6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE KILIMANJARO TREKKING

6 Days Umbwe route

Overview

The Umbwe Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, typically completed in 6 days, is known for being the most challenging and demanding ascent on the mountain. The route’s steep and rapid ascent to higher altitudes does not provide adequate time for proper acclimatization, which increases the risk of altitude sickness. While the number of climbers on this trail is relatively low, so too are the chances of success for those who attempt it. Due to its difficulty, this route is best suited for experienced and strong hikers who are confident in their ability to adjust to the high altitude quickly.

What to Expect

The Umbwe Route is recognized for its extreme difficulty, making it the most taxing option for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. The fast ascent, without ample time for acclimatization, can be challenging even for seasoned climbers. Although fewer climbers choose this path, those who do are typically looking for a more demanding adventure. It’s a route that demands both physical strength and mental resilience, making it ideal only for those with considerable hiking experience and the ability to quickly adapt to the high altitude.
The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure your climb is an unforgettable experience, helping you achieve your dream of summiting Africa’s highest peak.

Tour Plan

Arrival in Tanzania - Transfer from Airport to Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to Moshi town. You will meet our Kilimanjaro trekking expert who will brief you on your upcoming Kilimanjaro trekking, then rest until the next day morning.

Day 1 - Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Kilimanjaro climbing Umbwe Router 6 days begins with a 1hr drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2 - Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Day 3 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Day 4 - Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Day 5 - Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 19 km
Hiking Time: 9-10 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6 - Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 9 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka gate to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

The Pamoja Kilimanjaro & Safari team will ensure that your dream of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro becomes a reality.

PRICE INCLUDES & EXCLUDES

Standard Included & Excludes.

Includes For Standard Trekking

✔ Oxygen Cylinder
✔ Medically qualified guides
✔ Twice a day medical health checkup, monitoring with pulse-oximeter and stethoscope.
✔ Midrange accommodations before & after the climb, bed & breakfast basis, double occupancy (Key’s Hotel, Nguchiro Palace Hotel)
✔ Orientation meeting in Moshi and gear check as well.
✔ Pick up and drop off to the Airport (Private transfers)
✔ Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees.
✔ Government tax (18% VAT ON TOUR FEE AND SERVICE)
✔ Mobile toilet
✔ Mountain climbing certificate
✔ Team Kilimanjaro rescue fees
✔ Fair Wages for the mountain crew as approved by Kilimanjaro national park Authority, and Kilimanjaro Association of Tour operator (KIATO)
✔ 3-4 porters per climber, which includes porters to carry up to 30 lbs/ 13.6 Kgs. of your personal gear.
✔ 4-season mountain tents, double occupancy.
✔ Mess tent, tables, chairs, double layer sleeping bag -250 C, 3 inches thick mattress and trekking poles.
✔ All meals while on the climb + evening tea with popcorn or peanuts.
✔ As much treated water you can drink while climbing.
✔ Hot water for washing up daily.

Luxury Included & Excludes.

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Very warm and welcoming travel agency, everything arranged very perfectly!. Whether it's mountain climbing arrangements or hunting tours, ..

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We attended the 7 days of Gillimazarohiking, all staff are very friendly and careful, get up in the morning careful to help us prepare hot water hot tea, .

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Our group had wonderful safari trip in northern Tanzania. It’s my personal first experience of safari but i would say i kinda fall in love into it right after this trip.

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Kilimanjaro Routes

Marangu route

Marangu Route

Hut-based, easiest, great for those wanting a less physically demanding climb

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Machame route

Machame Route

Scenic, varied landscapes, moderate difficulty.

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Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route

Longer, quieter, great for acclimatization.

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Umbwe Route

Umbwe Route

Steep, challenging, for experienced climbers.

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Rongai route

Rongai Route

Less crowded, gentler, northern side approach.

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Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circui Route

Longest, remote, excellent for acclimatization.

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Shira Route

Shira Route

Starts at a higher elevation than many other routes

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