The 7-Day Umbwe Route is the most challenging and least crowded trail on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced climbers looking for a direct and steep ascent.
Day 01 :
Umbwe Cave Camp – Rainforest Zone
- Start at Umbwe Gate (5,249ft / 1,600m) and trek through dense rainforest to Umbwe Cave Camp (9,514ft / 2,900m).
- Trekking time: 5-6 hours
- Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp
Day 02 :
Barranco Camp – Moorland Zone
- Ascend through steep ridges to reach Barranco Camp (13,066ft / 3,983m).
- Trekking time: 6-7 hours
- Overnight at Barranco Camp
Day 03 :
Karanga Camp – Alpine Desert Zone
- Climb the Barranco Wall and trek to Karanga Camp (13,106ft / 3,994m).
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight at Karanga Camp
Day 04 :
Extra Acclimatization Day at Karanga Camp
- Spend an extra day at Karanga Camp (13,106ft / 3,994m) to improve acclimatization.
- Overnight at Karanga Camp
Day 05 :
Barafu Camp – Alpine Desert Zone
- Ascend to Barafu Camp (15,239ft / 4,644m) for summit preparation.
- Trekking time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight at Barafu Camp
Day 06 :
Summit Day – Uhuru Peak & Descent to Mweka Camp
- Start at midnight and summit Uhuru Peak (19,341ft / 5,895m).
- Descend to Mweka Camp (10,204ft / 3,110m).
- Summit ascent: 7-8 hours
- Descent to Mweka Camp: 6-8 hours
- Overnight at Mweka Camp
Day 07 :
Mweka Gate & Kilimanjaro Certificate
- Complete the descent to Mweka Gate (5,423ft / 1,653m).
- Descent time: 3-4 hours
- Return to Arusha (~3 hours)
Congratulations! You’ve conquered Kilimanjaro’s 6-Day Umbwe Route. 🎉
