The Umbwe Route is one of the shortest but steepest and most challenging routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is known for its direct ascent and dramatic scenery, making it ideal for experienced trekkers looking for an adventurous and less crowded climb.
The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.
A one-day safari from Arusha takes you to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, or the Ngorongoro Crater. Expect an early start, abundant wildlife, glimpses of Maasai villages, and breathtaking landscapes.
The Umbwe route is widely regarded as the most difficult due to its rapid ascent to high altitudes. It allows little time for acclimatization, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
Despite its difficulty, the Umbwe route remains a straightforward ascent. It features steep climbs and requires trekkers to navigate rocky sections and tree roots at certain points.
The early days of this path arguably offer the most breathtaking scenery on the mountain, except perhaps for the summit itself. At times, magnificent panoramas unfold on both sides as you ascend the trail.
Due to its steep and direct approach, the success rate on the Umbwe route is lower compared to some of the other routes.
The itinerary below outlines a 5-night/6-day Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe route. FiveLions Expeditions offers a 7-day private climb option, which includes an additional acclimatization day on day three at Barranco Camp.
The trek begins at Umbwe Gate, where the trail ascends along a ridge nestled between two deep valleys, winding through a dense montane forest. The campsite is situated among towering trees and lush undergrowth. Since there is no water source at this site, we must bring all necessary water from the gate for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Elevation: 1,600m → 2,850m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: ~6 hours
Terrain: Montane Forest
The trail becomes steeper in this section, and as you emerge from the forest along the Umbwe Ridge, the route descends slightly into the Barranco Valley, where the Barranco Camp is located. Here, you will join trekkers from the Machame and Lemosho routes, making the camp a lively and bustling spot due to the convergence of these popular trails.
Elevation: 2,940m → 3,970m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: ~5–6 hours
Terrain: Montane Forest
Leaving Karanga Camp behind, we ascend to the junction where the trail merges with the Mweka descent route. From there, we continue upward to Barafu Hut. This marks the completion of the Southern Circuit, providing breathtaking views of the summit from multiple angles. At camp, we can rest, have dinner, and make final preparations for the summit push. From this vantage point, the towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are clearly visible.
Elevation: 3,500m → 3,900m (11,500ft → 12,800ft)
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: ~3–4 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
We leave the heath zone and enter the alpine zone as we hike 4-6 hours past Lava Camp (up to about 14,300’) with its volcanic landscape,Our highest point of the day offers a perfect spot to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we make a steep descent to our campsite for the night, nestled at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3,960 m). The camp is sheltered by towering cliffs while providing expansive views of the plains below.
Elevation: 3,900m → 4,630m → 3,960m (12,800ft → 15,190ft → 13,000ft)
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: ~6–7 hours
Terrain: Rocky alpine desert
Our day begins with a descent into the Great Barranco, a vast ravine. We then make a steep ascent up the Great Barranco Wall, which separates us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. This climb over rock is not technical but can be long and demanding. As we pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we continue toward the Karanga Valley. From there, a steep climb leads us to our campsite at Karanga Camp (3,963m). For those feeling strong, an optional mid-afternoon acclimatization trek will take us up to approximately 4,200m before we return to camp for the night.
Elevation: 3,960m → 4,035m (13,000ft → 13,250ft)
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: ~4–5 hours
Terrain: Scrambling (Great Barranco Wall)
After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we begin our trek to Barafu Camp at 4,640m. The route takes us across barren scree slopes, with no vegetation in sight. This steep and challenging climb is made even more demanding by the increasing altitude. Upon reaching camp, we have a meal and spend the afternoon resting in preparation for the strenuous night and day ahead. Staying hydrated and keeping warm is essential. We have an early dinner before attempting to get some sleep, as we will be waking between 11:00 PM and midnight to begin our ascent to the summit.
Elevation: 4,035m → 4,640m (13,250ft → 15,220ft)
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: ~4–5 hours
Terrain: Alpine desert
We prioritize safety and quality above all else, which is why our prices are not the lowest. However, they remain fair and reasonable compared to some higher-priced companies. We take great pride in offering excellent value for money to every client. The per-person rates below vary depending on the number of people booking the trek together.
1 person – $3,535
1 person – $1,860
2-5 persons – $3,155
2-5 persons – $1,680
6-10 persons – $3,095
6-10 persons – $1,590
11+ persons – $3,039
11+ persons – $1,500
We believe in keeping you informed at every stage. You’ll receive timely, clear updates, ensuring you're never left in the dark. Our commitment to transparent communication means you always know what’s coming next. Rest assured, you’ll be well-prepared and fully supported throughout.
We ensure a flawless and memorable trip to Tanzania. From efficient airport transfers to comfortable vehicles and expert guides, we manage every aspect. Savor fresh, hygienically prepared meals, leaving you free to focus on your adventure.
We understand plans can shift, so we provide the flexibility to accommodate changes. Whether it's flight delays or adjusting your trip start date, we're here to help you modify your booking as needed.
Reserving with FiveLions Expeditions is straightforward. Secure your spot with a small deposit using any major credit card via our safe payment link. Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible refund policy, offering easy cancellations or date changes, often at no extra cost.
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FiveLions Expeditions is a fully local Tanzanian company, with no middle agents involved. We ensure fair wages and uphold high standards. Our pricing offers the best value in Tanzania, providing top-quality experiences without unnecessary markups or compromises.
The following are not included: international flights, tips ($250-$300 per climber for the entire mountain crew), visa fees ($100 for U.S. citizens and $50 for others), personal gear rentals, hotel meals (lunch and dinner before and after the climb), portable toilets ($250 per unit, shared among up to three people if required), and mountaineering insurance (special coverage for Kilimanjaro climbs, ensuring protection for high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m).