6 Day of Umbwe Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route: 6-Day
The Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route, approaching from the west and offering stunning 360-degree mountain views.
- Duration: 6 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Price Per Person: $ 1,720- $ 1,800
- Scenery: very Good
Overview: Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trekking
The Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and challenging paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering an exhilarating experience for adventurous climbers. The 6-day trek via Umbwe is designed to provide a challenging ascent with dramatic scenery, taking you through a variety of habitats, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. Although the route is steeper and less gradual than others, its rewards trekkers with solitude and stunning views. The trek is ideal for experienced climbers who are up for a challenge and are ready to test their physical and mental endurance.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Drive to Umbwe Gate – Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp
- Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
- Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Day 5: Summit Attempt – Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
- Day 6: Descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Hotel
What is Included
- Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- National park fees and camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Oxygen cylinders and first aid kit
- All meals while on the mountain
- Cleaned, Purified and drinking water
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- VAT (18% charged by government)
- Quality mess tents with table and chair
- Professional and experienced mountain guides
- All necessary trekking gear such as tents, sleeping bags, etc.
- Large portions of fresh, healthy and nutritious food
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
What is not Included
- International and Domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal items and gear (such as Clothing, trekking boots etc.)
- Soft drinks, alcohol or additional snacks
- Accommodation before and after trekking
- Tips and gratitude (senior guide $25 per day from the whole group, Assistant guide $20 per day for whole group, cooks $15 per day for whole group and Porters $10 per day from whole group.
Day 0: Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. You will then be transferred to your hotel in either Arusha or the Kilimanjaro region for check-in. After a brief rest and settling in, your guide will provide a thorough trek briefing, covering the itinerary, safety procedures, and what to expect during the upcoming days of trekking. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions, check your equipment, and mentally prepare for the adventure ahead. The evening is free to relax and enjoy a good night’s rest.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Gallery
Day 1: Drive to Umbwe Gate – Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp
After an early breakfast at the hotel, your guide will drive you to the Umbwe Gate, which marks the official starting point of your trek. You will begin your climb through dense rainforest. The route follows a steep path as you ascend through the lush montane forest, with chances of encountering wildlife such as monkeys and various bird species. The vegetation becomes thicker as you climb, and the humidity will make for a unique experience. Your destination for the day is Umbwe Cave Camp, a remote and peaceful campsite surrounded by the towering trees and forested slopes.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Umbwe Gate (1,640 meters / 5,381 feet) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet)
- Distance Covered: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest, Montane Forest
- Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
On the second day of trekking, you will climb further into the montane zone, gradually transitioning into more open moorland. The trek becomes steeper and more challenging as you approach the Barranco Wall, a large rock face that you will need to scale on your way to Barranco Camp. This section is physically demanding, but the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers are more than enough to keep you motivated. Once you reach Barranco Camp, you will enjoy stunning views of the Barranco Wall and have a chance to rest, hydrate, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850 meters / 9,350 feet) to Barranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet)
- Distance Covered: 6 km (3.7 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest, Moorland
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Today’s trek is relatively short but still offers a good challenge, especially as you navigate the Barranco Wall and continue ascending into the alpine desert zone. The hike begins with the challenging climb of the Barranco Wall, but once you reach the top, the path continues across a rocky ridge with stunning views of the surrounding mountain slopes. As you make your way to Karanga Camp, the landscape becomes increasingly barren, with fewer plants and more exposed rock. Karanga Camp sits at a high elevation, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding terrain and a peaceful setting for your overnight rest.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Barranco Camp (3,950 meters / 12,960 feet) to Karanga Camp (4,035 meters / 13,238 feet)
- Distance Covered: 5 km (3.1 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Moorland, Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Today’s hike is relatively short but steep, taking you to Barafu Camp, located just below the summit of Kilimanjaro. The trail crosses rocky, barren terrain with very little vegetation, as you enter the alpine desert zone. The temperature can be cold, and the altitude will make the climb feel more difficult. Barafu Camp is the final camp before your summit attempt, and you will have a chance to rest and mentally prepare for the ascent. Your guide will provide a briefing about the summit climb, including the early start time and the route to the top. At this point, you’ll be above the clouds, with incredible views of the summit and the surrounding glaciers.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Karanga Camp (4,035 meters / 13,238 feet) to Barafu Camp (4,640 meters / 15,223 feet)
- Distance Covered: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 5: Summit Attempt – Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
The final day of your trek is the most demanding. You will start your summit attempt at around midnight, with the goal of reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro. The climb to the summit is a long and strenuous ascent, taking you through the arctic desert zone, where temperatures can drop significantly. The trail is steep, and the altitude will make every step more challenging. However, the reward of reaching the summit is unmatched, as you stand on the roof of Africa and take in the breathtaking views. After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you will begin your descent to Mweka Camp, located further down the mountain. The descent is long but offers beautiful views of the rainforest zone as you approach the camp. After arriving at Mweka Camp, you can rest and enjoy the cooler temperatures of the forest.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,640 meters / 15,223 feet) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters / 19,341 feet) to Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet)
- Distance Covered: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Trekking Time: 10-13 hours
- Habitat: Arctic Desert, Summit, Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On your final day, you will descend from Mweka Camp to the Mweka Gate, passing through the lush rainforest. The trail is well-established and provides a gentle descent through the forest, with the chance to see more wildlife and enjoy the lush vegetation. Once you reach Mweka Gate, you will sign out of the park and meet your driver, who will take you back to your hotel in either Arusha or Kilimanjaro. You will have time to relax, reflect on your accomplishment, and celebrate your successful climb.
Trekking Features
- Elevation: Mweka Camp (3,100 meters / 10,170 feet) to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters / 5,381 feet)
- Distance Covered: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Overnight stay in tents
Price Per Person
SEASON & DATES
2 pax
4 pax
6 pax
PRICE
Per Person
$1,800 USD*
$1,770 USD*
$1,720 USD*
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