6 Days Kilimanjaro – Umbwe Route

  • 5.0/5 (20 + Reviews)
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The Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

A Challenging Ascent to Africa’s Highest Peak

The 6-day Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route is a challenging trek that takes you through the shortest, steepest, and most direct route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. This route is recommended for experienced hikers who are physically fit and have prior high-altitude trekking experience.

Starting Point: The Umbwe Route starts on the south side of Mount Kilimanjaro, providing a unique perspective of the mountain. The trail is steep and rocky, with sections of scrambling required, making it a physically demanding choice.

Terrain and Scenery: The trail of the Umbwe Route passes through a variety of landscapes, including dense rainforest, heath, and moorland. Along the way, trekkers are treated to stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As you ascend higher, the vegetation thins out, and the terrain becomes more rugged and barren, offering a unique and challenging trekking experience.

While the Umbwe Route is challenging, it rewards trekkers with a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views from the summit of Kilimanjaro. It’s essential to be well-prepared, both physically and mentally, for this demanding journey. For those seeking a more direct and less crowded path to Kilimanjaro’s summit, the Umbwe Route offers an unforgettable adventure.

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Day 1

  • Arrival
  • ✈️ Airport Pick-Up: We’ll greet you at Arusha or Kilimanjaro airport and provide transportation, including your return trip to the airport.
  • 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy your first night in a comfortable hotel.

🛌🏻 Spend the night in a hotel, the same one as your first night’s stay.

🚌 Note: Transportation to the airport is included after your last night spent in the hotel.

Day 2

  • Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
  • Commence the trek by registering at Umbwe Park Gate, preparing for the upcoming adventure.
  • Follow the small winding path that leads through the rainforest and alongside the Umbwe river, immersing yourself in the natural surroundings.
  • Reach the first night’s camp at Umbwe Cave Camp, situated at an altitude of about 2,900m, providing a tranquil setting for the night.
  • Settle in and rest at Umbwe Cave Camp, preparing for the continuation of the trek in the following days.

Day 3

  • Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
  • Depart from camp, and shortly after, transition from the forested area as the landscape changes.
  • Witness the dramatic sight of the sheer wall of the Western Breach, with intermittent appearances and disappearances as afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco.
  • Conclude the day’s journey by camping at Barranco Camp, nestled in the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Day 4

  • Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
  • Begin the day with a short yet exhilarating scramble to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall, adding a touch of adventure to the trek.
  • Traverse over scree terrain, making your way to the Karanga Valley (3930m) situated beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers.
  • Settle in for the night at the Karanga Campsite, where you’ll rest and rejuvenate amidst the spectacular surroundings.
  • Reflect on the day’s experiences and prepare for the continued journey as you overnight at Karanga Campsite.

Day 5

  • Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
  • Bid farewell to Karanga Campsite as you make your way to the junction connecting with the Mweka Descent Trail.
  • Press onward and upward to reach Barafu Hut, marking the completion of the Southern Circuit and providing varied angles for stunning views of the summit.
  • Arrive at camp, where you can take a well-deserved rest, savor a hearty dinner, and make preparations for the upcoming summit day.
  • Enjoy the remarkable sight of the two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, clearly visible from the vantage point of Barafu Hut.

Day 6

  • Barafu Camp To Summit To Mweka Hut
  • Wake up at 23:30 for tea and biscuits before trekking to the summit between Rebman and Ratzel glaciers.
  • Head northwest, ascending through challenging scree to Stella Point for a brief rest and a magnificent sunrise.
  • Continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point on Kilimanjaro. Descend to Mweka Hut via Barafu for lunch.
  • Trek down to Mweka Camp (3100m) using trekking poles, enjoy a final dinner, and rest after reaching the summit.

Day 7

  • Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Depart after breakfast and descend to the Mweka Park Gate.
  • Receive your summit certificates at the gate. Be prepared for wet and muddy conditions at lower elevations, and consider using gaiters and trekking poles.
  • Dress comfortably in shorts and t-shirts (keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible) for the journey back down.
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UMBWE ROUTE 6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS : Price/per

No. of Persons Days Luxury($) Mid-Range($) Budget($)
1 6 2,400 2,200 1,575
2 2,100 1,900 1,340
3-4 1,950 1,650 1,314
More than 4

1,900

1,600

1,291

Your Package Categories:

Luxury Mid-Range Budget
Park fees Park fees Park fees
Rescue Fee Rescue Fee Rescue Fee
Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Transportation: pick up and drop off at the airport in Arusha (transportation from/to further airports is possible for an extra charge) Airport transportation is not included, can be arranged for an additional fee.
Two-night stay at a luxurious hotel such as the Mount Meru Hotel

Two-night stay at a mid-range hotel such as the Tulia Boutique Hotel

Accommodation before and after the climb is not provided and can be arranged for an additional fee. For budget-friendly options, consider Merves Hotel for accommodation

3 luxury meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 mid-range meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

3 budget meals per day for all days spent in the mountain

Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, big luxury tents, luxury tent table and chairs, luxury mattress and camping beds  Equipment offered: oxygen tank, private toilet, mid-range tents, mid-range tent table and chairs and mid-range mattress Equipment offered: budget tent, tent with table and chair. Add-ons available for extra charges: oxygen tank, private toilet.
camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters camping fees for guides, cooks and porters
  • If you would like to have an overview about all our price packages, please check our entire price package list.
  • Click here to get more details about the price categories.
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Included

Excluded

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  • Book your flights to the airport in Arusha or Kilimanjaro and share with us your flight details
  • Transfer from and back to the hotel is included in your package and we will organize it to you.

$1,291 to $2,400 pp.(USD)

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Excellent
Based on 15 reviews
Tom M
Tom M
2023-06-25
Incredible experience made all the more special by Honest and his team We couldn’t endorse Honest and his team more. Immediately after meeting, we were made to feel extremely welcome, safe, and informed, which remained throughout the duration of our adventure.We first climbed Mount Meru where Honest took us to spots to see Giraffes in the wild as well as many monkeys, warthogs, and other animals. This served as the perfect preparation for Kilimanjaro.The team we had for Kili was exemplary. The whole time there was a real bond between the entire group. We’d regularly spend time beyond meal times talking with Honest and Justin about life and the adventure we were currently on which was extremely insightful. The food also far surpassed our expectations with exactly the type of fuel we needed such as pastas, fruits, eggs, etc. Our chef was called the “stomach engineer” for very appropriate reasons!Throughout the climb, Honest ensured we maintained an enjoyable tempo and there wasn’t a moment we felt too slow or rushed. The culmination of this was being fresh for summit morning and being the first team to summit, just as the sun was rising. With minor altitude sickness in the team on descent, Honest gave appropriate nutrition and instruction to manage the situation. Thereafter, there was a party atmosphere within the group, even having music and dancing on the last morning of the descent where we exchanged gifts and final stories.Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime made all the more special by Honest and his team. Perfectly prepared and executed that set us up for success. The relationship with Honest was tremendous, so much so that we are still in regular contact today and when a return trip is due, there are no hesitations in going straight to Zanzi Trekking and Safaris.
Toumi I
Toumi I
2023-05-23
The amazing trip We had an amazing experience with zanzi trekking and safaris ,they took care of every detail of our trip .we are so delighted to have organised everything with them .
Ghizlane Z
Ghizlane Z
2023-05-20
Professional and amazing Organizers very professional trip organizers. The guides are all ear and take care of every single details. Zanzibar was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline, new experiences and heartwarming people. I only can recommend and will definitely plan a Safari with Zanzibar trekking. The best is yet to come Much love !
Slim M
Slim M
2023-02-25
Wonderful experience! It was an amazing experience! We had so much fun, everything was very well organised.Thank you Zanzi
Eero
Eero
2022-11-18
Kilimanjaro Professional, yet easy going and well organized trek, with fantastic main guide Honest and his crew. Lots of good memories, laughter anf singing. Hieno kokemus kaikenkaikkiaan, asante sana!
renata C
renata C
2022-08-13
Wonderful adventure The climb to Kilimanjaro was well organized, all the people were very friendly and acommodating. A safari to remember. I would love to repeat this adventure😊
Laurent D
Laurent D
2022-07-20
Expérience parfaite ! Honest et son équipe ont été d’excellents guides, très sympathiques et très professionnels. Ils nous ont conduit au sommet du Kilimandjaro sans le moindre problème. Merci encore Honest pour cette magnifique ascension !
Benoit_JPA
Benoit_JPA
2022-07-19
Super guide et équipe ! Super expérience avec Honnest et son agence. L’accompagnement était top du début a la fin aussi bien pour l’ascension di Kilimandjaro que le safari. Un grand merci a notre guide et son équipe.
Steph M
Steph M
2022-07-17
Wonderful experience We had a wonderful experience with Honest back on 2017 who organized a trip for the ascent of Kilimanjaro and two Fays of safaris
Hemery Chris
Hemery Chris
2022-07-14
Best expedition of kilimandjaro Que du bon souvenir ! Honest nous a accueilli avec beaucoup d’attention, une équipe pour l’expédition de preniere ordre, la qualité aux services de l’ascension du plus haut sommet d’Afrique, le fameux kilimandjaro !A faire avant qu’il n’y ait plus de glacier en haut Et dans la foulee, nous sommes allee dans la jungle avec Honest pour voir ces anomaux en libertéJe recommande vivement !