6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route

The hardest route on the mountain: short, steep and spectacular, joining the Southern Circuit near Barranco. Best for experienced, well-prepared trekkers.

Highlights

1. Day 1Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

   Registration at the gate, then a steep trek on a narrow, winding path through dense rainforest beside the Umbwe River, with birds and the occasional monkey. Arrive at camp in the late afternoon.

   1,600 m → 2,900 m11 kmabout 6 hoursMontane forestOvernight: Umbwe Cave CampMeals: D

2. Day 2Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

   The forest gives way to open moorland, the Western Breach wall comes into view and clouds drift over the Great Barranco Valley.

   2,940 m → 3,970 m6 km4–5 hoursMontane forest to moorlandOvernight: Barranco CampMeals: B, D

3. Day 3Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   Climb the steep but non-technical Barranco Wall with your guide, then cross rocky ground towards the Karanga Valley below the Heim, Kersten and Decken glaciers.

   3,950 m → 3,930 m7 kmabout 4 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Karanga CampMeals: B, L, D

4. Day 4Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   Join the Mweka descent trail, completing the Southern Circuit, with views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Rest early and prepare for the summit.

   3,930 m → 4,600 m6 kmabout 3 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Barafu CampMeals: B, L, D

5. Day 5Summit day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Mweka Camp

   Climb between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point (5,732 m) — the hardest part — and on to Uhuru Peak, Africa's highest point, at sunrise. Lunch at Barafu, then down to Mweka Camp. Trekking poles are highly recommended.

   4,600 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m7 km up / 23 km down6–8 hours up / 7–8 hours downStone scree and ice-capped summitOvernight: Mweka CampMeals: B, L, D

6. Day 6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and your hotel

   Descend through the rainforest, which can be wet and muddy lower down. Receive your official summit certificate at the gate and transfer to your hotel.

   3,100 m → 1,800 m8 km3–4 hoursMontane forestMeals: B

Meals: B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner

Prices per person

In US dollars, per person, for your own private trip. The more people travel together, the lower the price for each person.

Children aged 3–11 pay 70% of the adult price. International flights, visas and tips are not included. Prices can change in the Christmas and New Year weeks — your quote confirms the final price.

Prices are charged in US dollars. Other currencies are a guide only.

Elevation profile

When to go

This trip runs all year. Here is how each month usually feels — the rainy months are quieter and often cheaper.

Good to know