Do not hesitate to give us a call or text on WhatsApp. We are expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+255 620 809 393
sales@sotetours.com
Umbwe Route: A Challenging 6-Day Ascent to Kilimanjaro
The Umbwe Route is a shorter, yet more challenging path to the summit of Kilimanjaro, known for its steep and demanding terrain. Due to the rapid ascent, this route offers limited time for altitude acclimatization, making a slow and steady pace essential. Although this route experiences low traffic, the success rate is lower unless an additional acclimatization day is included.
The Umbwe Route is typically offered as a 6-day trek, with a 7-day itinerary being the preferred option for better acclimatization. This route eventually converges with the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes.
For an alternative approach to Uhuru Peak, climbers can opt for the Western Breach Route, which ascends from the west. This strenuous route climbs 850 meters over approximately 2 kilometers, requiring some scrambling at certain points. While the Western Breach offers breathtaking scenery, it is also known for its challenging rock formations and steep inclines.
The Western Breach gained popularity among climbers on the Umbwe, Lemosho, Shira, and Machame routes until a tragic rockfall incident in January 2006 claimed the lives of three climbers. Following this, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) temporarily closed the Western Breach Route. However, it was reopened in 2007 under the condition that all climbers and their support teams sign a waiver at the entrance gate, acknowledging the risks involved.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
2 Hours Before Flight Time
Arrival in Moshi: Preparing for Your Kilimanjaro Adventure
Upon your arrival, Sote Tours staff will greet you and assist with loading your luggage into the waiting vehicle before driving you to your hotel in Moshi town. After checking in, you’ll receive a comprehensive briefing about the upcoming trek, and your mountain guide will conduct a thorough gear check to ensure you’re well-prepared. If you arrive in the morning or afternoon, you can spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or exploring the charming town of Moshi.
Overnight at Panama Garden Resort
Meals
Breakfast
Journey to Umbwe Gate and Trek to Umbwe Cave Campsite
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel, followed by a 45-minute drive to Machame Gate to process your trekking permits. From there, you’ll continue with a one-hour drive to Umbwe Gate. After completing the registration procedures at the gate, your trek commences through the lush rainforest, leading you to the Umbwe Cave campsite. Upon arrival, you’ll find all the tents already set up, allowing you to relax and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night. Today’s trek takes you across ridges and valleys through dense, verdant forest, offering an immersive experience in Kilimanjaro’s natural beauty.
Elevation: 1,800m to 2,940m.
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: 6-7 hours.
Habitat: Montane forest.
Meals
Full Board
Trekking from Rainforest to Moorland and Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you will continue your trek, transitioning from the lush rainforest to the striking moorland and heath zone. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Barranco Valley and the towering ice cap atop Kilimanjaro. The day’s journey culminates at Barranco Camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night, surrounded by the majestic landscapes of the mountain.
Elevation: 2,940m to 3,950m
Distance: 6.5 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Montane forest and heather
Meals
Full Board
Ascending the Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp
The day begins with a challenging ascent up the Barranco Wall, rewarding you with an undulating trail along the southeastern flank of Kibo, offering stunning vistas of the Southern Icefields. As you progress, the terrain transitions to scree, interspersed with lush pockets of vegetation in sheltered hollows. A short trek brings you to Karanga Camp, situated at 4,000 meters, marking the last water point before reaching Barafu. Nestled in a narrow valley, Karanga Camp provides ample time for rest or an optional afternoon acclimatization walk further up the valley, enhancing your preparation for the days ahead.
Elevation: 3,950m to 4,235m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals
Full Board
Trekking to Barafu Ridge Campsite
Today’s trek to the Barafu Ridge campsite is a challenging one due to the high altitude. Although the walking hours are short, the steep ascent requires a slow and steady pace to prevent fatigue and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. The route takes you through an alpine desert, where you’ll encounter strong, cold winds and barren landscapes as you draw closer to the Kibo glaciers. Upon arrival at Barafu, you’ll have lunch and an early dinner around 17:00 hours, followed by rest in preparation for the midnight push to the summit.
Elevation: 4,235m to 4,600m
Distance: 4 km.
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals
Full Board
Summit Day: Midnight Ascent to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Mweka Camp
The day begins around midnight with a light breakfast and final preparations for your summit ascent. The objective is to reach Uhuru Peak just before or shortly after sunrise, allowing you to witness the dawn from Africa’s highest point. Departing at 23:30, you’ll switchback up steep scree—or possibly snow—making your way to Stella Point on the crater rim at 5,861 meters, arriving between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. Here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the fabled crater and its icecaps, as well as the spectacular surrounding landscape.
After a one-hour hike along the Kibo crater rim, passing near the celebrated snows, you will reach Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak. Spend some time here capturing photos and savoring the accomplishment. Once your summit activities are complete, you will descend back to Barafu Camp for lunch and rest. After gathering your equipment, the descent continues through the moorland and heath zone to Mweka Camp, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night.
Summit attempt of Umbwe 6 days route, 5 nights Umbwe route
Elevation: 4,600m to 5,895m to 3,100m
Distance: 15km
Hiking time: 10 – 12 hours
Habitat: Desert and ice
Final Descent: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate and Return to Moshi
After breakfast, you’ll embark on your final descent from Mweka Camp, trekking through the lush Montane forest towards Mweka Gate. This descent typically takes 3-4 hours. Upon reaching the gate, you’ll sign out with the park authorities and prepare to board the vehicle for your transfer back to the hotel in Moshi. Once there, you’ll receive your certificate of achievement and enjoy a well-deserved celebration, marking the successful completion of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,980m
Distance: 9km
Descending time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane forest
Departure: Transfer to the Airport
Your airport transfer will be arranged based on your flight schedule. Please remember to notify Sote Tours staff of any changes to your flight time to ensure a smooth and timely transfer.
You can extend your stay by going to safari or relaxing on Zanzibar beach.
Number of People | Cost Per Person in US($) |
---|---|
1 Pax | 2,550 |
2 Pax | 1,950 |
3 Pax | 1,900 |
4 Pax | 1,850 |
5 Pax | 1,800 |
6 Pax | 1,750 |
7 Pax | 1,720 |
8 Pax | 1,700 |
9 Pax | 1,690 |
10 Pax | 1,650 |