6-Day Umbwe Route
The 6-Day Umbwe Route is the most direct and steepest trail to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, standing tall at 5,895 meters above sea level. Spanning approximately 53 kilometers, this route is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a physically demanding yet visually rewarding adventure.
Beginning on the southern side of the mountain, the trail climbs quickly through montane forest, into the heath and moorland zone, and finally through alpine desert before reaching Uhuru Peak. Known for its scenic ridges, dramatic elevation gain, and limited acclimatization time, the Umbwe Route is both challenging and awe-inspiring.
6-Day Umbwe Route accommodation is provided in tents at designated campsites, and all meals are freshly prepared by a dedicated mountain chef. While the route has a lower summit success rate compared to other trails, it offers unmatched solitude and views for those up to the challenge.
Included/Exclude
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Kilimanjaro National Park entrance and rescue fees
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Professional, experienced mountain guides
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Mountain porters and a skilled cook
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All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
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Drinking water and hot drinks during the trek
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Quality camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, etc.)
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Oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter (for health monitoring)
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Transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro park gate
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Fair wages for the mountain crew, compliant with KPAP
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Emergency evacuation if needed (via stretcher or park rescue)
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Pre- and post-climb briefing
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Certificate of achievement upon successful summit
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Your Kilimanjaro trek begins at Umbwe Gate, where you enter a lush rainforest bursting with biodiversity. The trail is steep and rugged, offering a thrilling introduction to the Umbwe Route. The climb is challenging but rewarding as you reach your first camp nestled among giant trees.
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp
As you ascend, the forest thins and the path opens up to expansive views of valleys and ridgelines. You’ll trek into the heath and moorland zone, with its surreal landscapes and high-altitude vegetation. Your day ends at the scenic Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Today’s highlight is the exhilarating scramble up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling section that rewards you with spectacular panoramas. After conquering the wall, you continue across alpine ridges and descend into the Karanga Valley, arriving at camp with views stretching far across the plains.
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
A shorter hike today allows you to gradually gain elevation while conserving energy for the upcoming summit night. You’ll arrive at Barafu Camp, Kilimanjaro’s base camp, with time to rest, rehydrate, and prepare mentally for your summit attempt under the stars.
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Summit Day begins just after midnight. Trek under a starlit sky, pushing through arctic-like conditions to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness an unforgettable sunrise from the summit before descending past glaciers and alpine desert back into the rainforest zone to Mweka Camp.
Distance: ~17 km (5 km ascent, 12 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Your final descent takes you through a rich rainforest filled with exotic birds and colobus monkeys. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll receive a certificate celebrating your achievement and meet your driver for the return journey to Moshi or Arusha.
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Accommodation: — (End of trek)
