8 Days Tour – 6 Day Hike Umbwe Route
Umbwe Route Overview
The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s most dramatic and direct ascent, favored by experienced trekkers seeking a wild, challenging, and less crowded climb. Beginning from the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the route cuts steeply through dense rainforest before emerging into high alpine landscapes and joining the Machame Route at Barranco Camp.
Known for its rapid altitude gain and rugged beauty, Umbwe is ideal for climbers who are confident, physically prepared, and looking for a more adventurous path to the summit. While demanding, it rewards trekkers with spectacular scenery, fewer crowds, and a strong sense of wilderness. With proper acclimatization and professional support, the Umbwe Route becomes a thrilling and highly rewarding journey to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point.
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Chanya Lodge in Moshi. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the lodge. Moshi is a charming town with lively markets and beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro when the clouds clear.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge (Mid-range)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Umbwe Gate for registration and a trek briefing. The climb begins through dense rainforest along a steep and direct trail, one of the most scenic on Kilimanjaro. You will arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Leaving the forest zone behind, you ascend into the heather and moorland zone. The route merges with the Machame Route and offers spectacular views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak. You will spend the night at Barranco Camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you tackle the famous Barranco Wall, a rewarding scramble with incredible views. The trail continues across ridges and valleys before reaching Karanga Camp. This day is important for acclimatization and offers stunning alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today you ascend steadily toward Barafu Camp, your final base before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes barren and dramatic as you enter the alpine desert zone. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the midnight summit push.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you begin the climb to Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you descend back through Barafu Camp and continue down to Millennium Camp for overnight.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
After breakfast, descend through the lush forest to Mweka Gate where you receive your summit certificates. You are then transferred back to Moshi for a hot shower, relaxation, and a well-earned rest at Chanya Lodge.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge (Mid-range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Umbwe Route trekking experience.
Accommodation: Not included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 3,446 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 2,712 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 2,457 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 2,397 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 2,341 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 2,315 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 2,241 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 2,186 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where you are warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. This day is reserved for rest and preparation, allowing you to recover from your journey and receive a full trek briefing from your mountain team. You may also enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro when the skies are clear.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, you drive to Umbwe Gate for registration before beginning your climb. The trail rises steeply through dense rainforest, offering a wild and remote atmosphere with rich birdlife and towering trees. You arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp in the afternoon for acclimatization and overnight rest.
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
The trail becomes steeper as you leave the forest behind and ascend through heather and moorland zones. This is one of the most scenic days on the route, with dramatic ridges and expansive views. By afternoon, you reach Barranco Camp, set beneath the imposing Barranco Wall.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
You begin the day by climbing the iconic Barranco Wall, a fun and non-technical scramble offering incredible panoramic views. The trail then traverses valleys and ridges before reaching Karanga Camp, a crucial stop for acclimatization before summit night.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
This day takes you across alpine desert terrain to Barafu Camp, the final base before the summit. The landscape becomes increasingly stark and dramatic as you gain altitude. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp
Shortly after midnight, you begin your ascent toward the summit under a sky filled with stars. Passing Stella Point, you continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you descend past Barafu to Millennium Camp for overnight rest.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Millennium Camp to Moshi
You descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. From here, you transfer back to Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower, relaxation, and celebration of your successful climb.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Umbwe Route expedition.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 8,061 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 5,703 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 5,358 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 5,080 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 5,017 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 4,894 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 4,672 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 4,563 per person
BOOK THIS TREK
Price Inclusions
- Transfers to and from the mountain and your hotel in Moshi
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- Salaries for guides, porters, and cooks, as well as park fees
- High-quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (shared)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- All meals during your trek
- Quality mess tents with tables and chairs
- Generous portions of fresh, healthy, and nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Conservation fees (included in park fees)
- Camping or hut fees (included in park fees)
- Rescue fees (included in park fees)
- VAT (18% as mandated by the government)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Price Inclusions
- Tanzania visa
- International and domestic flights
- Hotel accommodation (optional add-on)
- Transfers (optional add-on)
- Personal trekking gear such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothing, etc. (available for rent)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and bottled drinks
- Online payment surcharge for advance and balance (3.5% per payment)