6 Days/ 5 Nights
$ 1800.00
The Umbwe Route is widely regarded as the most demanding path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid ascent to high altitude leaves little room for proper acclimatization, making it a challenging choice for climbers. While this trail sees fewer trekkers compared to other routes, the likelihood of reaching the summit is also lower. Umbwe is known for being extremely tough and physically demanding, recommended only for experienced hikers confident in their ability to adjust quickly to altitude.
Starting from the southern side, the Umbwe Route offers a short, steep, and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the path heads east, winding beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit, before culminating at the summit via Barafu. The descent is typically completed along the Mweka Route.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to overnight accommodation at Salinero B&B. Your lead guide will provide a briefing, check your gear, and assist with hiring any additional equipment you may need.
Elevation: 1,651 m / 5,417 ft to 2,944 m / 9,659 ft
Altitude gain: 1,293 m
Departing from Moshi, we drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. While our permits are being processed, we can observe the busy preparations of various trekking crews getting ready for their journeys. As we hike, enjoy the lush rainforest scenery and winding trails while your guide shares insights about the local wildlife, plants, and natural environment. At these lower altitudes, the trail can be muddy and slippery, so gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. The route follows a ridge nestled between two deep valleys, winding through dense montane forest. The campsite is set among massive trees and thick undergrowth, offering a secluded and serene resting spot.
Elevation: 2,944 m / 9,659 ft → 3,986 m / 13,077 ft
Altitude gain: 1,042 m
Following a restful night and a filling breakfast, we leave the rainforest behind and tackle a steep climb along the Umbwe Ridge, which gently slopes down toward Barranco Camp nestled in the valley. The air grows noticeably cooler as we ascend.
Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Altitude gained: 48m
After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see the power, agility, and strength of your crew zip over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 4,034 m / 13,235 ft to 4,662 m / 15,295 ft
Altitude gained: 628 m
We continue our ascent toward Barafu Camp. Upon arrival, you will have completed the South Circuit, which provides stunning panoramic views of the summit from multiple perspectives. Enjoy an early dinner and rest well as we get ready for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Elevation: 4,700 m / 15,350 ft to 5,895 m / 19,340 ft
Descent: 3,090 m / 10,150 ft
Distance: 5 km / 3 mi uphill, 13 km / 8 mi downhill
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours up, 5–6 hours down
Terrain: Rocky scree and ice-covered summit
In the very early hours (between midnight and 2 a.m.), the trek continues toward the summit, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You’ll head northwest, climbing through steep scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim. This section is the most demanding both physically and mentally. At Stella Point, take a short break and witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises imaginable. Those moving faster may even catch the sunrise from the summit itself.
From Stella Point, snow may appear along your approximately one-hour final ascent to the summit. Reaching Uhuru Peak means you have attained the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent!
The descent begins directly from the summit down to Mweka Camp, with a stop at Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles and gaiters can help on the loose gravel sections. Arriving at Mweka Camp, you’ll spend your final evening on the mountain with an overnight stay.
Elevation: 3090m / 10,150ft down to 1680m / 5,500ft
Distance: 10km / 6mi
Hiking Duration: 3–4 hours
Terrain: Forest
After breakfast, begin your descent to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended. Light clothing like shorts and t-shirts is usually sufficient, though it’s wise to keep rain gear and warmer layers nearby.
From the gate, continue hiking for about an hour to reach Mweka Village. There, a vehicle will pick you up and transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi, roughly a 30-minute drive.
Pick-up and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfer to the trailhead - entry gate to Kilimanjaro National Park
Pick-up at the exit from Kilimanjaro National Park and transfer to the hotel
All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park ( conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all other fees collected by the Tanzania National Parks Authority).
One night at Salinero hotel before the expedition and one night after; The hotels have everything for your comfortable stay - caring staff, nice rooms, reliable Wi-Fi, restaurant); Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (modern, comfortable 4-Season tents North Face VE-25 or Almighty Kilimanjaro Tents).
Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
All meals on the hike. Our Kilimanjaro diet includes energy-rich and highly nutritious meals prepared by our professional high-altitude cooks. A typical diet on Kilimanjaro includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost; All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).
4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
All group equipment (spacious and comfortable dining tent, camping table and chairs, crockery and cutlery)
Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
GPS-tracking service
Complete medical kits
Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All our guides are the holder of Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications. All our guides have 10+years of successful mountaineering experience.
Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Airline tickets
Visa fee
Personal gear rentals
Tips for the mountain crew
Mountaineering insurance
The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the two trekking seasons: January to March and June to October. These periods offer favorable conditions for a safe and enjoyable climb.
The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere at sea level is about 21%. Before planning your Mount Kilimanjaro Trip, it is crucial to explore the cost of climbing Kilimanjaro.Â
For high-altitude treks like Kilimanjaro, proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy levels and ensuring a successful climb. You will need nutritious foods to gain proper energy.
