7 Days Kilimanjaro Climb Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.

Includes

Excludes

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

Book Now!

Tour Plan

At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

  • Elevation Gain:1,050 meters, 3,445 feet
  • Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

  • Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet
  • Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

This day is designed mainly Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your success rate of making it to the top. We will have a small hike to Lava Tower approximately 3hrs to 4hrs for two ways.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

  • Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
  • Distance: 7 Kilometers
  • Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours 
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

  • Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
  • Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours 
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.

The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
  • Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feet
  • Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
  • Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka 
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters, 5,250 feet
  • Hiking time: 4 hours 
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Prices/included services
Pricing for the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 7 days (per person)
1 Person 2 Persons 3-4 Persons 5-6 Persons 7 Persons and more
2110 USD 1890 USD 1750 USD 1710 USD 1690 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

Related Tours