Umbwe Route
7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via Umbwe Route
Valid
Year Through
Duration
7 Days | 6 Nights
Destinations
House of west Kili, Umbwe Gate, Cave Bivouac Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Valley, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
Pick Up
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop Off
Kilimanjaro International Airport
“Challenge Yourself on Kilimanjaro’s Steepest and Most Dramatic Route”
Best Time to Trek:
The best time to trek Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons: January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer clear skies, better trail conditions, and a higher chance of a successful summit.
Trek Highlights
Embark on the ultimate adventure with Social Adventure Safari’s 7-Day Kilimanjaro Trek via the Umbwe Route — the most direct and steepest path to Africa’s highest summit. This demanding trail rewards experienced climbers with spectacular views of rugged ridges, deep valleys, and breathtaking alpine landscapes.
Known for its challenging terrain and dramatic scenery, the Umbwe Route promises an exhilarating climb and an unmatched sense of achievement. Supported by expert guides, this trek is perfect for adventurers seeking a true Kilimanjaro challenge!
Full Itinerary
Arrival Day – Welcome to Tanzania!
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly received and transferred to House of West Kili.
Your expert Kilimanjaro guide will provide a detailed briefing on the trek, conduct a full equipment check, and assist with any necessary gear rentals. Enjoy a restful evening as you prepare for your exciting climb ahead.
Accommodation: House of West Kili (Bed, Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m / 5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m / 9,350ft)
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours | Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters (3,445 feet) | Habitat: Cloud Forest
Transfer to Umbwe Gate, register and meet your Kilimanjaro support crew. The steep trail ascends through lush cloud forest, passing dense vegetation, heathers, and wildflowers. Your team will have prepared camp at Cave Bivouac for a comfortable night’s rest after a challenging first day.
Overnight: Cave Bivouac Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Cave Bivouac Camp to Barranco Camp (3,950m / 12,960ft)
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours | Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,610 feet) | Habitat: Moorland
Leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs along a ridge into open moorlands. Barranco Camp is famed for its towering giant senecios and lobelias, set in a scenic valley that receives a later sunrise. This peaceful camp offers a perfect place to rest and acclimatize on your ascent.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,800ft)
Spend a rest day near Barranco Camp to allow your body to adjust to the altitude. Explore the area’s unique flora and breathtaking views, often considered the highlight of the Umbwe Route. Use this day to recharge and prepare for the demanding climb ahead.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley (4,200m / 13,780ft)
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours | Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet) | Distance: 7 km | Habitat: Mountainous Valley
After a challenging scramble up the Barranco Wall, the trail flattens with scenic vistas as you cross into the Karanga Valley. This section offers stunning views and a rewarding climb, ending at Karanga Camp where you will rest and acclimatize.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp (4,600m / 15,100ft)
Hiking Time: 3–5 hours | Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,320 feet) | Distance: 6 km | Habitat: Alpine Desert
Trek across the alpine desert with minimal vegetation, passing the impressive glaciers of Kibo including Heim, Kersten, and Decken. Barafu Camp sits beneath the summit cone, offering majestic views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Early rest tonight prepares you for the final summit push.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m / 10,170ft)
Hiking Time: 6 hours ascent, 7-8 hours descent | Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet) | Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet) | Distance: Approx. 27 km
Starting just before midnight, ascend by headlamp through steep scree and rocky terrain. Reach Stella Point on the crater rim before the final push to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest summit, to witness breathtaking sunrise views. After celebrating, descend past Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp for rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,500m / 4,920ft) – Transfer to House of West Kili
Hiking Time: 4 hours | Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) | Habitat: Cloud Forest
Descend through Kilimanjaro’s lush cloud forest to Mweka Gate, where you will sign out and receive your summit certificate. Vehicles will be waiting to transfer you either to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight or back to House of West Kili for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Departure Day
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home or onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure with Social Adventure Safari.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye just yet, you have the option to extend your trip—choose a thrilling wildlife safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro, or unwind with a beach relaxation escape in Zanzibar. Let us know your preference, and we’ll be happy to arrange the perfect extension for you!
