Route Profile: Short, steep, and scenic trail via the Umbwe
Route, merging with the Southern Circuit for a successful
summit attempt.
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
8 Days – The Umbwe Route –
Kilimanjaro Climb
Umbwe Route – 8 Days / 7 Nights
Route Profile: The shortest, steepest, and most direct trail on Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe Route quickly gains altitude through dense rainforest before merging with the Machame/Lemosho trails at Barranco. While extremely scenic and less crowded, it is also one of the most challenging routes, recommended for strong, experienced trekkers.
Summit: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
Difficulty Level: ★★★★☆ (Very Challenging – steep ascents, limited acclimatization, best for experienced hikers)
Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
• Arrival Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Transfer to: Kiliwonders Hotel, Moshi
• Elevation: ~900 m / 2,953 ft
• Accommodation: Kiliwonders Hotel
• Activities: Rest, trek briefing, gear check
• Notes: Welcome to Tanzania! Time to relax before the climb begins.
Day 2: Acclimatization Day in Moshi
• Elevation: ~900 m / 2,953 ft
• Accommodation: Kiliwonders Hotel
• Activities: Local walking tour, optional Materuni waterfalls visit or short hike
• Notes: Gentle activity to aid acclimatization
Day 3: Trek Begins – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Caves Camp
• Start Elevation: 1,600 m / 5,249 ft (Umbwe Gate)
• End Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft (Umbwe Caves)
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
• Terrain: Dense rainforest
• Accommodation: Umbwe Caves Camp
• Notes: Steep ascent with fewer crowds; stunning forest scenery
Day 4: Umbwe Caves to Barranco Camp
• Start Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
• End Elevation: 3,950 m / 12,960 ft
• Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
• Terrain: Moorland and rocky ridges• Accommodation: Barranco Camp
• Notes: Join the Machame/Lemosho trails; views of Kibo Peak and glaciers
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Start Elevation: 3,950 m
• End Elevation: 3,995 m / 13,107 ft
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Terrain: Steep climb up Barranco Wall, then gentle ascent
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp
• Notes: Famous Barranco Wall challenge; incredible panoramas
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Start Elevation: 3,995 m
• End Elevation: 4,673 m / 15,331 ft
• Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
• Terrain: Alpine desert
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp
• Notes: Early dinner and rest; prepare for midnight summit push
Day 7: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, then Down to Millennium
Camp
• Start Time: Midnight
• Start Elevation: 4,673 m
• Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak)
• Descent to: Millennium Camp – 3,820 m / 12,533 ft
• Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
• Terrain: Steep volcanic scree, icy summit, and descent into moorland
• Accommodation: Millennium Camp
• Notes: Toughest day – sunrise on the roof of Africa!
Day 8: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate – Return Home
• Start Elevation: 3,820 m
• End Elevation: 1,640 m / 5,380 ft (Mweka Gate)
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
• Activities: Certificate presentation at the gate, transfer to airport/hotel
• Notes: End of climb – time to celebrate your achievement!
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