 1,660m to 2,850m (5,450 ft to 9,350 ft)
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
After a 1-hour drive from Moshi to Umbwe Gate, begin your climb through thick rainforest, where you may spot colobus monkeys swinging from the trees. The trail is steep and rugged, cutting sharply through ridges and gorges, making this day an exhilarating start to your trek.
Arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp, your serene overnight stop deep in the forest.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
Break Above the Clouds and Join the Southern Circuit
Elevation: 2,850m to 4,000m (9,350 ft to 13,000 ft)
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert
Today, leave the forest behind as you ascend into the moorland zone, where giant lobelias and senecios dot the landscape. You’ll join the main Machame trail at Barranco Camp, nestled beside a mountain stream and below the towering Barranco Wall—your next day’s challenge.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Conquer the Barranco Wall
Elevation: 4,000m to 4,050m (13,000 ft to 13,250 ft)
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Your morning kicks off with a scramble up the iconic Barranco Wall, a thrilling yet safe climb offering jaw-dropping views. From there, traverse rolling terrain toward Karanga Valley, where altitude effects may become noticeable. Rest and acclimate at Karanga Camp, perched in the alpine desert.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Final Push Before Summit Night
Elevation: 4,050m to 4,700m (13,250 ft to 15,350 ft)
Distance: 4 km / 2 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
A short but tough hike today brings you to Barafu Camp, your base before summit night. This section completes the Southern Circuit, offering amazing views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive in the afternoon, eat an early dinner, and rest before the midnight summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stand on the Roof of Africa
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m (15,350 ft to 19,341 ft) then down to 3,090m (10,150 ft)
Distance: 6 km ascent / 13 km descent
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours ascent / 5–6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic to Alpine Desert
You’ll wake at midnight to begin the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek—summiting Uhuru Peak. Trek past Stella Point, through snowfields and glaciers, until you reach the summit—the highest point in Africa.
After photos and celebrations at the top, descend carefully to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for your final night on the mountain.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Celebrate Your Achievement
Elevation: 3,090m to 1,680m (10,150 ft to 5,500 ft)
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Enjoy your last breakfast on Kilimanjaro and hike through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate—a gold certificate for reaching Uhuru Peak.
A vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where a warm shower and well-earned rest await.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
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