Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
6 Days Trekking Umbwe Route
Route Summary
The 6 Days Trekking Umbwe Route offers a thrilling and less crowded path to the summit of Kilimanjaro. With its challenging ascents, stunning scenery, and excellent acclimatization profile, this route is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking an adventurous and rewarding experience. Book now and prepare to conquer Africa’s highest peak!
Key Highlights:
Umbwe Route: Renowned for its dramatic ascents and fewer crowds, offering a more intimate trekking experience.
Summit Day: Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, for a breathtaking sunrise.
Diverse Ecosystems: Traverse through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.
Itinerary in Detail
The journey kicks off with a 1-hour drive to Machame Gate, where registration procedures await completion. From there, we proceed through villages, passing by coffee and banana plantations until we reach Umbwe Gate. The trail takes a steep ascent along a forestry track, winding through the dense rainforest. As we climb the ridge nestled between two rivers, towering trees envelop us. The path becomes narrower and steeper, leading us to Umbwe Camp, nestled amidst trees and lush undergrowth.
Overnight: Umbwe Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner included
On the second day of the trek, we traverse rougher terrain characterized by scattered vegetation and scattered, moss-draped trees. As we ascend, occasional views of Kilimanjaro emerge. The trail levels out as we near Barranco Valley. Descending from the Umbwe ridge, we enter Barranco Camp via the peculiar yet stunning Senecio Forest.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Our day starts with a descent into a ravine towards the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. Subsequently, we ascend the nearly 900-ft cliff, which, though non-technical, is steep. After conquering the Barranco Wall, we traverse a sequence of hills and valleys until we sharply descend into Karanga Valley. Another steep ascent brings us to Karanga Camp. Designed for acclimatization, this is a shorter day's journey.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Departing from Karanga, we reach the intersection linking to the Mweka Trail. Proceeding onwards, we ascend through the rocky terrain toward Barafu Hut. Upon reaching this juncture, you've traversed the Southern Circuit, providing panoramic views of the summit from various perspectives. Here, we establish camp, rejuvenate, and partake in an early dinner in readiness for summit day. The towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this vantage point.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
In the wee hours of the morning, just around midnight, our journey to the summit commences. This leg of the trek proves to be the ultimate test, both mentally and physically. The biting wind and piercing cold at this altitude and hour can be formidable. We steadily climb through the darkness, pausing briefly for short breaks along the way. As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise unfolds, casting its brilliance over Mawenzi Peak.
Our destination, Uhuru Peak, awaits us - the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa itself. From the summit, we embark on our descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a pit stop at Barafu for lunch. The path is strewn with rocks and can be taxing on the knees, making trekking poles invaluable. Nestled in the upper forest, Mweka Camp often sees mist or rain in the late afternoon. As evening falls, we savor our final dinner on the mountain before retiring for a well-deserved rest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
On our final day, we proceed with the descent towards Mweka Gate to retrieve our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become wet and muddy. Upon reaching the gate, we trek for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to transport us back to the hotel in Moshi | Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included
Included
- Airport pick-up and dropoff
- Mountain sleeping tent
- Mess tents with tables and chairs
- Certified, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides:
- Climbing permits
- All hot Meals are prepared by our cook
- Guides, Porters, and Cook Salaries
- Enough porters to carry your luggage
- Safety Equipment
- Emergency Oxygen
- Mineral water
- Emergency rescue fees
- Personal Summit Certificate
Excluded
- Insurance
- International | Local flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (Souvenirs, Toiletries)
- Travel Insurance | Visa
- Alcoholic drinks
- Laundry services
- Tipping on Kilimanjaro from the trekking group (not per climber): Guides: $20/day/guide, Cook: $15/day, Porter: $10/day/porter NB: Our Guides, cooks, and Porters are always satisfied with the Thanksgiving (tip) you have and not beyond your ability.
Book This Tour
Package Price List
| No. of Pax | Price per Person |
| 1 Pax | $ 2000 |
| 2 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 3 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 4 Pax | $ 1500 |
| 5 Pax | $ 1500 |
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Our Customer's Feedback
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Sébastien P12 November 2024Perfect experience An amazing experience with very welcoming hosts and they will go out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible!Verified
Tore H3 October 2024Tanzania Firstly, I want to say if you’re thinking of going, don’t think twice just go. Tanzania has so many amazing things to offer and the kindness and hospitality that I experienced from Lolita and her family has been heartwarming and very much appreciated as I was travelling alone. The kids that you meet at the library and the kids that you teach at the local schools are simply the sweetest. You feel really appreciated and that the work you’re doing is making an impact.This experience will always have a special place in my heart! Asante sana - kwahiri!Verified
Amber S3 October 2024A great place to stay! We loved our stay in Arusha with Lolita and her family. They’re super kind and welcoming so you feel right at home! The food was also great and the surroundings so beautiful. I would really recommend going to stay here!Verified
Louis28 September 2024Thank you Lolita! Thank you very much, Lolita, for welcoming me in Arusha and your amazing home! I loved beim surrounded by your warm and happy Family. I am looking forward to coming back soon!Verified
shana b23 September 2024A wonderful experience ❤️ You'll be greeted by Lolita, a warm, caring and friendly hostess. For a very affordable price you will have your own room, toilet and shower. Lolita will take care of breakfast, lunch and dinner (all delicious), so you can relax and share in the friendly atmosphere. An opportunity to live an immersive, family experience.Verified
Johannes F4 September 2024Grateful stay I was with Lolita for over two months and I am so grateful for that time. The whole family is so lovely and made me feel like part of the family. I think in two months it is normal that there are situations that are not so easy to handle but I could always talk to them. The room is simple, but everything you need is there. Lolita is a great cook and I always preferred to eat at her place than in town. There are also three guides who showed me a lot of places in the city. In my second organisation this was not the case, so I am also thankful to Tyson, Luis and Mary, because of them I saw a lot of the country, especially the environment.The best part of my trip was definitely the children. In the mornings I went to Ilboru Lutheran Primary School and in the afternoons I spent time learning and playing with the children from the streets. My volunteer colleagues and I often decided to come earlier, leave later or play with them on the weekends because they are full of joy and it is so nice and fun to be with them. I am really falling in love with these children. Finally I can say that going with Beyond Child Smile was a great decision and I can only recommend it to everyone!Verified
Mathias3 September 2024Asante Sana Spending one month at Beyond Child Smile was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was teaching in primary and secondary school which was an amazing experience. Lolita, Lucy & Livia are so welcoming and you feel home the second you arrive! They help you whenever you need something! The food is fresh, local and so good. I already miss Chapati & Rice with Beans :( Having this hospitality during your volunteer work makes your stay in Arusha so enjoyable. Asante Sana! MathiasVerified
Giulia C21 August 2024Chakula kitamu! My experience at Lolita’s and Beyond Child Smile was simply amazing. Lolita and Lucy are just the sweetest ladies who will make you feel at home. Moreover, Lolita has the nicest daughter. The food is traditional and really good! Always fresh and tasty. Us volunteers would go to her house during lunch and dinner and we would come finding the food ready to eat. I think they constitute a major part of my experience and I’m really grateful that Lolita was part of it. I highly recommend this volounteer experience.Verified
Matt D7 August 2024An amazing experience I really can’t recommend Lolita’s enough. The accommodation is very affordable and ideal for young and/or solo travelers, and the food prepared by Lolita was always amazing. However it is the people that really make the experience special. Lolita and her family, along with the local community of Ilboru, could not be more welcoming.Verified
Cindy B4 August 2024Loli's place was perfect The experience was incredible!I stayed at Lolita's for over 40 days. She has great hospitality, her family is warm and welcoming, the food was tasty and fresh.I enjoyed my time alone laying on the sofa outside reading my book, just as much as I enjoyed playing with the kids, or discussing culture and politics with lolita.I definitely recommend!Tripadvisor rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 32 reviews