Tanzania Rewilded

Kilimanjaro from the 6-day Umbwe route
 
 
 Kilimanjaro climb · 6 days on the mountain
Umbwe Gate
 
Barranco Valley
 
Uhuru Peak
The steep, quiet way up

Kilimanjaro

The 6-day Umbwe route climbs almost straight up the south side of the mountain on a narrow forest ridge. It is the steepest route on Kilimanjaro and one of the quietest. It is for strong, experienced hikers who want a hard climb and few other people on the first two days.

8days
7 nights, 8 days total
6
Days on the mountain
5,895m
Uhuru Peak
Plan this climb
Day by day ↓
Download PDF ↓
 MoshiDay 1
 Umbwe CaveDay 2
 BarrancoDay 3
 BarafuDay 5
 Uhuru PeakDay 6
Climbing permit
TR · UM06
Umbwe Route
 
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
6 days on the mountain, 2 nights in Moshi
Start / finish
Kilimanjaro Airport
Hotel in Moshi before and after
Summit
Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m
Via Stella Point, from Barafu Camp
Difficulty
Very demanding
Steep and fast; for experienced hikers only
Style
Private · Camping
Your own guides, cook and porters
Best months
Jan – Mar · Jun – Oct
The two dry seasons

The 6-Day Umbwe Route:Steep, Short and Quiet

Most routes ease you in. Umbwe does not. From the gate at 1,800 m the path climbs a narrow ridge between two deep river gorges, using tree roots as steps. In two days you go from forest to the Barranco Valley at 3,960 m.

The reward is space. Very few people climb this way, so the first two days feel wild and empty. From Barranco you join the busier southern circuit for the Barranco Wall, Karanga and Barafu. Because you gain height so quickly, this route is only for fit hikers who have been to altitude before.

The climb

Straight Up the South Side

Each point is where you sleep. Look at how sharply the line climbs on Days 2 and 3, then how the southern circuit takes you across to the high camp. Tap a camp to see it on the profile.

FarmlandRainforestHeath & moorlandAlpine desertArctic summit1,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,000m 12345Uhuru Peak5,895 m67
Trail altitudeVegetation zones
  1. 01

    Moshi

    915 m · Hotel before and after the climb

    2 nights
  2. 02

    Umbwe Cave Camp

    2,850 m · Deep in the forest on the ridge

    1 night
  3. 03

    Barranco Camp

    3,960 m · Where Umbwe joins the southern circuit

    1 night
  4. 04

    Karanga Camp

    4,035 m · A shorter day to rest and adjust

    1 night
  5. 05

    Barafu Camp

    4,640 m · High camp for the summit night

    1 night
  6. 06

    Mweka Camp

    3,090 m · First night down, back in the forest

    1 night
Trek ≈ 54 kmHighest 5,895 mDescent Mweka route
Day by day

The Journey

✦

This is how the trip usually runs. Your guide will adjust each day around the weather, the trail and how the group is acclimatising.

Karibu Moshi
Day01
Kilimanjaro Airport → Moshi

A Quiet First Night

We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive about an hour to Moshi. On a clear day you see the snowy top of Kibo above the farms and palm trees.

Your guide briefs you on the Umbwe Route’s steep profile, safety and altitude, then checks your gear. Good boots with a firm grip and trekking poles matter more here than on any other route.

  • Transfer45 km · about 1 hr
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A muddy trail running through misty rainforest hung with moss
Rainforest on the Umbwe ridge
Day02
Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp

Roots, Mud and Mist

After a drive through villages and coffee farms you start at Umbwe Gate, 1,800 m. The path climbs a narrow forest ridge with deep gorges on both sides, and in steep places you climb over roots like a ladder.

The forest here is old and quiet, with huge trees, hanging moss and very few other hikers. You gain 1,050 m today and camp near the Umbwe caves, rock overhangs among the trees.

Good to know

The forest is often wet and slippery. Trekking poles help a lot, and gaiters keep the mud out of your boots.

  • Trek11 km · 6–7 hrs
  • Altitude1,800 → 2,850 m
  • OvernightUmbwe Cave Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A steep rock face with a line of climbers, above a slope of giant groundsels
The Barranco Wall from the valley
Day03
Umbwe Cave Camp → Barranco Camp

Up the Ridge

The ridge keeps climbing, and the trees shrink into giant heather and moorland. The views open up suddenly: the cliffs of the Western Breach and the glaciers of Kibo straight ahead.

In the afternoon you drop into the Barranco Valley, among giant groundsels, and join the southern circuit at Barranco Camp. From here on you will meet climbers from the Machame and Lemosho routes.

Honest note

You sleep more than 1,100 m higher than last night. That is a big jump. Drink plenty, walk slowly and tell your guide about any headache straight away.

  • Trek6 km · 6–7 hrs
  • Altitude2,850 → 3,960 m
  • OvernightBarranco Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Hands on the rock
Day04
Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp

Over the Wall

You start with the Barranco Wall, a steep rock face of about 250 m. It is a scramble, not a climb, and after the Umbwe ridge it often feels easier than it looks.

From the top the path goes up and down across ridges and small valleys, with Kibo’s southern glaciers above you. You reach Karanga Camp by lunchtime and rest for the afternoon, which your body will thank you for.

  • Trek5 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude3,960 → 4,035 m
  • OvernightKaranga Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
The jagged snow-dusted peak of Mawenzi rising above a layer of cloud
Mawenzi, seen from the high slopes
Day05
Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp

Into the Alpine Desert

A short, steady climb takes you out of the last plants and into bare alpine desert: grey stones, thin air and a cold wind.

Barafu Camp sits on a rocky ridge with views across to Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second peak. You arrive by early afternoon, go through the summit plan with your guide, eat an early dinner and sleep until about 11 pm.

  • Trek5 km · about 5 hrs
  • Altitude4,035 → 4,640 m
  • OvernightBarafu Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
A climber in silhouette watching the sun rise over the clouds, with Mawenzi's peak to the side
Sunrise near the crater rim
Day06
Barafu → Uhuru Peak → Mweka Camp

Dawn on the Rim

You leave around midnight and climb slowly up steep scree by headtorch towards Stella Point. The hours before dawn are the coldest and hardest of the whole climb.

At the rim the sun comes up behind Mawenzi. Another hour along the rim, past the ice cliffs, brings you to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. Then comes the long walk down past Barafu to Mweka Camp.

Honest note

Umbwe gives you the least time to adjust of any route. This is a 15-hour day, or longer, and your guides will turn you around if your health says so. Reaching the top is never guaranteed, and it is never worth the risk.

  • Trek17 km · 15 hrs or more
  • Altitude4,640 → 5,895 → 3,090 m
  • OvernightMweka Camp
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Hongera!
Day07
Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi

Out of the Forest

The last walk goes down a wide, well-made path through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Your legs will feel yesterday, so take the steps slowly.

At the gate you get your summit certificate and thank the crew. Then it is an hour’s drive back to Moshi and a hot shower at your hotel.

Good to know

Tipping the crew usually happens at the gate. We send guideline amounts before you travel so you can bring the right cash.

  • Trek10 km · 4–5 hrs
  • TransferAbout 1 hr to Moshi
  • OvernightKibo Palace Hotel, Moshi
  • Meals
    BreakfastLunchDinner
Kwaheri
Day08
Moshi → Kilimanjaro Airport

Time to Fly Home

After breakfast you are driven to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight. If your legs have recovered, a few days on safari or on the beach in Zanzibar make a good ending.

Where you sleep

Two Quiet Camps, Then the Circuit

Your first camp is deep in the forest, far from other groups. From Barranco you share the southern circuit’s official campsites. The crew carries and pitches your tent and cooks every meal.

A camp on Mount Kilimanjaro
On the mountain

Nights on the mountain: Umbwe Cave Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp.

2nights

Kibo Palace Hotel

Moshi · 915 m

A comfortable hotel in Moshi with a swimming pool, a garden, a bar and a restaurant. You stay here before the climb and after it.

PoolGardenBar
1night

Umbwe Cave Camp

Rainforest ridge · 2,850 m

A small camp among tall trees and rock overhangs, with very few other groups.

RainforestQuiet
1night

Barranco Camp

Barranco Valley · 3,960 m

Below the Barranco Wall, among giant groundsels, with glaciers above.

Giant groundsels
1night

Karanga Camp

Karanga Valley · 4,035 m

In a valley below Kibo’s southern glaciers. A quiet afternoon to rest before the high camp.

Rest afternoon
1night

Barafu Camp

High camp · 4,640 m

Rocky and windy, with views of Mawenzi. A few hours’ sleep before the summit.

Summit base
1night

Mweka Camp

Upper forest · 3,090 m

Back among the trees after the summit, where it is warmer and easier to sleep.

Descent

Hotels are shown “or similar”. On the mountain you sleep in the park’s official campsites, in tents our crew carries and pitches for you.

Timing & price

When to Climb

The Umbwe ridge is steep and gets very slippery in the rain, so the dry months matter even more on this route. January to March and June to October are the times to go.

Climbing Kilimanjaro, month by month Highlighted: best months to climb
MonthSeasonOn the mountainClimbing
JanuaryDryWarm & clearOne of the best months. Warm days, clear summit mornings and fewer climbers than in August.Best
FebruaryDryWarm & clearVery good climbing. Clear skies, and snow on the summit is possible after a cold night.Best
MarchDry → wetWarm, some showersStill good early in the month. Showers start to build towards the end.Good
AprilLong rainsWet & cloudyThe wettest month. Muddy trails and cloud; very few climbers.Wet
MayLong rainsWet, clearing lateRain eases later in the month. Quiet trails, but expect wet days.Wet
JuneDryCold & clearThe dry season starts. Cold nights up high, and the trails get busier.Good
JulyDryCold & clearPeak season. Cold, clear and dry, with the most climbers of the year.Best
AugustDryCold & clearPeak season. Very reliable weather; book early for this month.Best
SeptemberDryMild & clearExcellent conditions. Slightly warmer and a little quieter than August.Best
OctoberDryMild & clearGood weather and quieter trails before the short rains.Best
NovemberShort rainsShowersShort afternoon showers, mostly lower down. Possible, with good rain gear.Good
DecemberShort rains → dryMixedRain clears through the month. Busy over Christmas and New Year.Good
Price per personYour groupAll yearPrivate climbAny start date
1solo climber$2,282USD per person
2–5climbers$1,964USD per person
6–10climbers$1,930USD per person
11+climbers$1,873USD per person
 Check dates →
18%

Climb as a group and pay less. A group of 11+ pays about 18% less per person than a solo climber.

Prices are in US dollars, per person, for a private climb with two hotel nights in Moshi. The summit is below freezing in every month, and the forest can be wet at any time. We send a full kit list when you book.

No surprises

What's Included

Included / 12

  • Airport transfers on arrival and departureKilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • 2 nights at Kibo Palace Hotel in Moshi, before and after the climbSharing a double or triple room. The first night includes breakfast; the last night includes dinner and breakfast
  • Professional mountain guides and support crew
  • Wages for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • National park entry fees
  • Camping fees, tents and foam sleeping mats
  • Cooking gear, plates and cutlery
  • Park rescue fees
  • Pulse oximeter checks and a full first aid kit
  • All meals on the mountainBreakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Boiled drinking water on the mountain
  • Park fees and lodging for the crew on the mountain

Not included / 11

  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania visaSee our visa guide
  • Travel insuranceRequired, and it must cover climbing to 6,000 m. See our insurance guide
  • Single room supplement at Kibo Palace Hotel
  • Tips for guides, porters, cook and waiter
  • Personal mountain gear, such as a sleeping bagSome items can be hired. Ask us for the hire price list
  • Emergency oxygenNot part of the standard package
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
  • Extra hotel nights beyond the two included
  • Optional trips, such as a waterfall walk or a village visit
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs, laundry and phone calls
Good questions

Before You Book

It is the steepest. The first two days climb hard on a narrow, rooty ridge, and you gain height faster than on any other route. You don’t need climbing skills, but you do need strong legs and experience of long hill days. See our preparation guide.

Umbwe is shorter, steeper and much quieter at the start. Both routes meet at Barranco and follow the same path to the summit. Machame has an extra day on the Shira Plateau and a Lava Tower day, so it gives you more time to adjust. Our route guide compares all the routes.

This is the main risk on Umbwe, because you sleep at 3,960 m on only your second night on the mountain. Most people feel a headache or sleep badly. Your guides check you twice a day and carry a pulse oximeter and first aid. Please read our altitude safety guide before you book.

Yes, and we often recommend it. An extra night, usually at Barranco or Karanga, makes a real difference on the summit night. Ask us and we’ll send you the longer version.

Add to your trip

Related Activities

Ideas that fit well with this climb. Ask us and we’ll add any of them to your plan.

After the climb

Add a safari

Rest your legs in a safari vehicle: Tarangire, the crater or the Serengeti.

Read more →
Beach

Zanzibar beach days

Finish with warm sea, white sand and Stone Town’s old streets.

Read more →
Pole pole
Kilimanjaro

Altitude & safety

How acclimatisation works and how our guides keep you safe.

Read more →
Get ready
Kilimanjaro

Preparing for the climb

Training, gear and what to expect on summit night.

Read more →
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Take the steep way to

The Roof of Africa

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Umbwe Route
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