Umbwe Route – 6 Days “The Steep Climb”
Overview
The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest, and most direct route up Kilimanjaro, often chosen by experienced trekkers or those seeking a challenge. It ascends rapidly through dense rainforest before joining the Machame Route near Barranco Camp. While physically demanding, it rewards climbers with dramatic scenery and fewer crowds. Due to its steepness and limited acclimatization, it has a lower summit success rate compared to other routes.
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Very challenging, best for experienced hikers
Scenery: Rainforest, ridges, valleys, alpine desert, glaciers
Accommodation: Camping in tents
Day 1: Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 1,600 m → 2,850 m | 11 km / 5–7 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Rainforest; towering trees, moss, colobus monkeys
Temperature Ranges: 15–20°C daytime, 10°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Lunch & Dinner | Umbwe Cave Camp (camping)
Activities & Highlights: Trek up a steep forest trail, winding ridges, first overnight in the heart of the rainforest.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp → Barranco Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 2,850 m → 3,960 m | 6 km / 4–5 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Moorland & heath; giant senecios and lobelias
Temperature Ranges: 10–15°C daytime, below 5°C at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Barranco Camp
Activities & Highlights: Steep climb up ridges, merge with Machame Route, arrive at Barranco Valley with towering cliffs.
Day 3: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,960 m → 4,035 m | 5 km / 4–5 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert; sparse shrubs and volcanic rock
Temperature Ranges: 0–8°C daytime, below freezing at night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Karanga Camp
Activities & Highlights: Conquer the Barranco Wall, traverse ridges and valleys, spectacular mountain panoramas.
Day 4: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,035 m → 4,640 m | 4 km / 3–4 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Alpine desert, rocky slopes
Temperature Ranges: 0–5°C daytime, -5°C night
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Barafu Camp
Activities & Highlights: Short but steep hike to high camp, early dinner and rest before summit attempt.
Day 5: Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp
Daily Elevations & Distance: 4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,110 m | 17 km / 12–15 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Arctic summit zone → rainforest at descent
Temperature Ranges: -7°C to -20°C at summit
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | Mweka Camp
Activities & Highlights: Midnight climb via Stella Point, summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise, descend through Barafu to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Daily Elevations & Distance: 3,110 m → 1,640 m | 10 km / 3–4 hrs
Habitats & Vegetation: Rainforest; lush flora, exotic birds
Temperature Ranges: 15–25°C daytime
Meals & Accommodation: Breakfast & Lunch | Transfer to hotel
Activities & Highlights: Final descent through the forest, receive summit certificate at Mweka Gate, return to Moshi/Arusha.
✅ Inclusions (What’s Included)
All park fees, camping/hut fees, and government taxes
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
Rescue fees (as required by Kilimanjaro National Park)
Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi/Arusha)
All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Drinking water (treated and safe)
Accommodation before and after the climb (standard hotel, double occupancy)
Camping equipment (tents, chairs, tables, mattresses) – except personal sleeping bags
Oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter & first aid kit for emergencies
Hot water for washing daily
Transport to and from the Kilimanjaro gate
❌ Exclusions (What’s Not Included)
International flights & visas
Travel insurance & medical evacuation coverage
Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing, boots, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (highly recommended)
Alcoholic & soft drinks at hotels and on the mountain
Extra nights in hotels due to early arrival, late departure, or early mountain exit
Personal expenses (laundry, phone, internet, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities before/after the climb (safaris, cultural tours, Zanzibar extensions)
Umbwe Route
