8 Days
Kilimanjaro Trekking - Umbwe Route
Trekking
Overview
The Umbwe Route is known as the most challenging and steepest path up Mount Kilimanjaro, recommended for experienced climbers seeking a physically demanding trek with spectacular scenery.
Day by day
Full Itinerary
Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp
Begin at Umbwe Gate where park formalities are completed. The trail leads quickly into the rainforest, ascending steeply to Umbwe Cave Camp. Enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife along the way.
Elevation: 1,800 m → 2,900 m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp
Climb out of the rainforest into the moorland zone, ascending steep slopes to the Barranco Camp. This day helps your body acclimatize while offering panoramic views of the southern slopes and Barranco Wall.
Elevation: 2,900 m → 3,960 m
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine desert
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Trek through alpine desert terrain, tackling the famous Barranco Wall. Continue to Karanga Camp, gaining altitude while resting before the summit push.
Elevation: 3,960 m → 4,673 m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Move from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. Take the rest of the day to hydrate, eat, and prepare your gear for the overnight climb.
Elevation: 4,673 m
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Barafu Camp – Summit – Barafu Camp
Begin the summit climb around midnight. Trek through the night toward Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m). Descend back to Barafu Camp for rest.
Elevation: 4,673 m → 5,895 m → 4,673 m
Distance: ~16 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic → Alpine desert
Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp
After breakfast, continue descending through alpine desert into the rainforest zone, arriving at Mweka Camp for overnight stay.
Elevation: 4,673 m → 3,100 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert → Rainforest
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Complete the descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer to your hotel or lodge for relaxation.
Elevation: 3,100 m → 1,640 m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Departure / Optional Safari or Relaxation
Use this day to rest, explore Arusha, or continue your Tanzania adventure with a safari.
Safari Include
- All park fees, camping fees, and Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
- Professional, experienced mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks, and porters
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Quality camping equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and dining tent
- Airport transfers and transportation to and from the mountain gate
- Accommodation before and after the trek in Arusha or Moshi (bed and breakfast)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate upon successful completion of the climb
Safari Exclude
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear and equipment rental
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and support crew
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and souvenirs
book this Tour
Safari Itineraries
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Experience a thrilling Tanzanian wildlife safari , encountering majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and playful elephants amidst stunning landscapes.
When to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you hope to experience. Generally, mid-June to October is East Africa’s dry season, providing ideal safari conditions. The best months to see the wildebeest migration are from June to early October. The calving season from late January to early March offers a chance to witness the wildebeest calving and predator sightings. April-May is regarded as the low season due to heavy rains.
