6 Days Trekk: Umbwe Route
Duration

6 Days

Group Size

1-15

Language

English, Swahili

Trip Descriptions

The Umbwe Route is the steepest, most direct, and most challenging route on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced trekkers who are comfortable with rapid altitude gain and tough terrain. Unlike other routes, Umbwe offers little time for acclimatization, which results in a lower summit success rate. However, for those who are well-prepared, it provides a wild and thrilling adventure through dense rainforests, steep ridges, and rocky landscapes. Therefore, the increase in altitude per day is very high. You hike steep through the valley and directly up to the summit. Because this route is so extreme and demands a lot from your body, it is also known as the “Double Whiskey Route”. The Umbwe route is only suitable for climbers who have already been at a comparable altitude and know how their body reacts to such an extreme increase in altitude.

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb.
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Asili Tour guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you o‑ at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight. Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Included / Exclude
Includes
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Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp.
  • Elevation: 1,600m (5,250ft) 2,850m (9,350ft)
  • Distance: 11 km (7 miles) Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
  • Terrain: Rainforest

The adventure begins at Umbwe Gate, where climbers register before starting the steep climb through the dense rainforest. This is one of the steepest ascents on Kilimanjaro, with twisting, narrow paths and exposed roots. The air is humid, and trekkers may see colobus monkeys and exotic birds. After an intense ­first day, the hike ends at Umbwe Cave Camp, located in a clearing surrounded by thick vegetation.

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp.
    • Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) 3,900m (12,800ft)
    • Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
    • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
    • Terrain: Moorland and Rocky Ridges

Leave the rainforest and enter the heather with rocks and valleys around you. The ascent becomes steeper at the Umbwe Route Ridge and pattens out again near the Barranco Valley. The path follows a ridge with breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes and valleys below. The vegetation becomes sparse as climbers approach Barranco Camp, where they join the Machame Route. This scenic valley, surrounded by towering cli‑s and the famous Barranco Wall, offers a stunning sunset view of Kibo Peak.

Day 3: Over Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp.
  • Elevation: 3,900m (12,800ft) 4,200m (13,780ft) 3,995m (13,106ft)
  • Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
  • Terrain: Rock Scrambling and Alpine Desert

This morning, you hike to the Barranco Wall where you have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to the left and Mount Meru to the right. Then a more difficult route to Karanga Camp begins, with many ascents and descents. Once at the camp, you have lunch and a couple of hours to rest. You can then go on a 300-meter acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp before descending back to Karanga Camp for the night.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
    • Elevation: 3,995m (13,106ft) 4,673m (15,331ft)
    • Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
    • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
    • Terrain: Alpine Desert

On the fourth day on the mountain, you walk to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit push to Uhuru Peak. Arrive at the camp around noon, enjoy lunch, and take some time to rest. Later, go on another acclimatization walk to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) before returning to Barafu Camp. Warm up with a hot dinner and relax for the rest of the day before starting the climb to the top at midnight.

Day 5: Barafu Camp -Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp.
  • Elevation: 4,673m (15,331ft) 5,895m (19,341ft) 3,100m (10,170ft)
  • Distance: 17 km (10.5 miles) Hiking Time: 12–16 hours
  • Terrain: Ice, Snow, and Rock

The summit attempt begins at midnight, with climbers navigating steep switchbacks in freezing temperatures. The ­first milestone is Stella Point (5,756m), where the sunrise over Africa creates an unforgettable moment. The ­final stretch to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is tough but rewarding, offering breathtaking glacier views. After celebrating at the top, descend to the nearby glacier before returning through Barafu Camp and continuing the descent to Mweka Camp after a two-hour break.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
  • Elevation: 3,100m (10,170ft) 1,640m (5,380ft)
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Terrain: Rainforest The final stretch is a relaxing descent through the rainforest, where climbers soak in the last views of Kilimanjaro. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers receive their summit certi­ficates before heading back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest. Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb.

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro Adventure!

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