Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft) · Steep, direct and very quiet
Trip Info
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Accommodation
Mountain tents
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Departure City
Moshi / Arusha
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Arrival City
Moshi / Arusha
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Best Season
Jan – Mar, Jun – Oct
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Guide
Guided mountain crew
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Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
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Group Size
1 – 12 guests
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Stay Category
Camping
Overview
The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest and most direct way to the southern circuit. It is a demanding route for fit and experienced trekkers, climbing a narrow forest ridge before joining the Machame trail at Barranco Camp.
This 6-day itinerary is led by our professional mountain crew of guides, cooks and porters. Every day is paced to help you acclimatize, with daily health checks, hot meals and a carefully planned summit night to give you the best chance of standing on the Roof of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Steep, direct and very quiet
- Dramatic ridge walk through the forest
- Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley
- Ideal for experienced, fit trekkers
- Descent via Mweka
Places You’ll See
Umbwe Route
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Professional mountain guide, assistant guides & porters
- Camping equipment & tents
- All meals on the mountain
- Rescue fees
- Airport transfers (Moshi / Kilimanjaro Airport)
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and porters
- Personal trekking gear rental
- Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
Itinerary
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Day 01: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp
Drive to Umbwe Gate and climb steeply along a narrow forest ridge, using tree roots as steps, to Umbwe Cave Camp.
- Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 11 km
- Starting Altitude: 1,600 m / 5,249 ft
- Ending Altitude: 2,940 m / 9,646 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Umbwe Cave Camp
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Day 02: Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp
The ridge continues steeply through heather and moorland with dramatic views, before joining the southern circuit at Barranco Camp.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 6 km
- Starting Altitude: 2,940 m / 9,646 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barranco Camp
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Day 03: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Scramble up the famous Barranco Wall, then follow a scenic up-and-down trail across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp, the last water point before the summit.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 5 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,960 m / 12,992 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Karanga Camp
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Day 04: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
A short climb through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp. Arrive early for lunch, rest, an early dinner and a full summit briefing before sleeping a few hours.
- Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
- Distance: 4 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
- Ending Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
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Day 05: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
Wake near midnight for the summit push. Climb steadily to Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise, then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Descend to Barafu for a rest and continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
- Distance: 17 km
- Starting Altitude: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
- Ending Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Mweka Camp
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Day 06: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
A final walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Transfer back to Moshi for a hot shower and celebration.
- Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: 10 km
- Starting Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,171 ft
- Ending Altitude: 1,640 m / 5,381 ft
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi / Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This package is specifically the Umbwe Route for 6 days. Other day options are listed as separate packages.
No technical climbing is required, but good fitness and preparation help a lot.
Dry seasons January–March and June–October are the most popular.
