6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS Umbwe Route Dramatic Kilimanjaro Landscapes
Tour Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and shortest ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts from the south and climbs quickly through dense rainforest and steep hills. The trail is less crowded, giving a quiet and private experience. You will pass waterfalls, cliffs, and lush greenery.
As the trail rises, the forest opens to moorlands, rocky alpine desert, and snow-covered peaks. Each day brings new views, wide landscapes, and peaceful moments in nature. The journey is challenging but rewarding, offering unforgettable scenery from start to finish.
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Duration: 7 Days
When to go: All Year Round
FULL ITINERARY
Arrival at Kilimanjaro and Transfer to the Hotel
Where to Stay
Overnight: Lodge / Hotel
MEAL PLAN
Full Board
Day 1:
Umbwe Gate to 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 and quickly enters dense rainforest. Tall trees, hanging moss, ferns, and flowing streams surround the trail. Birds sing, monkeys swing above, and sunlight filters through the leaves, creating soft patterns of light and shadow. The air is fresh and cool, and the forest feels peaceful and alive.
Umbwe Cave Camp sits in a quiet clearing, giving a perfect spot to rest after the first day. Evening is calm, with the sounds of the forest fading as you prepare for the next climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch & Dinner
Day 2:
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Distance: ~7 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Change: 2,700 m → 3,900 m
The trail climbs steeply through forest and opens to moorlands. Streams and small waterfalls line the path, and occasional gaps in the trees offer wide views of valleys and hills. Higher up, the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro become visible.
Barranco Camp is at the base of the Barranco Wall. Evening brings soft light across the peaks, creating a calm, peaceful atmosphere to rest and reflect after a demanding day.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barranco Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3:
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Elevation Change: 3,900 m → 4,100 m
The day begins with the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face climbed with small handholds and steps. The climb is challenging but provides incredible panoramic views of valleys and ridges below. Above the wall, the trail opens to high moorlands with wide horizons and dramatic landscapes.
Karanga Camp is quiet and open, giving distant views of Kibo Peak and glaciers. Evening winds are gentle, creating a calm resting place for the next day’s climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Karanga Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4:
Karanga Camp to Barafu Hut
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Change: 4,100 m → 4,700 m
The trail moves through rocky alpine desert with sparse vegetation. Kibo Peak’s glaciers appear closer, and Mawenzi Peak towers nearby. The empty landscape feels vast and dramatic, with wide views in all directions.
Barafu Hut is the last camp before the summit. It is a place to rest, eat, and prepare for the early morning ascent. The night sky is full of stars, creating a peaceful atmosphere before the challenging summit climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Barafu Hut
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5:
Barafu Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Distance: ~18 km
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Change: 4,700 m → 5,895 m → 3,080 m
Summit day starts before midnight. You climb slowly in the dark with headlamps. The air is thin and cold, and the silence is broken only by your footsteps and wind.
As the sun rises, glaciers and ridges shine in gold and pink. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, is unforgettable. After celebrating, you descend through alpine desert, moorland, and forest to Mweka Camp. The forest sounds return, making the end of the day peaceful and reflective.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Mweka Camp
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6:
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Hotel
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Change: 3,080 m → 1,640 m
The final day is the gentle descent from Mweka Camp down to the park gate. The trail winds through lush rainforest, where birds sing and small streams cross your path. Soft morning sunlight filters through the tall trees, casting golden patterns on the forest floor. You may notice ferns, moss, and small flowers along the way, adding color and texture to the landscape. Each step brings a final chance to capture the beauty of the mountain environment and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
After reaching the gate, you will be transferred back to your hotel to relax, enjoy a warm shower, and reflect on the incredible journey. This day is a perfect time to take in the last views of Kilimanjaro, think about the memories made, and celebrate completing the climb.
Where to Stay
Overnight: Hotel in Arusha/Moshi
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departure Day
After a restful night at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. This day gives you time to relax, reflect, and take one last look at the magnificent Kilimanjaro. You can remember the landscapes, the changing light on the slopes, and the unforgettable experience of reaching Africa’s highest peak before beginning your onward journey.
MEAL PLAN
Breakfast
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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