The Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro
Where you'll be
Looking for a challenge? The 6-day Umbwe Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most thrilling climbs.
Starting with a tough ascent through dense rainforest on Day 1, you’ll leave the forest behind on Day 2 as you reach moorland with stunning views of Kibo Peak. On Day 3, tackle the famous Barranco Wall—a steep, exciting scramble—before resting at Karanga Camp.
The midnight summit attempt on Day 5 will push you to the limit as you reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The descent on Day 6 brings you back through rainforest to Mweka Gate to celebrate your achievement.
For adventurers seeking a challenging, less crowded path, Umbwe is the perfect route!
6 days | ~6 km (~4 miles) | Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Cancellation flexibility
What you'll do
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
- Elevation: 1,600m (5,250ft) to 2,850m (9,350ft)
- Distance: ~11 km (~7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- The trek begins at Umbwe Gate, and the trail is steep and direct through a dense rainforest. The route is challenging, with a rapid elevation gain, making it one of the steeper starts on Kilimanjaro. You’ll reach Umbwe Cave Camp after a tough ascent.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
- Elevation: 2,850m (9,350ft) to 3,900m (12,800ft)
- Distance: ~6 km (~3.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- The hike continues steeply as you ascend out of the forest into the moorland. You’ll encounter stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding valleys. The trail levels out as you approach Barranco Camp, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,900m (12,800ft) to 4,035m (13,250ft)
- Distance: ~5 km (~3 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Today you’ll face the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical rock scramble. After ascending the wall, the trail becomes more gradual as you trek through valleys and ridges, eventually reaching Karanga Camp, where you’ll rest for the night.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m (13,250ft) to 4,640m (15,090ft)
- Distance: ~4 km (~2.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- You’ll make a gradual ascent to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. The hike is short but steep, allowing you time to rest in the afternoon and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and down to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m (15,090ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) and down to 3,100m (10,170ft)
- Distance: ~17 km (~10.5 miles)
- Hiking Time: 10-14 hours (Summit: 6-8 hours, Descent: 4-6 hours)
- You’ll begin the summit attempt around midnight, following a steep, rocky trail to Stella Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend back to Barafu for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,100m (10,170ft) to 1,640m (5,380ft)
- Distance: ~10 km (~6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- On your final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. You’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate before being driven back to your hotel to celebrate your successful climb.
The Umbwe Route is considered one of the more challenging routes due to its steep ascent, but it also offers fewer crowds and more rugged terrain.
All of our guides are experts and locals
Things to know
- Difficulty Level: The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most direct routes up Kilimanjaro, recommended for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
- Crowds: This route is less crowded compared to other routes, offering a more secluded and rugged trekking experience.
- Altitude Acclimatization: Although steep, the route doesn’t provide as many opportunities for acclimatization. It’s important to be mindful of altitude sickness.
- Barranco Wall: On Day 3, you’ll tackle the famous Barranco Wall, which involves a non-technical but steep rock scramble.
- Summit Night: The summit attempt starts around midnight on Day 5, making it a long, physically demanding day that includes both the climb to Uhuru Peak and the descent to Mweka Camp.
- Scenery: You’ll experience diverse landscapes, starting in the rainforest, moving through moorland, and crossing rugged, high-altitude terrain with stunning views.
- Weather: Be prepared for varied weather conditions, from wet rainforest on the lower slopes to cold, windy conditions near the summit.
- Success Rate: The steepness of the route and rapid elevation gain can make it harder for some hikers, but it’s a rewarding path for those up to the challenge.
Similar experiences
