6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging and direct routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, designed for experienced trekkers who prefer a more demanding and solitary experience. This route is shorter in distance but steep, requiring excellent physical fitness and proper acclimatization. This 6-day version includes 5 nights on the mountain, ensuring enough time for acclimatization, and will help you maximize your chances of reaching the summit safely.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi/Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Meet your guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check.
Overnight at the hotel, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Umbwe Gate (1,640m) – Umbwe Camp (2,850m)
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,210m
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
Begin your climb at Umbwe Gate, where you’ll complete the necessary park formalities. The route starts steeply through the rainforest, offering a thrilling ascent. The trail continues upward until you reach Umbwe Camp. This is a shorter day to help with acclimatization, as you’ll be gaining significant altitude.
Dinner and overnight at Umbwe Camp.
Day 3: Umbwe Camp (2,850m) – Barranco Camp (3,950m)
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,100m
Habitat: Moorland & Heath
Today, the trail takes you through steep terrain until you reach the Barranco Wall. This section involves some rock scrambling but offers incredible views. After conquering the wall, the path flattens and leads you to Barranco Camp at 3,950 meters, with views of the summit becoming clearer.
Dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m) – Karanga Camp (4,035m)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 85m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The day's trek is a bit more relaxed, heading from Barranco to Karanga. The trail climbs steeply at first but flattens into a desert-like landscape. The purpose of today is to ensure that you acclimatize properly, as you are now above 4,000 meters.
Dinner and overnight at Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp (4,035m) – Barafu Camp (4,673m)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Gain: 638m
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s hike to Barafu Camp is short but steep. You’ll pass through barren alpine desert terrain, and the altitude will begin to take its toll. Barafu Camp is where you will rest and prepare for your summit attempt. Dinner is served early, and you'll go to bed early to rest for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak.
Dinner and overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Distance: 17 km (7 km ascent, 10 km descent)
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours (7–8 hours to the summit, 3–5 hours to Mweka)
Elevation Gain: 1,222m (ascent)
Elevation Loss: 2,795m (descent)
Habitat: Arctic (Summit), Moorland (Descent)
Midnight Summit Push: After a light snack, begin your summit push around midnight. The climb will take you through the Arctic zone, and you will reach Stella Point at sunrise. From here, it’s another 45 minutes to Uhuru Peak. After spending a few moments celebrating at the summit, descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for a well-deserved overnight stay.
Dinner and overnight at Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) – Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Moshi/Arusha
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,460m
Habitat: Rainforest
Today is the final descent to Mweka Gate. You’ll pass through beautiful rainforest, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the lush surroundings. Once you reach the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate (if you reached the summit) and transfer back to Moshi or Arusha for a celebratory meal.
Overnight at your hotel or transfer to the airport for your departure.
Tour Inclusions
✔️ Professional, experienced guides, porters & cooks
✔️ All park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
✔️ Full-board meals on the mountain
✔️ Drinking water & hot drinks
✔️ Private toilet tent
✔️ Oxygen cylinder for emergencies
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro National Park
Tour Exclusions
❌ International & domestic flights
❌ Personal climbing gear (available for rent)
❌ Travel insurance & medical evacuation
❌ Tips for guides & porters
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