Mount Kilimanjaro

Mt.Kilimanjaro 6 Days Umbwe Overview.

The Umbwe Route approaches the mountain from the south. It is a short, steep, and direct climb, and is probably the most scenic non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. Umbwe Route is noted as one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach, and it is also the most challenging route to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Due to its difficulty, Umbwe Route is recommended for those who are fit and ready to accept its challenges.

The route begins with a short drive from Moshi to Umbwe Gate. The Umbwe Route heads up to Umbwe Cave, Barranco Campsite, and Karanga Hut. Then, we will make our way east, climbing high up and over Barafu Hut at 4,620 meters, which serves as the base campsite and rest stop before the summit.

The summit attempt is made from Barafu in the early morning hours, often during the full moon. This is the coldest and windiest section of your adventure. But once the sun comes up, you can shed most of your extra layers. After reaching the summit, we will descend back to Barafu and then follow the Mweka Trail to Mweka Hut, marking the beginning of the end of your trek on Kilimanjaro and preparing for a safari or another package the next day. For Complete Itinerary and Details for the 6-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Umbwe Route, click the link below.


DAY-1 : MOSHI-UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMPSITE.

Starting 900m Moshi
Ending 1850m Umbwe Gate
Altitude gain 950m
Driving distance 30kms
Driving hours 1-2 Hours
In the morning, after breakfast, we will depart from Moshi and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate. Upon arrival at Umbwe Gate, we will complete the registration for our Kilimanjaro trek.
It will take a little time before the team of guides, chefs, and porters start trekking, as they need to sort out all the equipment for the six-day climb. Fresh food will be brought from town after three days on the mountain. This is also a good time to take great pictures and enjoy the views before starting the trek. The average waiting time can be 1 to 2 hours before we proceed.

UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE

Starting 1820m Umbwe Gate
Ending 3100m Umbwe Cave
Altitude gain 1280m
Trekking distance 12kms
Walking hours 5-6 hours
Overnight hut Umbwe Cave
Elevation Zone Rainforest/Montane Forest
Soon after registration, and once the team is ready for the hike, they will let you know and the hike will begin. As we depart from Umbwe Gate, we will soon enter the thicker rainforest. Keep an eye out for towering eucalyptus trees, bird life, Colobus monkeys, and flowers like impatiens kilimanjari and impatiens pseudo viola, which add bright colors to the scenery.

There is a high possibility of rain in the forest, which can turn the trail into a very muddy and slippery experience, so gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful. Shorts and t-shirts should be sufficient, but keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy. After arriving at Umbwe Cave, the team will prepare hot drinks such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to warm you up while waiting for dinner.

DAY-2 : UMBWE CAVE TO BARRANCO CAMP

Starting 3100m Umbwe Cave
Ending 3920m Barranco Camp
Altitude gain 820m
Trekking distance 7kms
Walking hours 4-5 hours
Overnight hut Barranco Camp
Elevation Zone moorland and heather zone
Today is tough and steep. Soon after breakfast, we will start our climb, which will take us out of the rainforest into the moorland and heather zone. The trail is broken and rocky, with fantastic views down to the valleys on both sides. Some of Kilimanjaro’s most famous plants, including the wild senecio Kilimanjari and lobelias, now decorate the trail as we continue our climb. As we approach the heather zone, the Kibo summit will come into view, greeting us with a smile.

We will scramble over numerous rocks, testing our endurance as we ascend. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe Ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest. Barranco Camp offers a stunning landscape, providing great opportunities for beautiful photographs. It is often considered the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro. This is a large camp because it is a junction campsite where four routes—Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Shira Route, and Umbwe Route—converge on the way to the summit. Some will stay at Karanga Hut, while others will continue to Barafu Hut at 4,600 meters.

DAY-3 ; BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA HUT

Starting elevation 3920m Baranco Camp
Acclimatization point 4280m Top of Barranco Camp
Ending elevation 4010m Karanga Camp
Altitude gain today 270 m
Trekking distance 5 km
Walking hours 4-5 hours
Overnight hut Karanga Camp
Elevation Zone Moorland and Alpine Desert zone
Today's trek is a shorter and enjoyable journey of about 5km, offering breathtaking afternoon views. The day begins with one of the most challenging sections of the route—the ascent of the Barranco Wall, often referred to as the "Breakfast Wall" as it’s tackled shortly after breakfast. Though it may appear daunting from a distance, the climb is surprisingly manageable due to the zig-zag path that makes the ascent more accessible. The climb involves some light rock scrambling, adding a touch of adventure.

At the top of Barranco Wall, climbers will find themselves above the clouds, rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Heim Glaciers, Kerstin Glaciers, and the striking mountain landscape. From here, the trail becomes gentler, with a series of ups and downs as you walk along a ridge that showcases the stark beauty of the desert contrasted with patches of vegetation. The trek continues until reaching Karanga Camp, a spot designed for acclimatization and rest. This shorter day is crucial for adjusting to the altitude, improving the chances of successfully summiting Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest point.

DAY-4 ; KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP

Starting elevation 4010m Karanga Camp
Ending elevation 4600m Barafu Camp
Altitude gain today 590m
Trekking distance 4kms
Walking hours 3-4 hours
Overnight hut Barafu Camp
Elevation Zone alpine-desert zone
Today's hike is the shortest, covering just 4 kilometers, but it brings you tantalizingly close to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. As you ascend, the air becomes noticeably thinner due to the high altitude, which may cause heavy breathing. However, the trek leader will adjust the pace to ensure everyone acclimatizes properly and can manage the climb uphill.

Barafu Camp, your destination, is perched on an exposed ridge with a rough, rocky terrain that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at Barafu Camp, you will have lunch and spend the afternoon resting to conserve energy for the final ascent. An early dinner will be served before heading to bed for a few hours of sleep. At midnight, the most challenging and rewarding part of your adventure begins—the summit attempt to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.

DAY-5 : BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT BACK TO BARAFU CAMP

Starting elevation 4600m Barafu Camp
Via Stella elevation 5720m Stella point
Ending elevation 5895m UHURU PEAK
Altitude gain today 1295m
Trekking distance 5-7kms
Walking hours 6-8 hours
Elevation Zone desert zone ice-capped summit
The climb from Barafu Camp (4,600m) to Stella Point (5,720m) is the most mentally and physically demanding section of your Kilimanjaro trek. This leg of the journey typically begins at midnight, under the clear, starlit sky. Despite the difficulty, reaching Stella Point will bring an overwhelming sense of accomplishment—this is the moment when you truly feel that it’s "Kilimanjaro time."
The ascent to Stella Point is long and challenging, but once there, you’ll know the hardest part is behind you. Stella Point marks the top of the crater ridge, but it is not the ultimate summit of Kilimanjaro. From here, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the mountain’s highest point, is within reach.

The trek from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak takes an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, and this stretch is significantly easier. Standing at Uhuru Peak, you’ll revel in the incredible achievement of climbing the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the "Roof of Africa." This is the moment to take in the panoramic views, capture memorable photos, and savor your success—but not for too long, as acute mountain sickness (AMS) can occur at these extreme altitudes. A stay of 10 to 15 minutes is recommended before starting your descent.

Descending from Uhuru Peak back to Barafu Camp typically takes 2-3 hours, where you’ll have a short break to rest and recover. Afterward, you’ll continue downhill to Mweka Hut for the night, officially beginning your descent from the mountain. This remarkable day will remain etched in your memory as the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro adventure!

BARAFU CAMP TO MWEKA CAMP

Starting elevation 4600m Barafu Camp
Ending elevation 3100M Mweka Camp
Altitude Lost today 1500m
Trekking distance 7kms
Walking hours 3-4 hours
Overnight hut Mweka Camp
Elevation Zone moorland and alpine-desert zone
After a well-deserved rest and lunch at Barafu Camp, the descent continues to Mweka Hut (3,100m). The journey transitions through diverse ecological zones, moving from the stark alpine desert and heath zones into the lush greenery of the rainforest. Along the way, you’ll pass through Millennium Camp (3,770m), a brief stop before entering the rainforest.

This day is one of the longest and most demanding, with approximately 16 hours of trekking, beginning at midnight with the summit push. The combination of fatigue and steep downhill walking makes it a test of endurance, but for those who reached the top, it will feel undeniably worth the effort. The views, the sense of accomplishment, and the memories created make it a life-changing experience.

Point to Note: The descent from Millennium Hut to Mweka Hut is quite steep and can be challenging, especially for those with knee issues. However, by maintaining a slow and steady pace, even those with knee concerns can make it to the Mweka campsite safely. Once at Mweka Hut, you can finally relax and share stories of your triumphs with fellow climbers. This is a chance to unwind and reflect on the incredible journey. The hardest parts are behind you, and now, you're preparing for the final descent the next morning. This day marks a major milestone, showcasing your determination and resilience. You've done it – the summit has been conquered!

DAY-6 : MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE TO MOSHI TOWN

Starting elevation 3100M Mweka Camp
Ending elevation 1820M Mweka Gate
Altitude Lost today 1280m
Trekking distance 8kms
Walking hours 2-3 hours
Overnight hut Moshi Town
Elevation Zone Rain forest zone
The big day has arrived! After seven days of trekking without a shower, everyone is eagerly anticipating the long-awaited hot showers. As you continue your walk, you’ll pass through the lush rainforest, home to diverse species of monkeys and the endemic Impatiens Kilimanjari flowers.

Upon arrival at the Mweka Gate, all climbers will be required to sign out, marking the official end of the trek. For those who successfully reached the summit, there will be a well-deserved certificate of completion to commemorate the achievement. Green Certificates are awarded to climbers who reach Stella Point (5,685m). Gold Certificates are awarded to those who stand at the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent.

After receiving your certificate, you'll be driven back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, where you can finally enjoy that long-awaited hot shower and a well-deserved celebration. This is also a great time to express your appreciation to the team by handling tips for the guides, chefs, and porters who supported you throughout the climb. From here, we will assist you with plans for your next destination, whether it's heading to the airport for your return flight or embarking on an exciting safari tour to explore more of Tanzania’s breathtaking natural wonders. The adventure doesn’t have to end here—there’s so much more to discover in this beautiful country!
The tourist will have to pay $2185.00(P/P) price based on 2 person include the following services as it listed on the table below. for any query please call us or send us a message for clarifications from our team. Book This Package Now



SERVICES WE OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING


Airport pickup on arrival and return on departure time .
2 Nights hotels, meaning full one before climb and after climb.
All transfers to the mountain and back to Moshi town.
Professional, experienced, mountain guides, cookers, and porters
Guides, Porters, and Cooker salaries.
waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis).
Sleeping Mattress.
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder.
Three meals on Mountain (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Purified or Boilled drinking water while on the Mountain.
Mess tents with tables and outdoor chairs.
VAT (18% ) and All government fees.


SERVICES WE NOT OFFER FOR KILI TREKKING


Tanzania Visa.
Hotels and Transfers (available as an optional add-on).
Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for rent in here Tanzania too; don't stress if you forget some of the trekking equipment).
Tips and gratuities (Recommended Tipping Amount Per Day; Head guide $20++; Ass.Guide $18++;, cooker $15++;, Summit Porter $12++;, Waiter $12++;, Porter $10++;).
Portable flush toilet with the toilet tent as an add-on, please see we will need you to pay an extra 150$ per toilet.
Travel insurance.
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.).
Meals not listed in the itinerary.
Liquors, beers, and bottled beverages.


Related Mount Kilimanjaro Best Routes Options

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KILIMANJARO-LEMOSHO ROUTE 8 DAYS 2 Person

$2485.00(P/P)

Lemosho is extremely beautiful and offers a partly untouched landscape as well as varied flora and fauna. Also for the best successful climb.

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KILIMANJARO-MACHAME ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2315.00(P/P)

Machame Route is the second most popular route to summit Mt.Kili after the Lemosho route, the route approaches from south-west.

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KILIMANJARO-MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$1865.00(P/P)

Marangu route is widely known as a Coca-Cola route due to its easiest and comfortability, the only way offer hut and beds on the mountain.

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KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2375.00(P/P)

The Rongai route the easiest route and best during the rainy season since it receives less rainfall compared to other routes.

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KILIMANJARO-SHIRA ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2395.00(P/P)

The Shira route starts relatively high above sea level and is, therefore, a less frequented route as it offers the poorest acclimatization.

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KILIMANJARO-UMBWE ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2286.00(P/P)

Umbwe route is the very Challenging and hardest route to Mount Kili, It is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.

Others Optional Routes To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Definitely climb Kilimanjaro in 7 days Lemosho routes or 5 days Marangu route and 6 days for for other routes like Shira, Rongai, Machame, and umbwe route, Most clients are attached to the shortage of time to spend on the mountain, and very few clients can mention that is Cost savings, again very few of them fall to this point.

Most of the client make the wrong choice due to the lack of enough information about a significantly of acclimatization protocal and summit success rate. Others are fit and they just about to test their fitness and do not like to waste much time on Mount Kilimanjaro, Anyone can pick up this options for their own risk of difficulties and failure to reach the destinations but you need to enjoy from the enterace gate to the end of your climbing, not just the top of the mount Kilimanjaro.

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KILIMANJARO-RONGAI ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2295.00(P/P)

short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly as reach a camp.

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KILIMANJARO-SHIRA ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2275.00(P/P)

The Shira route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike but has less acclimatization protocol.

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KILIMANJARO-UMBWE ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2185.00(P/P)

Very challenging, steepest, and hardest of all Mount Kilimanjaro routes. this is for experienced hikers want to test their fitness.

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KILIMANJARO-LEMOSHO ROUTE 7 DAYS 2 Person

$2345.00(P/P)

Lemosho Route considered to be the most scenic trail on Mount Kilimanjaro but 7 days, in a second day of our climb will be challenging.

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KILIMANJARO-MACHAME ROUTE 6 DAYS 2 Person

$2135.00(P/P)

Machame route is considered a difficult choice for 6 days since is very challenging and offers the poorest acclimatization protocol.

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KILIMANJARO-MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS 2 Person

$1695.00(P/P)

5 days Marangu route is a shortest and most Cheapest options to climb mount Kilimanjaro but hard and has high risk of failure to climb.