Overview of 6 Days Umbwe Route
Discover the Untamed Beauty of the Umbwe Route
For adventure seekers craving a challenge, the 6-Day Umbwe Route offers a thrilling and immersive Kilimanjaro experience. Renowned as one of the mountain’s most demanding trails, this route rewards climbers with exclusive access to untouched wilderness —think dense rainforests, dramatic rock scrambles, and jaw-dropping vistas of the African plains.
Unlike busier paths, Umbwe’s rugged terrain ensures a peaceful, crowd-free journey , perfect for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty. The route’s steep ascents and remote atmosphere make it a favorite among seasoned trekkers, while its proximity to Arusha and Moshi provides easy access for pre- and post-climb preparations.
Why choose Umbwe?
- Unmatched Scenery: Lush jungles, volcanic ridges, and panoramic summit views.
- Adventure-First: A steep, rugged path ideal for climbers seeking a true test.
- Secluded Experience: Escape the crowds and connect with Kilimanjaro’s wild side.
Ready to tackle the challenge? Let the Umbwe Route redefine your limits.
- Umbwe gate
- Umbwe cave camp
- Baranco camp
- Karanga camp
- Barafu camp
- Uhuru peak
- Mweka camp
- Mweka gate
Duration
6 Days
Max People
10 People
Start
Umbwe gate
End
Mweka Park Gate
Age
12 - 80+
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary
Pick up at Kilimanjaro airport and drive to Stella Maris lodge in Moshi Town 30-40 minutes. This lodge is before Moshi town. Has the perfect view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy your lovely stay in this lodge with comfortable beds and hot shower. Overnight based on bed and breakfast.
Morning after breakfast drive to Umbwe gate 1 hour. Get permit and continues driving to Umbwe gate one hour. After registration start walking to Umbwe cave camp. This is more challenging route. Huge rainforest and spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro makes this route unique. The walk today takes about 5-6 hours. Overnight stay at Umbwe cave campsite 2,850m. Full board basis.
Morning after breakfast with packed picnic lunch, continue walking to Barranco camp. Today you will be walking on heather and moorland zone. This is challenging day as you will climb at the some places. The walk to Barranco camp takes about 4-5 hours. Dinner and overnight at Barranco campsite 3,900.
Morning after breakfast we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco wall to Karanga camp. This is the one of the most impressive days to see Visitors and porters carrying luggage crossing to the tough wall. Some areas need to climb. After climbing barranco wall then we arrive at the top of Barranco wall. Relax and take pictures of Kibo peak with a beautiful glacier hanging southern side. We continue trekking up and down trail to Karanga camp. The walk takes about 3-4 hours. Get hot lunch at Karanga camp. After lunch relax for about one hour. Later you will walk up one hour for the acclimatization. Return to the camp for dinner and overnight stay at Karanga camp 3,995m.
Morning after breakfast with picnic lunch continue walking to Barafu camp through alpine desert. The walk to barafu camp takes about 2-3hrs. Dinner and overnight at Barafu camp 4,673m.
Mid night after refreshing tea with cookies, starts walking for summit. The day is tough and looking to make your dream come true. The walk to the summit takes about 6-7hrs. After arriving at the summit of UHURU PEAK 5,895m, take photos for about 20 minutes. After photos descends to Mweka camp via barafu camp. The walk down takes about 3 hours to Barafu camp. Relax for about 1 hour. Get breakfast. After breakfast continue walking down 3-4 hours to Mweka camp. Overnight stay at Mweka campsite 3,100m full board basis.
Morning after breakfast descends to Mweka Park gate 3-4hrs. Meet van and transfer to Stella Maris Lodge 2 hours. Overnight stay at Stella Maris lodge Bed and breakfast. Please note; on day 7, our driver will pick you at the lodge to Airport for your home flight, Zanzibar or other destination like safari.
Route Map

Inclusion
- Oxygen tank
- Rescue fees
- Park fees and VAT
- Portable Private toilet
- Porters, Chef, Guides
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Roundtrip park gates transfer
- Tents, Table, Seats, Mattress
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and food utensils
- 2 nights at hotel in town bed and breakfast (Upon Arrival & Departure)
Exclusion
- Tips
- Visa
- Soft and alcoholic beverages
- Local and international flights
- Other meals at hotel in the town
- Personal gears such as sleeping bag, boots and clothes
- Personal items such as souvenirs and travel insurance