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Umbwe Route Overview
The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, designed for those seeking a true test of their physical fitness and determination. Known for its steep and direct ascent, the Umbwe Route can be completed in 5 to 6 days, though it’s not for the faint-hearted.
For climbers opting for the 5-day itinerary, the route offers no acclimatization day, requiring a high level of fitness as you hike directly towards the summit. This makes it a preferred choice for those who want to push their limits and experience Kilimanjaro’s most demanding climb.
The Umbwe route connects with the Machame Route on the second day, transitioning from Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp. Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of climatic zones, starting in the dense rainforest, moving through the alpine zone (both low and high), and finally reaching the glacial zone near the summit.
- Umbwe Route - Summit Success Rate
- Umbwe Route Map
- Ahsante Tours’ Experience with Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route provides a challenging and exhilarating experience for climbers seeking to push their limits on Mount Kilimanjaro. While demanding, the route rewards adventurers with breathtaking scenery and a profound sense of accomplishment upon completion. It is the perfect choice for those looking to test their endurance and resilience on Africa’s highest peak.
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Free Kilimanjaro Packing List with gear necessary for the hike and recommendations
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Did You Know ?
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct path up Mount Kilimanjaro, known for its challenging terrain and fewer crowds, offering a remote and adventurous climb!
- Join our Kilimanjaro Group Climbs
7 Days Kilimanjaro Machame Route
Price : $2,570 (£ 1,910)
8 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Price : $2,897 (£ 2,153)
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Price : $2,300 (£ 1,710)
9 Days Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route
Price : $3,250 (£ 2,415)
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- 6 Days Umbwe Route Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.
Meals: Dinner Only
Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge
We will register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through rainforest and along the Umbwe river. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,900m altitude.
Elevation (m): 1600m to 2900m,
Distance: 11km,
Time: 6 hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp
We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forests end. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco camp tonight.
Elevation (m): 2940m to 3976m,
Distance: 6km,
Time: 4-5 hours,
Habitat: Montane Forest.
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Today starts with a short, but fun, scramble, to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m,
Distance: 7 km,
Hiking Time: 4 hours,
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
We leave Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.
Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m,
Distance: 6kms,
Hiking Time: 3 hours,
Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
You will be woken at 23:30 with some quick tea and some snacks. We start our trek to the summit. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Millennium camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Millennium Camp (3790m) Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3790m),
Distance: 7km ascent / 19km descent,
Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent,
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Accommodation: Millennium Camp
A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.
Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.
- 6 Days Umbwe route Prices
Ready to climb? Secure your spot with a deposit of just €150 / USD 200 per person.
The balance is due before departure — no full payment needed to confirm your dates.
Climbing Cost Includes
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- 3 Season Mountain tents (double occupancy); except for Marangu route where we overnight in Huts
- Sleeping Bag
- 3-inch-thick foam Sleeping Mat/Pad
- Spacious mess tent with all tables and chairs for rest and dining.
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Transportation to and from the airport (JRO Airport, additional charge of USD 50 for 1 way Arusha Airport tranfer)
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Three meals daily while on the mountain
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Hotel lodging the night before and the night after the climb with breakfast and dinner included (double occupancy)
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Tree donation in support of our environmental conservation projects
- Supplemental Oxygen tanks & Pulse Oximeter
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes of 4 and above.
- Free of charge use of a storage room and a safe room at the lodge
- Celebration dinner at the hotel after the trek
Climbing Cost Excludes
- International and Domestic Flights
- Visa
- Tips to mountain crew (A recommended amount is USD 250-350 per participant)
- Single supplement – The tents are based in double occupancy; a single tent is arranged at an extra charge of USD 20 per day.
- Rental Gears
- Laundry Services
- Travel Insurance (Recommended – Travel insurance with medical cover on trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation)
- 1 portable flush toilet with a toilet tent for group sizes less than 4 people.
Why choose Ahsante Tours
- FAQs about Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route can be completed in 5 to 6 days. The shorter, 5-day itinerary is more challenging as it does not include an acclimatization day, requiring a high level of physical fitness.
No, the Umbwe Route is considered one of the most difficult and steep routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced climbers or those looking for a physically demanding challenge.
The Umbwe Route has a lower summit success rate of around 60% due to its steep ascent and lack of acclimatization opportunities.
Climbers on the Umbwe Route will pass through a variety of landscapes, including dense rainforests, alpine zones, and eventually the glacial zone near the summit.
The Umbwe Route is ideal for those seeking a fast, steep, and direct ascent to the summit. It offers an intense challenge, stunning scenery, and the opportunity for climbers to push their physical limits. It’s also suitable for those interested in speed ascents.
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