Kilimanjaro Trekking

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route – 6 Days

Destinations

Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro

Duration

9 Days

Max Altitude

5,895m (19,341 ft)

Price

$6,250 to $6,950 per person

Our Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route climb takes 6 days. The Umbwe Route is the steepest way up Kilimanjaro.

The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct way up Kilimanjaro, climbing a narrow forested ridge straight towards the Barranco Valley. Our "modified" Umbwe adds an extra night at Karanga Camp on the southern circuit to improve acclimatisation before the summit. It is best suited to fit, experienced hikers who are comfortable at altitude and want a quieter, more challenging climb.

At a Glance

Days in country: 9 days: 3 transition days in Arusha (before and after the hike) and 6 days on Kilimanjaro
Lodging: Arusha: Premium or Premium Plus. On Kilimanjaro: North Face all-season mountaineering tents, one person in a 2-person tent and two people in a 3-person tent
Price per person: $6,250 to $6,950 per trekker (includes $500 crew tip)
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m (19,341 ft)) via Stella Point, from Kosovo high camp

Why Choose the Umbwe Route

The quietest and most direct route up the mountain
A steep, dramatic ridge climb through the rainforest
Extra acclimatisation night at Karanga Camp
Five crew per trekker, private toilet and shower

Trek Route

Arusha

Mount Kilimanjaro

Arusha

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Umbwe Cave Camp 2,850 m (9,350 ft) 11 km (6.8 mi) 5–7 hrs hiking

Drive from Arusha to Umbwe Gate and climb steeply through dense rainforest, using tree roots as steps, along a narrow ridge to the camp near the Umbwe caves.

Barranco Camp 3,960 m (12,992 ft) 6 km (3.7 mi) 4–6 hrs hiking

Continue up the ridge into heath and moorland with dramatic views of the Western Breach, then drop into the Barranco Valley to camp among giant groundsels.

Karanga Camp 3,995 m (13,107 ft) 5 km (3.1 mi) 4–5 hrs hiking

Scramble up the Barranco Wall and follow the southern circuit to Karanga Camp. This extra night is what makes our Umbwe "modified": it gives your body time to acclimatise.

Kosovo Camp 4,800 m (15,748 ft) 5 km (3.1 mi) 4–5 hrs hiking

Climb through alpine desert past Barafu to Kosovo Camp, the highest base camp, which shortens summit night. An early dinner and rest before the summit attempt.

Mweka Camp 5,895 m (19,341 ft) / 3,100 m (10,171 ft) 5 km (3.1 mi) up, 12 km (7.5 mi) down 12–14 hrs hiking

Wake around midnight and climb by headlamp from Kosovo Camp up the scree slopes to Stella Point on the crater rim, reaching it as the sun rises over Mawenzi. From there it is about an hour along the rim, past the glaciers, to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After photos at the summit, descend to Mweka Camp in the forest for a well-earned dinner and rest.

Arusha 1,640 m (5,381 ft) 10 km (6.2 mi) 3–4 hrs hiking

A final walk down through the rainforest, often with colobus monkeys in the trees, to Mweka Gate. Collect your summit certificate, say goodbye to the crew and drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.

Included

✓Airport transfers and all ground transportation, including coach, bus, taxi and mini van
✓In-country airfare as detailed in the tour
✓Toyota Land Cruiser with extended cab and pop-up top for game viewing, with fuel, licensing and maintenance
✓Up to 4-5 people per Land Cruiser
✓National Park daily fees for travelers, cruiser and staff
✓Lodging (double occupancy) with breakfasts, lunches and dinners
✓Laundry service at your accommodation
✓Bottled water during transportation
✓Drinks of all kinds on game drives
✓Snacks on game drives
✓Additional tours as detailed in the tour: side tours, hiking tours, cultural immersion experiences and town tours
✓Driver, guide, park ranger, baggage porter and maid staff salaries and tips
✓Preparation booklet and optional Zoom group meetings to prepare each traveler
✓Mount Kilimanjaro hike with daily National Park fees for clients and crew
✓Crew of 5 per trekker (instead of 3), including crew salaries, payroll taxes, VAT and crew tip
✓Personal chef, all meals on the mountain, boiled or filtered water
✓North Face 4-season tents, sleeping pads and pillows, all camping equipment for the crew
✓Private mobile toilet and private mobile shower
✓$100 permit to summit from Kosovo, the highest base camp
✓Safety gear: first aid kit, oximeter and emergency oxygen

Not Included

✕Round trip airfare to and from Tanzania
✕Tanzanian visa ($100, purchased on arrival)
✕Travel, flight and emergency evacuation insurances
✕Over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and vaccinations (Tanzania requires none to enter)
✕Mountain gear for Kilimanjaro or items specific to other tours
✕Souvenirs
✕Meals at airports
✕Alcoholic beverages, unless mentioned in the tour
✕Spa treatments and laundry service