9 Days Tour – 7 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
On arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred by road to your lodge in Moshi. The rest of the day is for relaxation and settling in. If the clouds clear, you may catch your first view of Mount Kilimanjaro above Moshi’s rooftops, especially early morning or late afternoon.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
After breakfast, you will transfer by road to Umbwe Gate for registration, a trek briefing, and final preparations. Your climb begins on the steep and direct Umbwe trail, passing through lush rainforest with chances to spot birds and colobus monkeys. You will arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp later in the day, where you can relax, acclimatize, and enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
This morning you continue climbing as the forest begins to thin and the landscape opens up. The route gradually becomes more rugged, with impressive views as you gain altitude. By afternoon you reach Barranco Camp, set beneath the dramatic Barranco Wall, a beautiful high-altitude campsite known for its sweeping mountain scenery and unforgettable sunsets.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp
Today is designed to support acclimatization and help your body adjust to the altitude. You will spend the day at Barranco Camp, taking it steadily, hydrating well, and resting as needed. Your team will guide you through a gentle routine to keep you comfortable and prepared for the higher camps ahead.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, you set off for Karanga Camp. The day includes a steady climb and rewarding mountain views along the way. Karanga is an excellent stop for continued acclimatization, and the camp’s open setting gives you a true “above the clouds” feeling. You arrive with time to rest, enjoy dinner, and recover for the next stage toward the summit base.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Summit Base)
You continue upward today toward Barafu Camp, the base for your summit attempt. The landscape becomes more alpine and dramatic as vegetation fades and rocky terrain takes over. Upon arrival at Barafu, you will rest, eat well, and prepare your gear for the night climb. An early dinner is served so you can sleep before waking for the summit push.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Summit Attempt to Millennium Camp
Around midnight, you begin the summit ascent, moving slowly and steadily in the cold night air. The climb is challenging but deeply rewarding as you approach the crater rim and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, you descend carefully back down, continuing to Millennium Camp for a well-earned rest and recovery night.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp (Camping | Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Mweka Gate to Moshi
After breakfast, you descend through forest trails to Mweka Gate. Here, you will complete formalities and receive your climbing certificate. You will then transfer by road back to Moshi for a hot shower, comfort, and relaxation at your lodge, with time to reflect on your achievement.
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge (Mid-Range)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred by road to Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your 9-day tour and 7-day Umbwe Route trekking adventure.
Accommodation: No accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 3,976 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 3,109 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 2,848 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 2,792 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 2,736 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 2,611 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 2,533 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 2,464 per person
Day 1 – Arrival in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel in Moshi. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and prepare for your trek, with briefing and equipment checks conducted in the evening.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2 – Moshi to Simba Camp (Rongai Route)
After breakfast, drive to Nalemuru Gate on the northern side of Kilimanjaro for registration. Begin your trek through forest and farmland, ascending gradually to Simba Camp where you enjoy your first night on the mountain.
Accommodation: Simba Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
The trail becomes steeper as you pass through moorland vegetation with sweeping views of the Kenyan plains. You continue climbing steadily to Kikelewa Camp, a beautiful campsite nestled beneath Mawenzi Peak.
Accommodation: Kikelewa Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
A shorter but steeper climb brings you to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, situated beneath the dramatic spires of Mawenzi Peak. The afternoon is dedicated to acclimatization and relaxation with spectacular alpine scenery.
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (Camping)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut
You traverse the lunar-like saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, entering the alpine desert zone. Arrive at Kibo Hut where you rest early and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Summit Day to Horombo Hut
Around midnight, you begin your ascent to Gilman’s Point and onward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Horombo Hut to Moshi
Descend through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you receive your summit certificates. Transfer back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel for a well-deserved shower and relaxation.
Accommodation: Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel (Luxury Hotel)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your unforgettable Rongai Route adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price
- 1 Adult: USD 8,470 per person
- 2 Adults: USD 5,950 per person
- 3 Adults: USD 5,558 per person
- 4 Adults: USD 5,244 per person
- 5 Adults: USD 5,175 per person
- 6 Adults: USD 5,030 per person
- 7 Adults: USD 4,785 per person
- 8 Adults: USD 4,703 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)