Umbwe Route Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and challenging paths to Kilimanjaro’s summit, offering experienced trekkers an intense and rewarding adventure. Known for its steep ascent and minimal acclimatization time, this route spans 5 to 6 days and takes climbers through dense rainforest to alpine moorlands. While the steep climb makes it less suitable for beginners, it offers an intimate, less-crowded experience, ideal for those seeking a challenging trek with stunning views of the Kilimanjaro summit. Successful summit attempts on this route require good physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and attention to altitude sickness symptoms.
Best Time to Use the Umbwe Route
The best time for the Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, specifically July to September (most stable) and December to mid-March. These months offer clear, sunny skies, lower humidity, and minimal rain, providing the best conditions for the route’s long 9-10 day, high-success journey.
Route Success Rate
The summit success rate on the Umbwe Route is typically lower compared to other routes, primarily due to its steep and challenging nature, which can make acclimatization more difficult. Based on our data, the success rate for the Umbwe 6-day itinerary is approximately:
- Umbwe 6-day itinerary – Uhuru Peak: 1%; Crater Rim: 90.0%
Quick Route Note
Scenery
Very Good
Traffic
Very Low
Difficulty
Very Difficult
Price Per Person (6-Day Umbwe Route)
| 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $1,970 | $1,930 | $1,870 | $1,830 |
DAY 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Begin your adventure with a vehicle pick-up from your hotel, followed by a drive to the Umbwe Gate. After completing the registration process, the trek commences through the lush rainforest, leading to the Umbwe Cave Campsite, where your tents will already be set up.
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Elevation: 1,200 meters to 2,850 meters
- Hiking Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Flora: Dense trees, ferns, and other rainforest vegetation
- Fauna: Various bird species, monkeys
Accommodation:
Cave Bivouac Camp
Meal Plan:
Dinner and BreakFast
DAY 2: Cave Bivouac (2,850 m/9,350 ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft)
After breakfast, trekkers will continue through the remaining forest, eventually transitioning into the moorland and heath zone, where stunning views of the Barranco Valley and the ice cap at the summit can be enjoyed.
- Habitat: Montane forest and heath
- Elevation: 2,850 meters to 3,950 meters
- Hiking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Flora: Heather, giant groundsels
- Fauna: Small mammals, various bird species
Accommodation:
Barranco Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 3: Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)
Today features a shorter hike, starting with a challenging ascent of Barranco Wall, where acclimatization is key. After reaching approximately 4,200 meters, trekkers will continue across ridges and valleys to Karanga Campsite.
- Habitat: Moorland
- Elevation: 3,950 meters to 3,900 meters
- Hiking Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Flora: Moorland vegetation
- Fauna: Diverse birdlife, potential sightings of mountain antelope
Accommodation:
Karanga Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 4: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)
The trek today ascends to the Barafu Campsite, where the altitude becomes increasingly noticeable. The climb is steep, requiring a slow and steady pace to avoid fatigue and altitude sickness.
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Elevation: 3,900 meters to 4,620 meters
- Hiking Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Flora: Sparse vegetation, hardy plants
- Fauna: Limited wildlife due to altitude
Accommodation:
Barafu Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
This crucial day begins around midnight, with a light breakfast fueling the trek. The objective is to reach Uhuru Peak just after sunrise, climbing steep scree and snow to arrive at the crater rim.
- Habitat: Desert and ice
- Elevation: 4,620 meters to 5,895 meters (then descending to 3,100 meters)
- Hiking Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip
- Hiking Time: 10-12 hours
- Flora: Minimal, predominantly rock and ice
- Fauna: None at the summit, rare species at lower elevations
Accommodation:
Mweka Camp
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner.
DAY 6: Mweka Hut Campsite (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m)
On the final day, descend from Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, traversing through montane forest. This descent takes approximately 3-4 hours.
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Elevation: 3,100 meters to 1,700 meters
- Hiking Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Flora: Diverse rainforest plants, including giant trees
- Fauna: Colobus monkeys, various birds
Accommodation:
Your Chosen Accommodation Facility
Meal Plan:
Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, and Dinner
Cost Inclusions
- All park fees, entrance fees, and Government Taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Certified and experienced English-speaking Guides
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Private cook speaking fluent English
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- Transfers from the Hotel to the Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from the Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Trekking Cost Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Visas & vaccinations
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent.
- International flights (can be booked for you on request)
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