The 7-day Umbwe Route offers a steep, direct ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Perfect for experienced trekkers seeking adventure and dramatic mountain scenery
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct route to Kilimanjaro’s summit. It is the least traveled trail, known for its raw wilderness, dramatic ridgelines, and minimal traffic. The 7-day itinerary includes a night in Moshi before the climb and 6 trekking days with a good acclimatization profile by merging into the Machame Route at Barranco Camp.
The 7-Days Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route is a challenging and scenic trek ideal for experienced hikers. Known for its steep ascent and fewer crowds, this route offers dramatic views, rugged terrain, and a direct path to the summit, making it one of the most adventurous ways to conquer Africa’s highest peak.
✅ Extra Acclimatization Day – Increases summit success and safety
✅ Steep & Challenging – Most demanding route, ideal for experienced trekkers
✅ Less Crowded Trail – Offers solitude and a true wilderness experience
✅ Dramatic Landscapes – Rugged ridges, deep valleys, and panoramic views
✅ Full Camping Experience – Sleep in scenic high-altitude camps
✅ Direct Southern Approach – Fastest ascent route with a thrilling climb
✅ Includes Barranco Wall & Southern Circuit – Stunning and iconic trail sections
Elevation: 900m
Meals: Dinner (optional)
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Moshi. In the evening, your guide will brief you, check gear, and make sure you’re ready for the climb.
Drive Time: 1.5–2 hrs
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Vegetation Zone: Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to Umbwe Gate and register with the park. Begin your trek through dense rainforest with a sharp ascent along a forested ridge. Camp at Umbwe Cave, surrounded by moss-covered trees and mountain mist.
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Heath and Moorland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb steeply through the thinning forest and into moorland. The trail follows a ridge with stunning views of valleys below and Kibo Peak above. Join the Machame and Lemosho trekkers at the scenic Barranco Camp beneath the Great Barranco Wall.
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, followed by a gentle trek through alpine valleys. Arrive at Karanga Camp for lunch and a relaxing acclimatization afternoon.
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short but tough climb to Barafu Camp, your base before the summit. You’ll eat early, rest, and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Expect freezing temperatures and starry skies
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 12–14 hours
Vegetation Zones: Arctic to Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’ll begin the summit push at midnight. Ascend via switchbacks to Stella Point, then continue along the crater rim to reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. After celebrating, descend to Barafu, rest, and continue down to Mweka Camp.
Distance: 17 km (5 km up, 12 km down)
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Vegetation Zone: Arctic to Rainforest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You’ll start the climb to the summit around midnight, navigating switchbacks through freezing alpine terrain with headlamps. After 6–8 hours, you’ll reach Stella Point (5,739m) and continue for about an hour to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration and photo session, you’ll descend back to Barafu Camp for rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp in the rainforest zone for overnight.
Professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
All park fees and rescue fees
Transport to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Transfers to the Lemosho Gate and from Mweka Gate
Accommodation in mountain tents with sleeping mattresses
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Clean, purified drinking water throughout the trek
Fair wages for porters and guides
Government taxes and levies
Emergency oxygen and first aid kit
Pre and post-trek hotel accommodation (1 night each) in Moshi
Kilimanjaro climbing certificate after a successful summit
International and domestic flights
Tanzanian Visa fee
Travel insurance and evacuation cover
Sleeping bags and personal trekking gear
Tips for guides, porters, and cook (recommended)
Additional hotel stays before or after the trek (if applicable)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
A scenic Kilimanjaro route with a shorter acclimatization period. Ideal for fit trekkers seeking a challenge and fewer crowds.
The most recommended option for high summit success. Allows better acclimatization with a gradual ascent through diverse landscapes.
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” it’s the only route with hut accommodations. A classic and comfortable climb with moderate difficulty.