6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Umbwe Route

The most difficult route up Kilimanjaro

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.

Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Highlights:

  • Most scenic route at Kilimanjaro
  • Climbing passage in the Barranco Wall, surefootedness required
  • Ascent over Umbwe route and descent over the Mweka route
  • Height profile does no positive effect on acclimatization

Includes

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Words from Our Clients

Serenity experience Excellent service provided, staff were prompt, friendly and knowledgeable. Food provided was good. I’d recommend their service anytime!
Fahreen B
Fahreen B
2023-11-24
Extraordinary flexible and friendly We climbed Kilimanjaro thanks to Kizambi tours and it was a wonderful experience. The team was very nice, flexible and there for our needs and wishes. For example we decided to go up one day earlyer than planned and it was no problem even though decided quite spontaneously! We had quite a few changes like this in our plans and it was never a problem, the team adapted very well ("hakuna Matata"). So, the communication was very good and not complicated. When we had questions we could always ask our "manager" and he responded us very quickly. I felt safe and in good hands though we also had enough freedom to explore and do things by ourselves. Thanks for these beautiful holidays!
Julia S
Julia S
2023-11-22
Four Parks in Six days We visited four National Parks and could see the Big Five thanks the professional skills of our guides. Very satisfactory tour!
Stefano P
Stefano P
2023-11-09
Priceless memories once in a life time trip Exellent guys as in the office and the full time guide who did guide us in all the tours we did who were made to what we all wanted to visit. Exellent ,fair price and quality. Maturni homes was a beathifull stay in accomodation, very friendly big family who looked after us... Hashim, our full time guide, was there for us once we get up in the morning untill bedtime...they did a lot of efford to change and add things in tours what we wanted to do and see in the 4 days we were there. All there drivers are also helpfull and friendly. A+++++, absolutely recommended Thank you guys....
Ronald R
Ronald R
2023-10-23
Waterfall & Hot Spring! First class trip. Let's you visit both on the same day if time is tight. Emanuel & Julius were fantastic! 👍
Keith M
Keith M
2023-10-19
Great tour! Had an amazing day trip with Mercy and Charlie! Mercy led us on a great trek to the waterfall and then to the coffee bean farm where we got to take part in the local coffee making process! Then onto the fabulous hot springs! Food was great throughout the day! Would recommend this trip, especially Mercy and Charlie!
Tara
Tara
2023-10-12
Climbing the Kilimanjaro with a wonderful, reliable and fun crew! An amazing experience that I would recommend everyone! We highly recommend this organization for any excursion offered. With a high reliability and clear instructions we together checked our gear and did a briefing on how the 7 day trek would look like. After six intense but rewarding days, the team helped us achieve our long-time dream of climbing the Kilimanjaro. We were humbled by the kindness and professionalism of our 10-man crew. Our two guides made it their sole purpose to get us to the roof of Africa and summit with succes. Throughout this amazing experience we were surprised during every meal about the wonderful food that the team prepared for us. Good nutrition is key for such a challenging experience and we were grateful that this was really handled well. We would definitely make use of this organization again upon another visit of Tanzania.
Bente B
Bente B
2023-09-25
Best experience ever My partner and I stayed with Kisambi tour for a 6 days experience. Elisante organized everything for us, and even before the trip was always precise and fast in replying to our questions via messages. The tour included: the first day visiting Materuni waterfall and a coffee preparation experience accompanied by traditional songs and dances. The following day we went to hot spring and visiting a Masai Village. After this, we met out amazing guide Godlove and we started our 4 days safari. We visited Tarangire national park , Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater. It was without doubts, one of the best experiences of our lives. During the safari, we spent nights in campsites and we had a personal cook with us, Idd, who made the trip even better cooking traditional foods every day. We highly recommend travelling with Kisambi tour!
Elisa S
Elisa S
2023-09-16
Amazing Waterfall and Coffee Roasting Experience Great, moderate hike to the stunning Materuni Falls. Along the way, our guide Godwin told us so much about the history of the area, and the local flowers, fruit, and birds. He was so knowledgeable! After seeing the waterfall, which was incredible, we hiked back to a local Chogga village and had a delicious lunch of banana soup, rice, beans and spiced vegetables. Then, we learned all about coffee cultivation and roasting, and had the most delicious cup of coffee. So much fun and so educational. It was a highlight of our trip to Tanzania,
Susan K
Susan K
2023-09-14
Best company to visit Moshi! Great company to visit Tanzania and go around Arousha and Moshi. Elisante is very available, friendly and kind! First, we had a wonderful safari, with a very kind and prepared driver, Joseph, always on-time! The last day they even offered us a middle day trip, before going to the airport, with another fantastic, joyful driver, Julius! They are the best!
Katerina K
Katerina K
2023-09-09

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Tour Plan

The day begins with a drive of approx. 50 minutes to Machame Gate where we complete the registration formalities. After that we have a short transfer through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our crew. The steep and partly slippery trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest, followed by heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge on rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, then you will arrive at Barranco Camp which is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe route as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias
Today’s trek is somewhat shorter, so we can start a little later and enjoy the sun. First it travels through the Barranco Wall, where there is some light climbing where you must also use your hands to help. After you have reached the upper end, you can take a deep breath and once again enjoy the view of the Kibo. The next part of today‘s route will take you through small streams and the Karanga River to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night in your tent. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after some hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit! Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at the Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to the highest point, the Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are fantastic views in all directions. The shadow that the Kilimanjaro casts over Mount Meru in the morning is a special experience. After you have enjoyed the summit, and taken a few memorable photos, it is time for the descent. At the Barafu Camp you have a short rest, where your mountain team will greet you with a hot drink and snacks. Afterwards, you will slowly go to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the last night at the mountain. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success. Breakfast; Lunch
Prices/included services
Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route 6 days (per person)
1 Person 2 Persons 3-4 Persons 5-6 Persons 7 Persons and more
1860 USD 1650 USD 1490 USD 1470 USD 1430 USD
  Included Services:
  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary | Professional, English-speaking guide | Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters) | Overnight stays in tents | Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.) | Meals according to the itinerary | Drinking water, tea & coffee | Oxygen tank and oximeters | All national park fees | Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
Not included services:
  • Alcohol and soft drinks | Sleeping bag | Flights | Visa fees | Tips | Personal spending money for souvenirs | Travel insurance | Airport Transfer | Pre and Post climb Hotel Accommodation

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