7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS Umbwe Route Epic Glacial Photography
Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most dramatic ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the southern side, it quickly ascends through dense rainforest, steep hills, open moorlands, rocky alpine desert, and finally reaches the snow-covered peaks. The trail is less crowded than other routes, offering climbers a quiet and private experience, allowing for a deep connection with the mountain.
Each day brings new landscapes, wide panoramic views, and peaceful moments in nature. Walking this route at a steady pace allows climbers to acclimatize properly, enjoy the scenery fully, and experience unforgettable moments at every stage of the climb. From the soft green rainforest to the barren, glacial highlands, every step is an opportunity for reflection, photography, and immersion in Kilimanjaro’s dramatic environments.
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Duration: 7 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. This day is meant for relaxing after your flight, checking your gear, and getting ready for the trek.
If you have some free time, you can walk around the hotel area, enjoy the sunset, and take a few first photos of the local landscape. The quiet evening and warm light make a calm start to your adventure.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Elevation Change: 1,800 m → 2,700 m
The climb begins at Umbwe Gate, immediately plunging into the dense, emerald rainforest. Towering trees draped in hanging moss surround the trail, while ferns, vines, and small streams create a serene, almost magical environment. Birds chirp in the canopy above, and playful monkeys swing gracefully from branch to branch. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating soft patterns on the forest floor, and the air is crisp, cool, and fresh. Walking through this vibrant and alive forest, you can feel the calm and peaceful energy of the mountain.
Umbwe Cave Camp lies in a quiet, sheltered clearing. After the first challenging day, it provides a perfect place to rest and reflect. Evening brings the gentle sounds of the forest the rustle of leaves, distant calls of birds, and the soft trickle of streams creating a sense of calm and anticipation for the climb ahead. This first day is an introduction to Kilimanjaro’s incredible diversity of landscapes and sets the tone for the adventure.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2:
Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,900 m
The trail climbs steeply, gradually leaving the dense forest behind and entering wide-open moorlands. Streams, small waterfalls, and rocky outcrops line the path, while occasional gaps in the trees offer panoramic views of valleys, hills, and distant peaks. The southern slopes of Kilimanjaro stretch endlessly, and the crisp mountain air is refreshing. As you ascend, the terrain becomes increasingly dramatic, with high ridges and rolling hills that change colors with the shifting sunlight.
Barranco Camp sits at the base of the famous Barranco Wall, an iconic feature of the mountain. The evening sky bathes the peaks in soft golden and orange hues, and the calm of the highlands offers a peaceful space to rest and reflect on the demanding climb. This day is both challenging and rewarding, providing some of the first real glimpses of the grandeur of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes, making it ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,500 m → 3,900 m
The day begins with the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face that is climbed using handholds and small steps. Though challenging, the effort is rewarded with spectacular views of valleys and ridges below. Once over the wall, the trail opens into high moorlands with vast horizons and dramatic landscapes. Here, the wide-open spaces allow you to fully appreciate the scale and grandeur of the mountain, with distant glaciers and peaks forming a breathtaking backdrop.
Karanga Camp is a quiet, elevated resting spot. From here, you can see Kibo Peak and its glaciers shimmering in the sunlight, along with surrounding ridges and valleys stretching into the distance. Gentle evening winds and the peaceful isolation of the camp provide a calm atmosphere for rest and reflection. This is an ideal time to absorb the beauty of Kilimanjaro, capture photos, and mentally prepare for the climb ahead.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Karanga Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Karanga Valley Camp – Barafu Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Elevation Change: 4,100 m → 4,700 m
The trail gradually climbs through rocky alpine desert. Vegetation becomes sparse, and the land opens up into vast, empty expanses. Peaks and glaciers loom closer, with Mawenzi Peak standing tall nearby. The wide-open landscape offers long, uninterrupted views of valleys and highlands, perfect for photography and taking in the raw beauty of the mountain.
Barafu Camp is the final camp before the summit. It provides a place to rest, eat, and prepare for the early morning climb. The night sky is filled with a blanket of stars, the air is crisp and still, and the sense of anticipation grows as climbers prepare for the most challenging and rewarding stage of their journey. The camp is a quiet, reflective place where you can focus on the climb ahead and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Barafu Camp – The Summit – Barafu Camp
Distance: ~11 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 4,700 m
Summit day begins very early, often before midnight. The climb is slow and steady, guided only by headlamps in the darkness. The air is thin and extremely cold, and the silence of the mountain is profound, broken only by footsteps and the occasional whisper of wind.As the sun rises, the glaciers and ridges are bathed in gold and pink light, creating a breathtaking photographic opportunity.
Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is an unforgettable achievement. After celebrating the summit, you carefully descend back to Barafu Camp to rest. The descent offers further spectacular views of the alpine desert, distant valleys, and snow-capped peaks, making the day both physically challenging and visually stunning.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Barafu Camp – Mweka Camp
Distance: ~18 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 3,080 mm
The trail begins its descent through alpine desert, then passes through moorlands, and finally returns to lush forest. Birds return, streams flow alongside the path, and the air becomes warmer and more welcoming. Walking down the mountain offers a strong sense of relief, accomplishment, and satisfaction.
Mweka Camp is a quiet, welcoming spot where climbers can rest, reflect, and enjoy the changing landscapes one last time. The descent allows for gentle sightseeing, photography, and appreciation of the diverse ecosystems of Kilimanjaro. This is a day to soak in the experience, breathe deeply, and relish the feeling of completing the climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7:
Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,080 m → 1,640 m
The final day is a gentle walk through the rainforest, where the air is warm and birdsong fills the forest. Streams trickle along the trail, and the lush surroundings make the descent calm and peaceful. Upon reaching Mweka Gate, climbers receive their official summit certificates and meet their driver for transfer back to the hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
This last stage allows time for reflection, relaxation, and enjoyment of the final views of the mountain. A warm shower, a comfortable bed, and a deep sense of pride in your achievement await. Photographs, memories, and a sense of connection with Kilimanjaro will accompany you long after the climb is complete.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After your stay at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward travel. This day provides a final chance to rest, reflect, and savor the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro. Take time to look back at the majestic mountain, the glaciers, the valleys, and the forests you traversed. It is a day for photographs, reflection, and celebration of your accomplishment. The journey may have ended, but the memories, stories, and photographs will last a lifetime.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
Price Per Person
|
Number of Person
|
Price per Person
|
|---|---|
|
PAX 2 |
$ 480 |
|
PAX 3 |
$ 460 |
|
PAX 4 |
$ 440 |
|
PAX 5+ |
$ 567 |
Tour Inclusion
- Accommodation on full board basis
- All park entry fees
- Photographic guidance
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Support equipment (bean bags, charging station, etc.)
Tour Exclusion
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Optional activities
- Staff gratuities
- Personal expenses
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