The Umbwe Route is renowned for being the most challenging way to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. With a rapid ascent to high altitudes, it lacks the gradual acclimatization stages crucial for avoiding altitude sickness. Because of this, the chances of summit success are lower than other routes. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe Route is a short but extremely steep and direct climb.
For the 7-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe route, climbers reach Barranco Camp, which offers a brief respite before tackling the steeper sections ahead. From here, the trail veers east and takes climbers underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit. This part of the route offers stunning views and gives a bit more time to acclimatize before reaching the summit.
Despite its difficulty, the Umbwe Route is perfect for those looking for a raw, adventurous climb with minimal crowds.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Tour Name: 7-day Umbwe route Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
Duration: 7 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
Choosing the 7-day Umbwe Route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is ideal for experienced climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
| 1. Better Acclimatization Opportunities: While the Umbwe Route is known for its steep and rapid ascent, the 7-day version offers more time to acclimatize than the standard 6-day trek. An additional day or two can reduce the risk of altitude sickness, allowing your body to adjust more effectively as you gain altitude. | 2. Minimized Exhaustion on Summit Day: The final push to the summit can be extremely taxing, especially if you attempt it on a faster-paced itinerary. The 7-day route gives you an extra day of rest at Barranco Camp and Barafu, reducing the chances of exhaustion and making the summit day more manageable. |
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| 3. Challenging Yet Achievable: The 7-day Umbwe route balances a physically demanding climb and a more realistic timeframe for summit success. While it's still one of the most challenging routes, having a few extra days increases the chances of success and ensures you're not rushing through such a challenging adventure. | 4. Fewer Climbers, More Peaceful Experience: The Umbwe route is already one of the less-travelled paths on Kilimanjaro. However, you’ll experience even more solitude and less crowded campsites with additional time. If you're looking for a quieter and more remote experience on the mountain, the 7-day route offers just that. |
In summary, the 7-day Umbwe Route allows climbers to tackle one of Kilimanjaro's most difficult routes while providing enough time for proper acclimatization, rest, and recovery. It's an excellent option for experienced hikers who want a more intense adventure without compromising on their chances of success.
Arrive in Tanzania.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. You will meet with your guide there, who will provide a detailed briefing on your upcoming 7-day Kilimanjaro climb through the Umbwe route trek. An equipment check will also ensure you have all the necessary climbing gear. Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
-Elevation: 1640m to 2850m
-Distance: 11km
-Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
-Habitat: Montane Forest
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (about 1 hour). Commence the climb through the rainforest with a packed lunch en route.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
-Elevation: 2850m to 3900m
-Distance: 6km
-Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
-Habitat: Semi-desert
After breakfast, we leave the forest glades and ascend an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Stay at Barranco Camp
-Elevation: 3900m
-Distance: 0km
-Hiking Time: 0 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort and amplify your acclimatization.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
-Elevation: 3900m to 3960m
-Distance: 5km
-Hiking Time: 34 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
-Elevation: 3960m to 4670m
-Distance: 4km
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many angles. Here, we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
-Elevation: 4670m to 5895m to 3100m
-Distance: 5km up / 13km down
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
-Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly and ascend through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
On your one-hour ascent to the summit, you may encounter snow from Stella Point. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit, we descend to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi.
-Elevation: 3100m to 1640m
-Distance: 10km
-Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
-Habitat: Forest
After breakfast, we will descend to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and T-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. This marks the end of the seven-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe route; a vehicle will meet you at the Mweka gate and drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Depart Tanzania
The day is free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times, you could explore Moshi town and grab 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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