Route Overview
Umbwe is the most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa. On the Umbwe Route you will pass through strange landscapes as you climb through five climate zones ranging from rainforest to the summit glaciers.
Why Choose Umbwe?
- Most direct route to Uhuru Peak
- Spectacular landscapes & rainforests
- Join Mweka Route for descent
- Summit via Barafu Camp
- Five climate zones
Key Information
- Duration: 6 Days
- Max Elevation: 5,895m
- Success Rate: 80.00%
- Min Group Size: 2 people
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day
Arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport and be picked up and transferred to the Hotel (Boma Masai Garden) at Bomang'ombe 18.3 km from the Airport for your overnight, dinner and breakfast.
Drive to Umbwe Gate & Trek to Umbwe Camp
Drive from Bomang'ombe to Umbwe gate. Start hiking after breakfast following a briefing. Your guide and porters will pack your equipment and give you a lunch box. Continue for several hours through forest of red cedar trees. The Umbwe Camp is in the forest. You will be served hot meal at this point.
- Forest trek
- Red cedar trees
- First camp
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
The day will start early with a cup of coffee or tea. After breakfast, you will climb slowly through forest glades, giant trees, heather and drier air. You continue up a ridge that drops steeply on both sides. Hopefully the clouds will part to reward you with a view of Uhuru Peak looming overhead. In late afternoon, you will have lunch and enter a zone of bushes that seems to guard the heights, where you can see Kilimanjaro's special plant species.
- Heather zone
- Uhuru views
- Special plant species
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp
In the morning you pack then start hiking east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. Turn left on the mountain and hike up the ridge through the landscape for another hour to the Barafu hut. There is no water at Barafu Camp. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge. Study the place before dark to avoid accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb. After early dinner, go for a few hours of precious sleep.
- Mweka junction
- Base camp
- Summit preparation
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Today you will leave Barafu Camp at midnight and begin your night climb to the roof of Africa. This stretch will push you as your body is tired and the climb keeps going through the night. Keep a steady pace and listen to your guide as you make it through the final stage of the climb, standing at Uhuru Peak watching the sun rise and the clouds run below you. After a brief rest and photos from the peak, you will descend back to Barafu hut for a short nap and snacks before continuing down to Mweka camp for the night.
- Midnight summit
- Sunrise at Uhuru
- Peak celebration
- Descent
Descent to Mweka Gate
This is the last day where you will descend to Mweka Gate. It is the best day to say bye to your guides, cook, porters and all crew. Please don't forget to tip the crew - in African community, tip shows the real appreciation for the best services you had on the mountain.
- Final descent
- Certificate ceremony
- Tipping ceremony
Amenities & Features
Group Discounts
What's Included
- 2 nights accommodation before climbing and after climbing
- Qualified professional guides
- All park fees and rescue fees
- Tented camps accommodation
- Sleeping bags, cooking equipment, waiter salaries
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro Airport)
- All meals on the mountain
- All accommodation and entry fees for guide and crew
Not Included
- Guide and porter tips
- Drinks at the hotels
- Personal mountain equipment
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights on the mountain and at hotels
- Extra activities
- International flights tickets
Other Kilimanjaro Routes
Marangu Route 5 Days
The only route with mountain huts accommodation, offering a comfortable climb to Uhuru Peak.
View DetailsLemosho Route 8 Days
A remote and scenic route with the best acclimatization schedule for maximum summit success.
View DetailsMachame Route 7 Days
Experience the scenic "Whiskey Route" with excellent acclimatization and high summit success rates.
View DetailsBook This Adventure
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