6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Umbwe Route
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Climbing
6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking – Umbwe Route Overview
The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest path up Kilimanjaro, offering a challenging climb with spectacular scenery. It is less crowded and preferred by strong, fit climbers who want a direct ascent. This 6-day itinerary includes a rapid climb with essential acclimatization stops to maximize summit success.
itinerary plan
Day 1
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Elevation: 1,980m to 2,900m
Distance: ~6 km
Hiking Time: 4–6 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Arrival at Umbwe Gate for registration, followed by a steep trek through dense rainforest to Umbwe Cave Camp. The trail is challenging but rewarding with lush vegetation.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 2,900m to 3,900m
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Ascend steeply out of the rainforest into moorland, passing dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Reach Barranco Camp, famous for the Barranco Wall climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,900m to 4,035m
Distance: ~5 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Climb the challenging Barranco Wall, then traverse the valley to Karanga Camp for acclimatization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Day 4
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
Distance: ~4 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
A shorter hike to Barafu Camp, the final camp before summit night. Use the afternoon to rest and prepare.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (Summit Day)
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,100m
Distance: ~17 km
Hiking Time: 11–14 hours total
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
Start the summit ascent around midnight. Reach Uhuru Peak for sunrise, then descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – Transfer to Moshi/Arusha
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Descend through rainforest to Mweka Gate, receive your summit certificate, then transfer to Moshi or Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Cost Includes
- Park fees and camping/hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Professional, experienced mountain guides and porters
- Tents and camping equipment
- Transfers to/from park gates
- Certificate of achievement
Safari Cost Excludes
- Flights
- Accommodation before/after trek (can be added)
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, cook
- Travel insurance
- Medical evacuation (highly recommended to have coverage)