Climb Kilimanjaro

Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro above clouds

Snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro with acacia trees in foreground

Umbwe Route Duration – 6 Days

The Thrilling Umbwe Route for the real adventurers

Ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure? The Umbwe route is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a short, steep, and direct path to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the most challenging way up the mountain, it offers an intense and rewarding experience for those up to the task.

The quick ascent on the Umbwe route means there’s less time for altitude acclimatization, making it a tough climb. However, the low traffic on this route ensures a serene and solitary journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kilimanjaro.

While the chances of success are lower due to the rapid altitude gain, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel if you conquer it is unparalleled. The Umbwe route is available for a minimum of six days, but we recommend a seven-day trek for the best chance of reaching the summit. If you’re up for the ultimate challenge and want a unique Kilimanjaro experience, the Umbwe route is calling your name!

Map of Mount Kilimanjaro with routes and campsites highlighting the Umbwe route

Trip Duration:

6 days

Route:

Umbwe Route

Feeling a little adventourous?

We can help plan your adventure of a lifetime!

Your Day to Day Itinerary

All our itineraries are suggestions; they can be adapted and customised to suit your needs and preferences or for any seasonal changes or migratory animal movements.

Day 1 – Umbwe Gate to Bivouac (First) Camp

Elevation:

2940m
Climb Time:

5 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on your thrilling journey to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, driving through picturesque villages with lush coffee and banana plantations. Upon arrival, sign the register and step into Kilimanjaro National Park, marking the start of your adventure to achieve a lifelong dream.

The air is thick with moisture, and the path is often muddy as you begin your ascent. The route starts as a forestry track, winding up through the enchanting natural rainforest. The path narrows and steepens as you climb, taking you along the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, surrounded by towering trees.

Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of deep gorges and, if you’re lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro majestically rising above the landscape in the distance. After about five hours of hiking, you’ll reach Bivouac (First) Camp, nestled among giant trees and dense undergrowth, providing a serene and secluded spot to rest for the night.

Day 2 – Bivouac (First) Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

2940m
Climb Time:

5 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

Day 3 – Barranco Camp to Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier Camp

Elevation:

Lava Tower 4630m - Arrow Glacier Camp 4800m
Climb Time:

5 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Heath

After breakfast at Barranco Camp, you’ll begin your hike towards Lava Tower, one of Kilimanjaro’s most famous landmarks. The steep and rocky path provides stunning views of Mount Meru, Kilimanjaro’s “little sister,” as her peak punches through the clouds.

Reaching Lava Tower at 4630m marks a significant milestone. From there, you’ll turn towards the Western Breach, embarking on a steep climb to Arrow Glacier Camp at 4800m. This part of the trek is taxing, and you may start noticing altitude sickness symptoms.

The campsite at Arrow Glacier is spectacular, surrounded by an austere landscape where vegetation has all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and black. Be prepared for the cold at this high-altitude camp, as the temperatures drop significantly. After about five hours of hiking, you’ll reach the campsite, ready to rest and acclimate in this stark yet beautiful environment.

Day 4 – Arrow Glacier to Crater Camp

Elevation:

4 Arrow Glacier 4800m - Crater 5700m
Climb Time:

5 hours
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Arctic

The journey from Arrow Glacier Camp to the crater floor at 5700m is one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the Umbwe route. Starting early, you’ll face steep scree and rocky outcrops that require scrambling as you ascend the Western Breach.

This day will be the most formidable challenge, especially if the route has become icy from recent snowfalls. An ice axe or ski stick might be necessary for safety in such conditions. As you reach the crater rim, you’ll be greeted with breathtaking views of snow and glaciers, a sight that makes the strenuous climb worthwhile.

You’ll see the Northern Ice Fields of Kilimanjaro to your left, with the impressive Furtwangler Glacier directly in front of you. From here, you’ll walk past this glacier to reach Crater Camp, situated at the crater rim. If time permits, climb to the Ash Pit, a remarkable geological feature that is 340 meters across and 120 meters deep, known as one of the most perfectly formed examples in the world.

Prepare for icy conditions at the campsite, as snow is likely. After about five hours of strenuous hiking, you’ll arrive at Crater Camp, ready to rest and marvel at the unique and stunning environment that surrounds you.

Day 5 – Summit Attempt: Crater to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Crater 5700m-Uhuru Peak 5895m-Mweka 3100m
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Arctic

You’ll rise very early for your summit attempt, starting with a quick breakfast before heading out into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor at 5700m, you’ll likely encounter snow on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

Reaching Uhuru Peak at 5895m, you’ll stand on the highest point in Africa, an accomplishment you’ll cherish for the rest of your life. The time spent at the summit will depend on the weather conditions but avoid lingering too long due to the extreme cold and fatigue.

After celebrating your achievement, you’ll begin the long descent to Mweka Camp at 3100m. The descent takes about 7-8 hours and offers stunning views as you make your way down. Reflect on your incredible journey and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as you descend to a more comfortable altitude.

Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

1980m
Climb Time:

-
Distance:

-
Habitat:

Rainforest

On the final day of your incredible journey, you’ll hike from Mweka Camp at 3100m to Mweka Gate at 1980m. The descent takes about 3 hours and offers a beautiful view of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

Upon reaching Mweka Gate, you’ll sign the register and receive your well-deserved summit certificate to celebrate your successful climb. From Mweka Gate, it’s a one-hour walk through a 3km muddy path to Mweka Village.

At Mweka Village, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch before returning to Moshi/Arusha. There, you can celebrate your summit achievement and indulge in a long-overdue hot shower, marking the perfect end to an unforgettable adventure.

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Wildlife Safaris

Beach Adventures

Climb Kilimanjaro

Umbwe Route Duration – 6 Days

The Thrilling Umbwe Route for the real adventurers

Trip Duration:

Route:

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Feeling a little adventourous?

We can help plan your adventure of a lifetime!

Your Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Umbwe Gate to Bivouac (First) Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 2 – Bivouac (First) Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 3 – Barranco Camp to Lava Tower to Arrow Glacier Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 4 – Arrow Glacier to Crater Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 5 – Summit Attempt: Crater to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation:

Climb Time:

Distance:

Habitat:

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