8 Days Umbwe Route – Kilimanjaro Climb (6 Days on the Trek)
Take on Kilimanjaro’s most challenging trail with the 8-day Umbwe Route climb. Conquer steep rainforest ridges, summit Uhuru Peak, and descend via Mweka with expert guides.
Trek Overview
The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most challenging trail—ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a more direct, adventurous climb. Known for its raw beauty and dramatic ridgelines, the route begins with a steep forest ascent and joins the Machame Route at Barranco Camp. It lacks the gradual acclimatization found on other trails, so physical fitness and prior altitude experience are essential. Despite its intensity, Umbwe offers solitude, fewer crowds, and breathtaking views every step of the way. Descend via the scenic Mweka Route, creating a full-circle experience of Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes.
Explore Day-to-Day Itinerary
Pick up from Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your base hotel in Moshi. Enjoy dinner and overnight at The Maridadi Hotel (or similar).
Day 2: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation: 1,600m to 2,900m
Distance: 11 km | Time: 6 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
Start your adventure with a drive to Umbwe Gate, register, and begin trekking through dense rainforest along the Umbwe River. The steep, rugged trail leads to Umbwe Cave Camp for overnight.
Elevation: 1,600m to 2,900m
Distance: 11 km | Time: 6 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
Start your adventure with a drive to Umbwe Gate, register, and begin trekking through dense rainforest along the Umbwe River. The steep, rugged trail leads to Umbwe Cave Camp for overnight.
Elevation: 2,940m to 3,970m
Distance: 6 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
Continue uphill as the forest thins into heather and moorland. Views of the Western Breach wall and Kibo Peak emerge through the mist. Overnight at Barranco Camp.
Elevation: 3,950m to 3,930m
Distance: 7 km | Time: 4 hrs
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb the Great Barranco Wall—a fun and scenic scramble—then traverse ridges and valleys beneath Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Overnight at Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 3,930m to 4,600m
Distance: 6 km | Time: 3 hrs
Hike steadily upward toward Barafu Camp. Here, you’ll rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt. Views of Mawenzi and Kibo dominate the horizon.
Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then to 3,100m
Distance: 7 km ascent / 23 km descent | Time: 13–16 hrs
Begin your summit attempt at midnight. Trek through scree and snow to Stella Point, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise—the highest point in Africa! After celebrating your achievement, descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp for overnight.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,800m
Distance: 8 km | Time: 3–4 hrs
After breakfast, trek down through lush forest to Mweka Gate for your summit certificate. Transfer to your Moshi hotel for a hot shower and well-earned rest. Dinner and overnight at The Maridadi Hotel (or similar).
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
End of our services.
Prices are net per person in US$
PACKAGE | 1-3 PAX (Per person) | 4 – 8 PAX (Per person) | TOURLEADER PAYS ONLY | PRICE FOR CHILD DEDUCT WITH THE TOTAL PRICE FOR ADULT (5 – 15 yrs). |
8 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE (6 days on the trek) | USD 1680 | USD 1620 | PARK FEES | 75% |
What Fox Africa Safaris Offer
-
All Park entry and concession fees
-
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
-
Professional, experienced driver/guide
-
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
-
Round-trip airport transfers
-
All meals and soft drinks during safari
-
Free snacks and soft drinks in the safari vehicle
-
Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Moshi (before and after trek)
-
Emergency first-aid equipment and evacuation support
What we're not offer.
-
International flights (from/to your home country)
-
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
-
Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
-
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, clothing, poles, etc.)
-
Government-imposed increases in park fees or taxes
-
Alcoholic drinks
