6 Days Umbwe trek
Trek Overview
The Umbwe Route is known as the most challenging and direct route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a steep and tough climb, best for experienced hikers. The journey starts in the rainforest, moving through moorland, and then to the high-altitude desert. The views are stunning, but the path is demanding. This route is less crowded, giving you a quiet and personal experience with nature.
Detailed Itinerary
On your arrival day, you will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and taken to your hotel in Moshi. Depending on your time of arrival, you can rest and relax or have a briefing about Kilimanjaro and gears check with your mountain guide. This will give you a chance to make final preparations before beginning your adventure the next day.
Your Kilimanjaro adventure starts at Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft). After checking in, you’ll walk through a green forest full of colorful birds, monkeys, and many plants. The trail is steep and can be muddy or slippery, so prepare for a challenging climb to reach Umbwe Cave Camp.
Today, you will hike through low bushes at a slow pace to help your body adjust to the height (2,880m/9,449ft). Enjoy a picnic lunch and reach Barranco Camp by the afternoon. The views of the Barranco Wall and Western Breach are stunning, shaped by events from 60,000 years ago when part of the mountain collapsed.
Today’s trek brings the excitement of climbing the Barranco Wall (4,035m/13,944ft). It’s more like rock scrambling, using both hands and feet. Once you reach the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views across the mountains. After climbing the wall, continue through a beautiful green valley to Karanga Camp
Today’s trek involves a steep climb over rocky terrain (4,600m/15,089ft). Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Decken Glaciers. When you arrive at Barafu Camp, your tents will be set up by the team, allowing you to rest and get ready for the summit climb later that night.
The summit push starts before dawn, around midnight. With headlamps lighting your way, you’ll climb through tough terrain in the dark. The climb is tough, but the reward is worth it. Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), Africa’s highest point, and witness a stunning sunrise above the clouds. After celebrating, descend to Mweka Camp (3,080m/10,105ft) for a well-earned rest.
oday, you finish your Kilimanjaro journey by descending through the rainforest, retracing your steps from Day 1. Enjoy the cool air and lush greenery. Once you reach Mweka Gate (1,630m/5,348ft), celebrate your amazing achievement with fellow climbers and guides. Receive your summit certificate and cherish the unforgettable memories of your climb.
Pricing
| # of People | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Days Umbwe Trek | $3,240 | $2,650 | $2,450 | $2,350 | $2,250 | $2,200 | $2,100 |
Price Includes
- Professional mountain guides
- Park fees and rescue fees
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Drinking water
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Transport to and from the park gate
- Salaries for guides, cooks, and porters
- Portable oxygen tanks
- Emergency first-aid kit
- Kilimanjaro trekking certificate for successful summit
Price Excludes
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing)
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
- Additional accommodation before and after the trek
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Why Umbwe route?
Best time for Umbwe route
Seasonal Advice:
The Umbwe Route is best to climb during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. The weather is more stable, making the tough climb safer and more comfortable. This route is steep and challenging, so good weather helps a lot.
Accommodation in Umbwe
Accommodation on the Umbwe route is primarily in mountain huts. These huts provide basic amenities like sleeping bunks and shared facilities. While they may not offer the same level of comfort as some other routes, they offer a unique experience and a chance to connect with fellow climbers.
Umbwe Expert Advice
The Umbwe Route is the most challenging and steep path up Kilimanjaro, best suited for experienced hikers and those in excellent physical condition. Due to its rapid ascent, acclimatization is crucial – consider adding an extra day if possible. Mental preparation is as important as physical; the route is tough but rewarding with its spectacular scenery and solitude. Pack light but smart, as the steep terrain can be unforgiving with heavy loads. Despite its difficulty, Umbwe offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Stay well-hydrated, move slowly, and listen carefully to your guides. This route isn’t for everyone, but for those up to the challenge, it provides an unforgettable adventure.
Popular Umbwe FAQS
The Umbwe Route is considered the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro due to its steep ascent and rapid elevation gain, making acclimatization difficult.
The summit success rate for the Umbwe Route is around 70%, but experienced operators have reported success rates over 90%
The Umbwe Route is approximately 53 km (32 miles) long and typically takes 6-7 days to complete
The Umbwe Route offers mesmerizing scenic vistas of Kilimanjaro and traverses all of the mountain’s climatic zones, providing a diverse range of landscapes
The Umbwe Route is one of the least crowded routes, with very few trekkers during the first two day
Trivia About Umbwe
Jessica Biel: The American actress, known for her role in “The Sinner,” climbed Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route in 2010 as part of the “Summit on the Summit” campaign to raise awareness about the global water crisis.
Emile Hirsch: The actor, famous for his role in “Into the Wild,” also joined the “Summit on the Summit” expedition in 2010, choosing the steep and challenging Umbwe Route.
Kenna (Musician and Activist): Kenna led the “Summit on the Summit” campaign, which included celebrities like Jessica Biel and Emile Hirsch, and took on the steep Umbwe Route to raise awareness for clean water access.
Alex Honnold: The famous free solo climber, known for his ascent of El Capitan without ropes, climbed Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route in 2016. His experience on this steep and direct route added another feather to his adventurous cap.
Fastest Solo Ascent: Kilian Jornet, a renowned mountain runner, set the fastest solo ascent record via the Umbwe Route, summiting Kilimanjaro in just 5 hours and 23 minutes in 2010.
Fastest Round Trip by a Woman: Fernanda Maciel set the record for the fastest round trip by a woman on the Umbwe Route in 2017, completing it in 10 hours and 6 minutes.
Youngest Climber to Summit via Umbwe Route: In 2018, Lucy Westlake, a 12-year-old girl from the United States, became one of the youngest to summit Kilimanjaro via the challenging Umbwe Route.
Most Summits via Umbwe by a Guide: Local Tanzanian guide Goodluck Ngowi holds the record for the most summits via the Umbwe Route, having successfully guided climbers over 150 times.
Machame Route: The Machame Route and Umbwe Route meet at Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft) after passing through the rainforest and the heather moorland. From here, climbers from both routes ascend the famous Barranco Wall and follow a similar path toward the summit.
Lemosho Route: Like the Machame Route, the Lemosho Route also converges with the Umbwe Route at Barranco Camp. Climbers from both routes will continue along the Southern Circuit toward Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, and then the summit.
Shira Route: The Shira Route also intersects with the Umbwe Route at Barranco Camp. From this point, both routes continue up the Barranco Wall and follow the same path to the summit via the Southern Circuit.
Kilimanjaro Packing Essentials
- Warm gear
- Waterproof gear
- Hiking attire
- Personal items
- Documents