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Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trekking

Budget Safari

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trekking

The Umbwe Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known for its steep and direct path, offering a challenging and adventurous ascent. Starting from the southern side of the mountain, it’s a less-traveled route that rewards trekkers with dramatic scenery and a sense of wilderness.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha for a comfortable overnight stay. You will have a briefing and gear check in preparation for your trek.

The trek begins at Umbwe Gate, where you will pass through dense montane forests and climb rugged terrain. As you ascend, you will acclimate at various camps to ensure a safe and steady climb. After reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, you will descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, completing this challenging and rewarding adventure.

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Itinerary Details

DAY-BY-DAY

Day 1 |

Day 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport - Arusha

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our driver or guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, a journey of about 1 hour, where you can relax and settle in.

This is an ideal time for a briefing on your upcoming adventure, including a gear check and an introduction to your Kilimanjaro trek itinerary. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest, prepare, and acclimate before your trek begins.

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 |

Day 2

Arusha - Umbwe Gate - Umbwe Camp

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Umbwe Gate to begin your trek. The trail initially passes through dense rainforest, offering a steep and challenging climb that immerses you in the mountain’s wild and untouched environment.

As you ascend, enjoy the lush vegetation, towering trees, and vibrant sounds of the forest, all part of Kilimanjaro’s unique ecosystem. You will continue climbing until you reach Umbwe Camp, where you can relax and enjoy a hot meal prepared by your chef, resting up for the next day of trekking.

Altitude: 1,800 m (5,906 ft) – 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3 |

Day 3

Umbwe Camp to Baranco Camp

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off on a challenging hike to Barranco Camp. This section of the trek takes you through the rugged Barranco Valley, featuring steep ascents and descents that test your endurance while rewarding you with stunning mountain scenery.

Barranco Camp is situated at the base of the impressive Barranco Wall, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Upon arrival, enjoy a hearty lunch and take time to relax and acclimatize, preparing your body for the next day’s adventure.

Altitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) – 3,960 m (13,000 ft)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 |

Day 4

Baranco Camo to Karanga Camp

Start your day early with a wake-up call and a nourishing breakfast to fuel your trek. Today’s route may include ascending the famous Barranco Wall, a steep but immensely rewarding section that offers spectacular views.

After conquering the Wall, descend into the scenic Karanga Valley, a lush area filled with vibrant vegetation and stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at Karanga Camp, porters will set up your tents while the chef prepares lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a short acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp, gaining 200 meters in elevation before returning to Karanga Camp. In the evening, enjoy a hot dinner and rest in preparation for the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 3,960 m – 4,035 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 |

Day 5

Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Start your day with an early wake-up call and a hearty breakfast to fuel your trek toward Barafu Camp. The trail includes rocky sections and gradual slopes, providing breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude landscapes.

Focus on acclimatization as you ascend to help prevent altitude-related issues. Upon arrival at Barafu, porters will set up your camp while the chef prepares lunch. After eating, rest and relax until dinner.

In the evening, your guide will provide a detailed briefing for the summit attempt, covering the route, expected challenges, safety measures, and preparations. Try to get a good rest, as the summit push begins late at night.

Altitude: 4,035 m – 4,640 m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 5 hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6 |

Day 6

Barafu Camp – Summit – Mweka Camp

You’ll wake around 11:30 PM for a light snack of tea and biscuits before starting the final ascent. Head northwest, climbing through loose scree toward Stella Point on the crater rim.

The trek to Stella Point (5,685 m) usually takes about 6 hours and is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the climb. Upon reaching Stella Point, enjoy a brief rest and, if the weather permits, a breathtaking sunrise.

From Stella Point, continue the snow-covered ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa (5,895 m). Limit your time at the summit due to cold and fatigue, then begin your descent to Barafu Camp for a short rest. Continue descending to Mweka Camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Altitude: 4,640 m – 5,895 m – 3,090 m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 15+ hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 7 |

Day 7

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha

After breakfast at Mweka Camp, continue your descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your summit certificate to commemorate your achievement.

A hot lunch will be served, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Arusha, where a refreshing shower and rest await you.

Altitude: 3,090 m – 1,650 m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

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Our trips are unashamedly high-end but always deliver excellent value for money. Our guide price covers the majority of trip costs upfront, on a per person basis, including all transfers.

INCLUDES

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

One night at the hotel before the expedition and one night after.

Hut accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Breakfast in the hotel before the hike and after.

All meals on the hike (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;

All group equipment

Emergency Oxygen cylinders and Oximeters

Complete medical kits

Professional guides, licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park.

A certificate documenting your summit conquest.

EXCLUDES

Local airfares, International airfares and departure taxes.

International Travel insurance

Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival or online

lcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)

Personal Trekking Gears

Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc.)

Tips for guides 100$, cooks 85$ and porters 50$ per entire trip.

Sample itineraries

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