Safari Itinerary · Tanzania · kilimanjaro trekking
6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route
From $5,800 per person
This six day trek takes you up Africa’s highest mountain on the Umbwe Route. You start in Arusha. You drive to Umbwe Gate on the southern side and climb a steep ridge through rainforest. You join the southern circuit near Barranco, then summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. You descend to Mweka Gate.
Your mountain guides set the pace each day. Slow walking helps your body adjust to altitude. A team of assistant guides, cooks and porters carries your gear and prepares your meals.
Duration: 6 days
Your stay: Mountain tents
Airport and hotel transfers: Included
Summit altitude: 5,895 meters
About this itinerary
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct trail on Kilimanjaro. It gains height fast, so your body gets less time to adjust. Success rates are lower than on longer routes. This route suits experienced hikers who have trekked at altitude before. First-time climbers should choose Machame, Lemosho or a longer route.
You get a quiet trail and a close view of the forest. Few climbers use Umbwe, so the first two days feel remote. The path is narrow, rooted and often wet. You pass the Barranco Wall on day three, and the summit push follows the Barafu route. A seven day version adds an extra night and improves your odds. Ask your specialist if you want it. Your guides check your health twice a day and adjust the plan when needed. No summit is guaranteed.
Best suited to: experienced hikers, repeat climbers, couples, friends and private groups.
Itinerary
Each day gives you time to walk, rest and adjust to the altitude.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Arusha after breakfast. The drive to Umbwe Gate takes about two and a half hours. Register with the park and meet your crew. Walk up a narrow ridge through dense rainforest. The trail is steep, muddy and covered in roots. Look for colobus monkeys and birds in the canopy. Arrive at camp by late afternoon. Your cook serves dinner in the mess tent.
Walking time: 5 to 6 hours
Distance: 6 km
Altitude: 1,400 m to 2,940 m
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
Meals: Lunch and dinner
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Climb out of the forest into heather and moorland. The ridge gets narrower and the views open across the valley. Giant groundsels appear near the top. Eat lunch on the trail. Arrive at Barranco Camp by mid-afternoon. Rest, drink water and watch the sun set over the clouds. Barranco Wall rises above your tent.
Walking time: 6 to 7 hours
Distance: 8 km
Altitude: 2,940 m to 3,950 m
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Climb the Barranco Wall after breakfast. Use your hands in a few steep sections. Your guide leads you through each step. At the top, the trail rolls up and down across valleys. Arrive at Karanga Camp by early afternoon. Rest well, since tomorrow prepares you for the summit.
Walking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Altitude: 3,950 m to 4,035 m
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Walk a short, steady climb to Barafu Camp. The landscape is rock and dust. Eat an early dinner and sleep for a few hours. Your guide wakes you near midnight with hot tea and biscuits. Dress in layers and check your headlamp.
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 4 km
Altitude: 4,035 m to 4,673 m
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Summit Day, Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Start the summit climb around midnight. Walk slowly in the dark on a steep, zigzag trail. It is cold and the air is thin. Reach Stella Point at about sunrise. Continue 45 to 60 minutes along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. Take photos and begin the descent. Rest at Barafu for breakfast, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Walking time: 12 to 15 hours
Distance: 19 km
Altitude: 4,673 m to 5,895 m to 3,100 m
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Arusha
Walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery. Collect your summit certificate at the gate. Your driver takes you back to your hotel in Arusha. Hot showers and a proper meal wait for you.
Walking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Altitude: 3,100 m to 1,640 m
End of climb: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
The complete package
Everything included.
STAY
Mountain camps
5 nights in private mountain tents. Full board.
ARUSHA
1 night before the climb in a selected hotel is recommended and is added on request.
Experiences
Rainforest ridge
Climb a steep, quiet trail through moss-covered trees and look for monkeys and birds.
Barranco Wall
Sleep at the base of the summit route for a midnight start.
Barafu Camp
Full day crater game drive with opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, zebras and other wildlife.
Uhuru Peak
Reach the highest point in Africa at sunrise.
Travel
Hotel pickup and drop off in Arusha.
Licensed mountain guide and assistant guides.
Cook, porters and camp crew.
Speak to a safari specialist
Let's plan your journey.
From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours
Everything included
A clear overview of what your climb package covers. Your final proposal lists the exact accommodation, equipment and transport arrangements.
Transport
Private transfer from Arusha to Umbwe Gate and back from Mweka Gate.
Accommodation
Five nights in mountain tents, as listed in your confirmed itinerary.
Meals
Meals as shown in each day of your itinerary.
Park Fees
Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping and rescue fees for the confirmed route.
Usually excluded: international flights, visas, travel insurance, sleeping bags, trekking poles, personal gear, tips for the crew and items not listed in your confirmed proposal.