Mount Kilimanjaro climbing

7 Days Umbwe Route

From $1,900 Per Person

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Duration

7 Days

Accommodation

Camping

Starting Date

Any day of your choice

The Umbwe Route is known as the steepest and most direct route on Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a challenging and adventurous climb for experienced trekkers.

This 7-day Umbwe itinerary provides better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate compared to shorter versions. It allows an additional day at high altitude, following the proven “climb high, sleep low” principle.

The route begins on the southern slopes, ascending quickly through dense rainforest before joining the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. From there, the climb continues through Karanga Valley and Barafu Camp, leading to the final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Climbers experience diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit zone, with breathtaking views and fewer crowds compared to more popular routes.

This route is ideal for climbers seeking a serious challenge with improved acclimatization and scenic rewards.

Price (Per Person)

Group Size Price
1 Person $2,300
2–4 People $2,100
5+ People $1,900

(Prices may vary depending on season and group size.)

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,600 m) – Umbwe Camp (2,850 m)
  • Distance: 11 km

  • Hiking Time: 5–7 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, depart from Arusha or Moshi and drive to Umbwe Gate.

After registration, begin trekking through dense rainforest along a steep and narrow trail, gaining altitude quickly.

Arrive at Umbwe Camp for dinner and overnight.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Umbwe Camp)

Day 2: Umbwe Camp (2,850 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
  • Distance: 6 km

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Moorland / Semi-desert

After breakfast, continue ascending along a ridge as vegetation transitions from rainforest to moorland.

Enjoy dramatic views before descending into the beautiful Barranco Valley.

Arrive at Barranco Camp, located beneath the famous Barranco Wall.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barranco Camp)

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
  • Distance: 5 km

  • Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start the day by climbing the Barranco Wall, a thrilling but non-technical scramble.

Continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp.

This shorter day supports acclimatization and energy conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Karanga Camp)

Day 4: Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
  • Distance: 4 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, trek to Barafu Camp, the base camp for the summit attempt.

The terrain becomes rocky and exposed, with incredible views of the mountain.

Arrive early, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Barafu Camp)

Day 5: Acclimatization Day at Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
  • Hiking Time: 2–4 hours (optional acclimatization hike)

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, giving your body time to adjust to the high altitude.

You may take a short hike toward Kosovo Camp (higher elevation) before returning to Barafu, following the climb high, sleep low strategy.

This extra day significantly improves summit success rates.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Barafu Camp

Day 6: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
  • Distance: 17 km

  • Hiking Time: 10–14 hours

Around midnight, begin your summit attempt.

Climb slowly to Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim before continuing to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.

After celebrating your achievement, descend to Mweka Camp for overnight rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Camping (Mweka Camp)

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100 m) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m)
  • Distance: 10 km

  • Hiking Time: 3–4 hours

  • Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate.

Receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate before transfer back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

From $1,900 per person
Price varies by group size

Tour Booking Form

Select Date and No. of Travellers


Contact Information


Price Includes

  • Kilimanjaro National Park fees

  • Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook

  • Accommodation

  • All meals during the trek

  • Drinking water on the mountain

  • Airport transfers

  • Transport from hotel to the mountain gate and back

  • Rescue fees and emergency oxygen

  • Government taxes

Price Excludes

  • International and domestic flights

  • Tanzania visa

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal climbing gear

  • Tips for guides, porters, and cook

  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)

  • Hotel accommodation before and after the climb

Climb Kilimanjaro on expertly guided routes. 97.6% summit success rate