7-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek - Wilderness Winners Safari

7-Day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route Trek!

Mount Kilimanjaro - Umbwe Route.

Duration7 Days

Tour TypeTrekking

Tour Overview!

The Umbwe route offers the most direct and awe-inspiring path to reach Uhuru Peak. This route gained prominence after being featured in the captivating IMAX film "Kilimanjaro - To the Roof of Africa." Along the Umbwe route, trekkers traverse diverse landscapes, passing through five distinct climate zones, ranging from lush rainforests to the icy glaciers at the summit. The trail follows a forested ridge before ascending to the moorlands and then navigating beneath the southern icefields until it intersects with the Machame Route, leading to the summit. This route is characterized by its steep, challenging, and occasionally exposed terrain, making it suitable for experienced hikers accustomed to mountain environments.

Due to its steep inclines, the Umbwe route is less frequently traveled, and trekking poles are recommended for navigating the slippery slopes of the rainforest. Porters will carry all necessary equipment and supplies, while a cook will prepare meals throughout the journey. Unlike the Marangu Route, where accommodation is in huts, trekkers on the Umbwe route sleep in tents, which are provided, and porters will set up tents at each campsite. Meals are served either in a dining tent or outdoors on a blanket. Travelers have the option to extend their itinerary by adding an extra day for relaxation or exploration, with the Barranco Camp being an ideal location for this additional day.

Preview the magic of our safari journey below. For a complete, day-by-day itinerary, see the Itinerary tab.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania.
Day 2: Trek to Cave Bivouac Camp.
Day 3: Cave Bivouac Camp to Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley.
Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Hotel.

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania.

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, where a representative from Wilderness Winners Safari will warmly welcome you. You’ll be transferred to a hotel in Moshi or Arusha to enjoy a relaxing evening, complete with dinner and an overnight stay. Breakfast will be provided the next morning to fuel your adventure.

Day 2: Trek to Cave Bivouac Camp.

Depart from Moshi or Arusha at 8:00 a.m., heading to Umbwe Gate. Upon arrival, our team will register your climb while guides and porters make final preparations. Begin trekking through Kilimanjaro's enchanting cloud forest, where moss-covered trees give way to heathers, wildflowers, and tall grasses. Upon reaching Cave Bivouac Camp, your tent will already be set up, allowing you to rest and acclimate.

Elevation: 1,800 m to 2,850 m
Hours: Approximately 6 hours

Day 3: Cave Bivouac Camp to Barranco Camp.

Continue your ascent along ridge trails, transitioning from lush forest to open moorlands. The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you approach Barranco Camp, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering giant senecios and lobelias. This camp offers striking views but experiences delayed sunrises due to its location.

Elevation: 2,850 m to 3,950 m
Hours: Approximately 6–7 hours

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley.

Depart Barranco Camp after breakfast and conquer the famous Barranco Wall—a steep and challenging climb that may require hand support in some sections. After reaching the top, trek across relatively level terrain before descending into the lush greenery of Karanga Valley, where you’ll camp for the night.

Elevation: 3,950 m to 4,200 m
Hours: 4–5 hours

Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp.

Ascend from Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp, passing Kibo’s majestic glaciers and the junction connecting the Mweka and Machame trails. Despite the sparse alpine desert, Barafu Camp provides breathtaking vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Rest here and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.

Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,600 m
Hours: 4–5 hours

Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Mweka Camp.

Begin the final ascent at midnight, trekking under a starlit sky with headlamps lighting the way. The climb to Stella Point (5,750 m / 18,865 ft) is steep and strenuous, but your determination will pay off as you reach the crater rim. From there, a gradual ascent leads to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m / 19,340 ft), the highest point in Africa. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue to Mweka Camp for the night.

Elevation: Barafu Camp (4,600 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Hours: 11–15 hours

Day 7: Descend to Mweka Gate and Transfer to Hotel.

Complete your adventure with a descent through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery, particularly after rainfall, so proceed carefully. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your certificate of achievement before being transported back to Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.

Elevation: 3,100 m to 1,500 m
Hours: 5–6 hours

This Tour Includes:

Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Sleeping Mattress
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
All meals while on the Mountain
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water

This Tour Excludes:

Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
International and domestic flights
Tips and gratuities
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tanzania Visa
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Travel insurance
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Hotel (available as an optional addon)