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- Duration: 7 days
- Difficulty: most challenging
- Scenery: Good
- success rate: Low
7 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
The 7-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route is the most challenging and direct trail to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, making it a premier choice for experienced climbers seeking a demanding ascent. Known for its rapid altitude gain and steep gradient, the Umbwe Route pushes trekkers to their limits, providing limited time for acclimatization and creating an intense climbing experience. Starting in Kilimanjaro’s dense rainforest, the route ascends through varied ecosystems—from lush jungles to stark alpine deserts—offering breathtaking views of the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. Less crowded and incredibly scenic, the Umbwe Route promises a unique, awe-inspiring journey to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. This route is ideal for seasoned adventurers looking for a rigorous, rewarding path to conquer Kilimanjaro.
7 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Itinerary
Day 0
Arrival (Pre-trek Briefing)
We recommend all trekkers to organize their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airpot. Then If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Arrive at least a day before your trek to attend a pre-trek briefing at your hotel. We will review your gear and provide any necessary equipment rentals
Day 1
Arrival
- Arrival: Pre-trek Briefing
- Transport: Private transfer
- Accomodation: Hotel
Day 1
Hotel to Umbwe Cave Camp
Drive from your hotel to the Umbwe Gate, Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.
Day 1
- Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
- Distance: 11km/7mi
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.
Day 1
- Elevation: 2850m/9350ft to 4000m/13,000ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi
- Walking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Stay at Barranco Camp
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 0km/0mi
- Hiking Time: 0 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
- Distance: 8Distance: 5km/3mikm/5mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
- Distance: 4km/2mi
- Climbing Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Day 1
- Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3090m/10,150ft
- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
- Accomodation: Camping
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Hotel
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Our vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Day 1
- Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
- Distance: 10km/6mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Accomodation: Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Inclusions and Exclusion
The price includes:-
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your hotel
- Quality mountain tent and Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Meals
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
The price Excludes:-
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
Solo
2 pax
3 pax
4 pax
5 pax
6 pax
7+ pax
USD 2311
USD 2123
USD 2068
USD 2065
USD 2052
USD 2049
USD 2046
Price per person Sharing
SOLO
2 PAX
3 PAX
4 PAX
5 PAX
6 PAX
7 PAX +
USD 2311
USD 2123
USD 2068
USD 2065
USD 2052
USD 2049
USD 2046
Facts to know before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, a 19,340-foot (5,895-meter) mountain, has three peaks and popular trekking routes. Climbers traverse diverse climate zones over 6–9 days, depending on the route. The first successful ascent was in 1889 by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, also requiring an average fitness level.
Trekking Distance
Long Route 98 KM | Short Route 62 KM
Kilimanjaro Three Peaks
Kibo | Mawenzi | Shira
Climate Zones
Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
First Climb
1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Required Skills
Average fitness level
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
5-9 days depend on Routes
The Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro is renowned as the shortest and steepest trail to the summit, offering a highly challenging experience for seasoned hikers. This 7-day itinerary provides more acclimatization time, increasing the chance of reaching Uhuru Peak. With fewer trekkers compared to popular routes like Machame, the Umbwe Route offers a secluded, adventurous ascent through lush rainforests, rugged cliffs, and spectacular high-altitude landscapes.
The 7-day Umbwe Route is considered one of Kilimanjaro’s most difficult routes and is best suited for experienced hikers or climbers with a high level of fitness and prior trekking experience. Its steep ascents and rapid altitude gain make acclimatization challenging, even with the extra days provided. Beginners may want to consider less strenuous routes like the Marangu or Machame Route for a more manageable ascent.
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On the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route, accommodations consist of designated campsites along the trail, where hikers sleep in high-quality, weather-resistant tents. Our team provides comfortable sleeping arrangements, nutritious meals, and expert porter support to ensure a safe and satisfying experience. The remote nature of the Umbwe Route adds to its wild charm, enhancing the camping adventure.
While the 7-day Umbwe Route offers a higher success rate than shorter itineraries, the overall success rate is generally lower compared to other Kilimanjaro routes due to its steep and challenging terrain. However, with careful acclimatization, personalized guidance from our expert guides, and the additional days, many climbers achieve successful summits. Our professional team tailors pacing and support to increase your likelihood of reaching Uhuru Peak.
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Essential gear for the 7-day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route includes layered clothing for varying temperatures, waterproof outerwear, sturdy trekking boots, and high-quality sleeping bags suitable for sub-zero temperatures. Equipment for acclimatization and safety—such as trekking poles, hydration packs, and headlamps—is also recommended. we provides a comprehensive checklist and rental options to ensure climbers are fully prepared for the rugged journey.
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