7-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro

Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Overview

The 7 Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro is one of the most challenging and rewarding ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Designed for experienced trekkers, the Umbwe Route offers a steep, direct, and less-crowded ascent for those seeking adventure and solitude. The trek begins in dense rainforest before rising quickly through dramatic ridges, alpine desert, and high-altitude terrain. Unlike popular Kilimanjaro routes, Umbwe delivers a raw wilderness experience with breathtaking scenery. Climbers may tackle the Western Breach or connect to the Southern Circuit for improved acclimatization. With rapid altitude gain, this route suits strong hikers only. Reaching the Kilimanjaro summit via Umbwe is a powerful and unforgettable achievement. Book your 7-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro climb today.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1: Arusha- to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Your Kilimanjaro climb begins early with a briefing and breakfast, followed by a one-hour drive from Moshi to Umbwe Village. After final gear checks, the trek starts at Umbwe Gate on the challenging Umbwe Route of Mount Kilimanjaro. The steep trail winds through dense rainforest with fig and rubber trees, requiring steady climbing over roots and rocks. After several demanding hours, you arrive at Umbwe Camp, surrounded by forest and caves, where a hot meal and rest await.

Meals Plan: Lunch, Dinner

7-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Your Kilimanjaro trekking day begins with a warm breakfast and hot tea or coffee to prepare you for the climb. The trail ascends steeply through thinning forest into the alpine zone, where Giant Erica and Heather dominate the landscape and the air becomes cooler and drier. As you hike along a narrow ridge, breathtaking views unfold, and on clear days you may spot Uhuru Peak rising ahead. After lunch, the route continues through a surreal garden of giant groundsels, one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most remarkable natural features.
 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)

Barranco Camp (3,900 m / 12,800 ft) is a key stop during a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, dedicated to proper acclimatization. Spending an extra night at Barranco Camp allows your body to adjust to high altitude, reduce fatigue, and improve summit success. The day includes short acclimatization hikes along scenic ridges, with stunning views of cliffs, glaciers, and alpine landscapes. This vital rest day helps climbers prepare physically and mentally for the challenging ascent ahead.
 
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Begin your day on the Mount Kilimanjaro climb with an exciting ascent of the Barranco Wall, a highlight of the Machame Route that includes light scrambling and breathtaking views. After reaching the top, continue trekking through dramatic alpine desert terrain. In the afternoon, arrive at Karanga Camp (3,995 meters) for dinner and overnight accommodation, allowing time to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the final stages of your Kilimanjaro summit ascent.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Ascend through the stark alpine desert on Mount Kilimanjaro toward Barafu Camp (4,673 meters), the final high camp before the summit of Uhuru Peak. This challenging yet steady trail prepares climbers for summit night. After reaching Barafu Camp, rest and hydrate while your guides brief you for the midnight summit attempt. Enjoy a warm dinner and overnight stay as you prepare for the ultimate Kilimanjaro climb experience.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5 Days Marangu Route Kilimanjaro

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Begin your final summit push on Mount Kilimanjaro at midnight, climbing steep switchbacks toward Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim. From here, continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa and the ultimate Kilimanjaro summit achievement. After sunrise views and celebration photos, descend via Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp (3,100 m), where a warm dinner and well-earned rest await after a successful Kilimanjaro climb.

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, begin your descent from Mount Kilimanjaro through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,640 meters). Along the trail, enjoy rich vegetation and fresh mountain air as you complete the final stage of your Kilimanjaro climb. At the gate, finalize park formalities and receive your official Kilimanjaro summit certificate. A private vehicle then transfers you comfortably to your hotel in Arusha, where you can relax, celebrate your successful Mount Kilimanjaro adventure, and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower.

 

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
6 Days Machame Route Kilimanjaro

Cost includes

All transfers

Professional and experienced mountain guide, cook and porters

Rescue fees

Quality mess tents with tables and chairs

Clean purified water

Accommodation before climbing

All entry fees

All meals during your trekking

Large portion of fresh healthy nutritious food

Cost Excludes

Sleeping bags, bring your own sleeping bag but still you can rent it in Arusha at reasonable

Flight ticket

Gratitude’s for Kilimanjaro climbing crews

Personal expenses (e.g. laundry bills, telephone bills, beverages etc.)

Anything not mentioned above