Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
Route review, sucess rate , detailed itinerary and prices
Price from $2,500
Overview of the Umbwe route
The Umbwe Route is a lesser-known but rewarding trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Often seen as difficult due to its steep start, it becomes more manageable after the first two days and is suitable for fit hikers. Starting on the southern side, it joins the Lemosho and Machame routes by day three near the Barranco Wall.
Umbwe is notably quiet in its early stages, offering a sense of solitude. It’s available as a 6- or 7-day trek, with the 7-day option recommended for better acclimatization. The route is highly scenic, crossing all of Kilimanjaro’s climate zones and showcasing the mountain’s unique landscapes, plants, and wildlife.
Our recommendation
The main difference between the Umbwe and Machame routes lies in the first two days. Umbwe has an average gradient of 21.5%, compared to Machame’s 17%, making it steeper and slightly more challenging early on. After this initial section, the trail becomes more moderate. We highly recommend the 7-day Umbwe itinerary, which includes an extra night at Barranco Camp for improved acclimatization.
Umbwe route detailed itinerary
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Distance: 7 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 4: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feetElevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
Hiking time: 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Departure
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast Includedus leo.
Arrive in Tanzania
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Hiking time: 4 to 6 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 2: Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hoursMeals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft) to Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft)
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5 hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.
Distance: 7 Kilometers
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 5: Karanga Valley (4,200m/13,780ft) to Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft)
After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu passes through alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.
Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,100ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,340ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos of your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters, 4,240 feetElevation Loss: 2,795 meters, 9,170 feet
Hiking time: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft) to Mweka Gate (1,500m/4,920ft)
After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.
Hiking time: 4 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Departure
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
Meals: Breakfast IncludedUmbwe route - summit success rate
Traditionally offered as a 6-day trek, the Umbwe Route now also has a 7-day option that provides better acclimatization. Despite its reputation for being steep, the 6-day itinerary has shown very high success rates:
Uhuru Peak: 97.1%
Crater Rim: 97.8%
These impressive numbers are partly due to the fact that the route is often chosen by strong, experienced hikers. For the average trekker, the success rate is likely closer to 90%, similar to the Machame 6-day route.
The newer 7-day variation is expected to perform even better, thanks to its more gradual ascent and improved acclimatization profile.
Choosing a route and operator that prioritize acclimatization and altitude safety significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit.
tours | Price per person |
Lemosho 6 days | $ 20000 |
lemosho 7days | $ 30000 |
lemosho 8 days | $ 4000 |
Climbing cost includes
All transfers
Hotel before and after the hike
The night before your climb and the night after your descent, you will stay in a 3-star hotel near Moshi Town, included in your Kilimanjaro package. Accommodation is in a shared double room by default, with the option to upgrade to a single room for an additional fee. Your stay includes everything a traveler needs: comfortable rooms with mosquito nets, professional staff, an on-site restaurant, swimming pool, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi to ensure a relaxing and convenient experience before and after your climb.
Camping equipment
For all our expeditions, we use durable 4-season tents designed to keep you warm at night and protected from rain. Each tent includes a buffer zone where you can remove your dusty boots and rain gear before entering the main sleeping area. We've relied on this tent model for many years with excellent results. Although the tents are originally built for three people, we only accommodate two per tent to ensure comfort and space for both climbers and their duffel bags. You'll share the tent with your travel companion, or if you're traveling solo, we'll pair you with a same-sex tentmate. If you prefer to have a tent to yourself, you can request a private tent for an additional charge, which covers the cost of an extra porter to carry it.
Meals on the hike
Our mountain chefs and waiters will take care of preparing and serving your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the adventure. The menu has been designed in consultation with a professional dietitian to ensure that our meals are both delicious and energy-rich, providing hikers with the necessary nutrition.
Professional guides and porters
At Dreamworth Safaris, your Kilimanjaro climb is led by experienced, certified guides who specialize in high-altitude trekking and safety. Our guides are trained in first aid and emergency response to ensure a secure and enjoyable expedition. Supporting them is our team of skilled porters, who carry equipment, set up camps, and provide essential assistance throughout the journey. We follow strict ethical standards, including fair wages, proper meals, and weight limits, aligned with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP). Our dedicated guides and porters are passionate about helping you reach the summit safely while delivering excellent service every step of the way.
GPS trackers
Each expedition is equipped with a reliable GPS tracking device, allowing us to track our Kilimanjaro teams in real-time. While primarily a safety protocol, the GPS links also provide peace of mind for your loved ones who can track the hikers’ progress from home.
The morning your Kilimanjaro expedition begins, our adventure consultant will give you a QR code that can be scanned to generate a GPS link
Medical kit
At Dreamworth Safaris, your safety is our top priority. Our guides carry a fully equipped medical kit on every Kilimanjaro expedition, stocked with essential supplies to handle common altitude-related issues, minor injuries, and emergencies. The kit includes medications for altitude sickness, pain relief, bandages, antiseptics, and other first aid essentials. Our guides are trained in Wilderness First Responder (WFR) techniques, enabling them to provide immediate care and manage any health concerns on the mountain. We are committed to ensuring you have a safe and healthy climb from start to finish.
All park fees and taxes
At Dreamworth Safaris, all Kilimanjaro National Park fees and government taxes are fully included in our expedition packages. This covers the park entrance fees, camping fees, rescue fees, and all mandatory taxes required for your climb. We handle all permits and official documentation on your behalf, so you can focus on your adventure without any hidden costs or surprises. Climb with confidence knowing that everything is taken care of transparently and professionally.
Climbing cost excludes
International flights
Our Kilimanjaro packages don’t include international flights. You’ll be responsible for covering those costs separately. Feel free to contact your manager to get recommendations about the airlines operating flights to Tanzania.
Tips to the crew member
Tipping your guides and porters is a customary way to show appreciation for their hard work, dedication, and support during your Kilimanjaro climb. While tips are not included in the package price, they are an important part of the crew’s income.
Visa fee
Please note that visa fees for Tanzania are not included in our Kilimanjaro packages and must be paid separately by travelers upon arrival or in advance, depending on your nationality. The cost and process vary, so we recommend checking the latest visa requirements with your nearest Tanzanian embassy or official government website before your trip. If you need assistance or guidance with your visa application, our team at Dreamworth Safaris is happy to help.
Personal gear rentals
If you don’t have all the necessary equipment for your Kilimanjaro climb, Dreamworth Safaris offers a range of personal gear available for rent. This includes items like sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and other essential gear to ensure your comfort and safety on the mountain. Renting gear can help lighten your packing load and ensure you have high-quality, reliable equipment. Please contact us in advance to arrange rentals and check availability.
Single supplement
Our group expeditions include shared accommodation, which means you'll be sharing a hotel room and a tent with either your travel companion or a same-sex member of your travel group. If you prefer a private room and/or tent, please let us know. Single supplements are available for an additional charge. Single supplement is not available on the Marangu route where you stay overnight in huts that can accommodate up to 20 hikers.
Travel insuarance
Travel insurance is not included in our climbing packages. For our Kilimanjaro and Meru hiking adventures, all participants are required to have travel insurance that covers trekking to altitudes of up to 6000 meters and a helicopter evacuation. Since the requirements and costs of insurance vary across different countries, please contact your insurance provider to make sure that those requirements are covered, and find out about the exact costs.
Portable toilet
Currently, the cost of portable toilets is not included in the tour package to reduce trip expenses. Public restrooms are available in camps along the way. However, for those who prioritize comfort, renting a portable toilet is highly recommended. You can contact our travel consultants to learn more about this option. Portable toilet is not available on the Marangu route due to the Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.