6 Days Umbwe Route

Overview

The shortest and steepest way up Kilimanjaro — a challenging climb with spectacular scenery, for experienced hikers.

Highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

   Registration, then a steep trek through lush rainforest.

   1,980 m → 2,900 m~6 km4–6 hoursRainforestOvernight: Umbwe Cave Camp

2. Day 2Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

   A steep climb out of the rainforest into moorland, among dramatic cliffs and rock formations.

   2,900 m → 3,900 m~8 km6–7 hoursMoorlandOvernight: Barranco Camp

3. Day 3Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

   Climb the Barranco Wall, then traverse the valleys to acclimatise.

   3,900 m → 4,035 m~5 km4–5 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Karanga Camp

4. Day 4Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

   A shorter hike with an afternoon rest before summit night.

   4,035 m → 4,640 m~4 km3–4 hoursAlpine desertOvernight: Barafu Camp

5. Day 5Summit day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

   A midnight start, sunrise at Uhuru Peak and the descent to Mweka Camp.

   4,640 m → 5,895 m → 3,100 m~17 km11–14 hoursArctic to rainforestOvernight: Mweka Camp

6. Day 6Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

   Descend through the rainforest to the gate for your certificate and the transfer to Moshi or Arusha.

   3,100 m → 1,640 m~10 km3–4 hoursRainforest

Elevation profile

Good to know