The Umbwe route is renowned for being the most challenging ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid ascent to high altitudes offers little time for proper acclimatization, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. While the route sees fewer climbers compared to others, the success rate is also lower due to its demanding nature.
6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route is for those seeking a more rugged and isolated experience of Kilimanjaro; the Umbwe route offers an unforgettable challenge. However, climbers should be fully prepared for its difficulty and rigorous conditions.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Name: 6-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Duration: 6 Days / 6 Nights on the mountain
Total Distance: 53 km
Difficulty Level: Very difficult
Success Rate: 60%
Scenery: Stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking views
Best Time to Climb: June – October & December – March
The 6-day Umbwe Route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique experience for seasoned hikers looking for an intense, challenging adventure. Here are some reasons why climbers might opt for this six-day route:
| 1. Shorter Duration for a Challenging Climb: The 6-day itinerary provides climbers with the opportunity to tackle the challenge of the Umbwe route while keeping the climb relatively short. It's ideal for those confident in their ability to acclimate quickly to the altitude and want to push their limits within a compact timeframe. | 2. Quick Ascent: The 6-day itinerary of the Umbwe route allows for rapid ascent, enabling climbers to experience different ecosystems—from lush rainforests to alpine deserts—in a relatively short time. This creates a dynamic and swiftly changing experience. |
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| 3. Faster Acclimatization for Fit Climbers: The Umbwe route is known for its steep ascent and limited acclimatization stages. However, the 6-day schedule allows experienced climbers to accelerate their acclimatization and adapt quickly to the altitude. Being physically fit and aware of your body's limits regarding high-altitude hiking is crucial. | 4. Fewer Crowds: The Umbwe route is less crowded than other paths, such as Machame or Marangu, making it perfect for those seeking a more solitary wilderness experience. With a shorter duration, you'll encounter fewer climbers, ensuring a more personal and remote adventure. |
The 6-day Umbwe Route is an excellent choice for climbers who are physically fit, experienced, and ready to take on one of Mount Kilimanjaro's most challenging and rewarding ascents.
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, ready to start your six-day Mount Kilimanjaro expedition via the Umbwe route. You will meet our guide there, who will brief you on your upcoming trek and check your equipment to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear that is missing can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
-Elevation: 1640m to 2850m
-Distance: 11 km.
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Heath
The day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate, where we will complete registration formalities. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track that winds through the dense rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers, surrounded by enormous trees. Umbwe Camp is nestled among trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
-Elevation: 2850m to 3900m
-Distance: 6 km
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Heath
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, we can see glimpses of Kilimanjaro. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
-Elevation: 3900m to 3960m
-Distance: 5 km
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then, we ascend the steep, non-technical cliff that rises nearly 900 feet. We traverse a series of hills and valleys from the top of the Barranco Wall until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. A final steep climb brings us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day intended for acclimatization.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
-Elevation: 3960m to 4670m
-Distance: 4 km
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and reach the junction that connects to the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section of Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the summit from many angles. Here, we set up camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
-Elevation: 4670m to 5895m to 3100m
-Distance: 5 km
-Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
-Habitat: Arctic
-Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
-Elevation: 5895m to 3100m
-Distance: 12 km
-Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin our final push to the summit very early in the morning, typically around midnight. This part of the trek is the most mentally and physically demanding as we battle the extreme cold and wind at such high elevations. We climb in darkness, taking frequent brief breaks to rest and regain strength. As we approach Stella Point (18,900 ft), the reward for our efforts is a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak, a sight you’ll remember forever. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and all of Africa.
After celebrating our summit achievement, we descend, heading directly down to the Mweka Hut campsite. Along the way, we stop at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are highly recommended for support. Mweka Camp, located in the upper forest, can often experience mist or rain in the late afternoon. In the evening, we gather for our last dinner on the mountain, savouring the moment before retiring for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
-Elevation: 3100m to 1640m
-Distance: 10 km/6 miles
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we descend to Mweka Gate to collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy. This marks the end of your six-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe route. From the gate, we continue for another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will meet us and drive us back to the hotel Moshi.
Depart Tanzania
The day is left open to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times, you could explore Moshi town and pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar, and other add-ons are available to continue exploring Tanzania.
Two nights’ accommodation in Moshi Town (Before & after the trek – B&B)
Airport pick up and drop off.
Qualified guides with mountain crew
Kilimanjaro National Park fees
All camping equipment: mountain tents, sleeping mats
Transport to the Umbwe gate and from the Mweka gate to the hotel
Rescue fees
All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Guides and porters’ accommodations and their entry fees on the mountain
Pulse oximeter
First aid kit
Emergence oxygen
Katady filtered water through the trek
Fair wages to guides and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority
Flights – Domestic and international flights
Visa
Insurance
Tips to mountain crew
Personal Items
Sleeping bags.
Laundry services (available at the hotel for an extra cost)
CONTACT US
Address:
Taste of Kilimanjaro Adventures
P.O. Box 8642.
Moshi – Tanzania
Email: info@tasteofkilimanjaro.com
Phone: +255622521909
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