Overview
Umbwe is the toughest path on Kilimanjaro. It climbs steeply and directly through thick forest from the very first morning, and it allows less time for acclimatization than any other route.
After the forest ridge the route joins the Machame trail near the Southern Icefields, with tents every night and a summit attempt from Barafu Camp. Because of the pace, we only recommend Umbwe to climbers who are already acclimatized or have been to high altitude before.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) whenever suits you; the transfer and Arusha Green Mountain Hotel are included. Please read our altitude sickness guide before choosing this route, or ask our team for advice.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (7 days)
ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA
We collect you from the airport and bring you to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Meru, where you get ready for your climb with Abakombe Tours. At 5:30 pm your guide gives a pre-climb briefing, checks your equipment and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP
The trek starts at Umbwe Gate (1,800 m) and follows a narrow ridge between two deep valleys through dense montane forest. Camp is tucked among huge trees and thick undergrowth. There is no water at this camp, so the crew carries everything needed for drinking, cooking and washing up from the gate.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave (3,000 m): about 6-8 hours on foot. All meals included.
UMBWE RIDGE TO BARRANCO CAMP
The path gets steeper as you climb out of the forest along the Umbwe ridge, then drops a little into the valley where Barranco Camp sits.
Umbwe Cave to Barranco Valley (3,950 m): about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
BARRANCO WALL TO KARANGA CAMP
A steep start takes you up below the Heim Glacier with impressive views, then up and over the Great Barranco Wall onto Kibo's south-eastern slopes. The trail crosses the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley and ends with a steep climb to Karanga Camp.
Barranco to Karanga Camp (4,000 m): about 4-5 hours on foot. All meals included.
KARANGA TO BARAFU CAMP
After a steep climb out of Karanga, an easier path on firm scree crosses dry, empty terrain to Barafu Camp, with Kibo and Mawenzi both in view. After a hot lunch, rest for the remainder of the day before the summit night.
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,600 m): about 3-4 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT DAY, THEN DOWN TO MWEKA CAMP
You start before midnight and climb the volcanic scree slowly by head torch to Stella Point (5,735 m) on the crater rim, resting as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue about two hours return to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. The descent to Barafu is fast; after refreshments you head on down to Mweka Camp.
Barafu to the summit and on to Mweka Camp (3,100 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
A gentle walk through the rainforest brings you to Mweka Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. After lunch we drive you back to Arusha Green Mountain Hotel.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate: about 3-5 hours on foot. Overnight at Arusha Green Mountain Hotel with dinner and breakfast included, followed by your departure transfer.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.