Overview
The 7-day Umbwe route is widely considered the most physically demanding and direct path up Mount kilimanjaro,making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking a quiet,challenging climb. Starting from the south,the route begins with an intense,steep ascent through dense rainforest and narrow ridge trails rapidly gaining altitude to reach Barranco Camp in just two days. To mitigate the high risk of altitude sickness caused by this rapid rise, the 7-day variation incorporates a crucial acclimatization rest day at barranco,followed by a scramble up the iconic barranco wall and traversals across the alpine desert of Karanga valley to Barafu camp. After a midnight summit push to Uhuru peak,the trek concludes with a fast descent down the mountain via the Mweka route,combining initial solitude with dramatic,varied landscapes throughout the journey
Tour Features
Hut Camping
This is a camping route
Private Tour
This safari is arranged privately for your group.
Solo Travelers
Suitable for solo travelers.
Customizable
This itinerary can be customized.
Children Policy
Minimum age accepted is 12 years and above.
Start Date
This safari can start on any day.
Highlights
Arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Moshi to Umbwe gate (1,800 m) to Cave bivouac camp (2,850 m)
Cave bivouac camp (2,850 m) to Barranco camp (3,900 m)
Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
Barranco Camp (3,900 m) to Karanga Valley (3995 m)
Karanga Valley (3,995 m) to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
Barafu Camp (4,673 m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
Mweka Camp (3,100 m) to Mweka Gate (1,640 m) to Moshi
Depart Tanzania
Your Safari Map
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Safari Itinerary
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day. Hotel check in start at 12:00 PM.
Accommodation
Park View Inn
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
Accommodation
Cave Bivouac Camp
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
Accommodation
Barranco Camp
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Accommodation
Barranco Camp
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
Accommodation
Karanga Camp
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
Accommodation
Barafu camp
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
Accommodation
Mweka camp
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 Included
Accommodation
Park View Inn
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport. Hotel check out is at 10:00AM. Meals: Breakfast Included
Tanzania