- English
- Italianocoming soon
- Françaiscoming soon
- Españolcoming soon
6 Days Climb Kilimanjaro – Umbwe Route
The shortest, steepest and most direct way up Kilimanjaro, for fit and experienced hikers, joining the southern circuit at Barranco for the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest route up Kilimanjaro. It climbs straight up a forested ridge from the Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp and on to Barranco Camp, where it joins the southern circuit via the Barranco Wall, Karanga and Barafu Camp for the summit night to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). You descend on the Mweka Route. Because it gains altitude quickly, it suits fit hikers with previous high-altitude experience.
Your private climb is led by an experienced guide with a cook and porters. All meals on the mountain, park fees and transfers from and back to your hotel in Moshi are included.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the roof of Africa
- The most direct route to the top
- Steep forest ridges and quiet trails
- Barranco Wall and the southern ice fields
- Best for fit, experienced hikers
- Private guide, cook and porters
Route Map
- MoshiPick-up from your hotel
- Umbwe Gate · 1,800 mRegistration and start
- Umbwe Cave Camp · 2,940 m1 night
- Barranco Camp · 3,900 m1 night
- Karanga Camp · 3,995 m1 night
- Barafu Camp · 4,673 m1 night
- Uhuru Peak · 5,895 mSummit on day 5 via Stella Point
- Mweka Camp · 3,100 m1 night
- Mweka Gate → MoshiTransfer on day 6
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,940 m)
Pick-up from your hotel in Moshi and drive to the Umbwe Gate (1,800 m) to register for the climb. Climb steeply through the rainforest along a narrow ridge, with tree roots as steps in places, to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Distance: 11 km · about 5–7 hours walking
- Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
- Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
Continue up the ridge as the forest gives way to heather and moorland, with views of Kibo, then descend into the Barranco Valley to camp below the Barranco Wall.
Distance: 6 km · about 4–6 hours walking
- Overnight: Barranco Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
Start the day scrambling up the Barranco Wall, a steep but non-technical climb, then follow a trail of ridges and valleys below the southern ice fields to Karanga Camp.
Distance: 5 km · about 4–5 hours walking
- Overnight: Karanga Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
A short climb across rocky, barren ground to Barafu Camp, the base for the summit. Arrive by lunchtime, rest and have an early dinner before the summit night.
Distance: 4 km · about 3–4 hours walking
- Overnight: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) & Down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Start around midnight and climb by headlamp to Stella Point (5,756 m) on the crater rim, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, ideally around sunrise. Descend to Barafu Camp for a rest and lunch, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 5 km up, 12 km down · about 12–14 hours – the longest day
- Overnight: Mweka Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate & Moshi
A final descent through the rainforest to the Mweka Gate (1,640 m), where you sign out of the park, then transfer back to your hotel in Moshi.
Distance: 10 km · about 3–4 hours walking
- End of trek
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Mountain Camps
Umbwe Cave Camp
Forest camp on the Umbwe ridge, near a large rock overhang.
Barranco Camp
Sheltered valley camp below the Barranco Wall.
Karanga Camp
Camp on a ridge below the southern ice fields.
Barafu Camp
Rocky high camp and the starting point for the summit night.
Mweka Camp
Forest camp for your first night back down after the summit.
What's Included
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Experienced guide, cook and porters
- 5 nights camping on the mountain
- All meals during the trek
- Drinking water
- Transfers from and back to your hotel in Moshi
- Personalised service
Not included
- International flights and taxes
- Passport and visa fees
- Hotel nights in Moshi before and after the climb
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcohol and drinks
Prices per Person
| Package | 1 guestper person | 2 guestsper person | 3 guestsper person | 4 guestsper person | 5+ guestsper person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbwe Route climb5 nights camping, full board | [LOW] | [LOW] | [LOW] | [LOW] | [LOW] |
| Package | 1 guestper person | 2 guestsper person | 3 guestsper person | 4 guestsper person | 5+ guestsper person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbwe Route climb5 nights camping, full board | [MID] | [MID] | [MID] | [MID] | [MID] |
| Package | 1 guestper person | 2 guestsper person | 3 guestsper person | 4 guestsper person | 5+ guestsper person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbwe Route climb5 nights camping, full board | [HIGH] | [HIGH] | [HIGH] | [HIGH] | [HIGH] |
Prices are per person in US$ and depend on group size. Contact us for larger groups or extra nights in Nairobi.
- Private mountain guide
- Tailor-made to your dates
- KATO bonded member AS/771
- Rated 4.9 on Tripadvisor
Questions? Call or WhatsApp +254 715946852
See What Our Guests Are Saying on TripAdvisor
Kennedy really thought of everything and put together a great package with Daydream Safaris.
Our guide, Jackson, was friendly, funny, and had eagle eyes—no animal escaped his notice. We got to see all kinds of animals, from elephants and rhinos to predators. And all up close!
For another trip to Kenya or another safari, I highly recommend Kennedy and especially Jackson, because they gave my friends and me an unforgettable trip! Thank you so much!
The accommodations and food exceeded our expectations, and everything was well organized from start to finish. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Highly recommend Day Dream Safari to anyone planning a trip to the Masai Mara.
But what made this trip truly special was our guide- Mr Jackson, a truly living legend. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals, endless stories about the wildlife and the land, and a way of finding the perfect spot at the perfect moment. His patience, humour and passion turned good sightings into moments I'll be retelling for years. We never felt rushed, and we always felt very looked after.
Although the journey just flew by, and I came home with thousands of photos, dusty boots and a heart full of gratitude. Amazing doesn't cover it. If Kenya is on your list, don't wait. Go, and go with this team. I am already planning to rebook again soon.
From the group, thank you Daydream and the team for the memorable trip. See you again soon.
Our Trusted Partners.
Partnering to Create an Exceptional Safari Experience.