6-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb
A private 6-day climb of Kilimanjaro on the Umbwe route, the steepest and most direct way onto the mountain, camping, with two hotel nights in Moshi, 8 days in total.
Umbwe Is for Climbers Who Have Done This Before
Umbwe climbs straight up a narrow forest ridge on the southern side, gaining height much faster than any other route. On day 2 it joins the southern circuit at Barranco; from there you follow the same path as the Machame and Lemosho routes: the Barranco Wall, Karanga, Barafu and the summit, and down the Mweka route.
Be honest with yourself before you choose it. The first two days are steep and tiring, with roots and rocks to climb over, and the fast gain in height gives your body little time to adjust, so summit chances are lower than on longer routes. Umbwe suits very fit hikers who have been to high altitude before. If this is your first high mountain, choose the 7-day Machame or the 8-day Lemosho instead.
First time at high altitude? See the 7-Day Machame Route →
Why Climbers Choose It
- The steepest, most direct route onto the mountain
- Few other climbers on the first two days
- Joins the southern circuit at Barranco: the Barranco Wall, Karanga and Barafu
- Our own crew, private toilet tent and emergency oxygen
- Two hotel nights in Moshi included
Altitude Profile
Approximate altitudes in metres; published figures differ between sources. D1–D6 are the days on the mountain.
Our driver meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel in Moshi. Your lead guide visits in the afternoon to explain the climb and check your gear.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Dinner is not included on arrival day
↑ about 1,300 m · about 11 km · 5–7 hours
A short drive from Moshi through coffee and banana farms to Umbwe Gate. The path climbs steeply up a forest ridge between two deep river valleys, sometimes over tree roots, to a camp near the top of the forest.
Overnight: Umbwe Cave Camp (tents)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,020 m · about 6 km · 4–6 hours
A steep climb along a narrow ridge out of the forest onto the moorland, with the Western Breach of Kibo ahead, then across to Barranco Camp below the Barranco Wall.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 260 m, with ups and downs · about 5 km · 4–5 hours
A morning scramble up the Barranco Wall, then across valleys to Karanga Camp. A shorter day that gives your body time to adjust.
Overnight: Karanga Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 600 m · about 4 km · 3–4 hours
A short climb over rocky ground to Barafu, the base camp for the summit. Early dinner, then rest until around midnight.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↑ about 1,255 m, ↓ about 2,815 m · about 12–16 hours
By headlamp you climb to Stella Point on the crater rim and along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. You return to Barafu to rest and eat, then walk down to Mweka Camp in the forest.
Overnight: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
↓ about 1,450 m · about 10 km · 3–4 hours
A last walk down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out and receive your summit certificate. Our driver takes you back to Moshi.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi (mid-range, or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we drive you to Kilimanjaro International Airport, or on to one of our safaris.
Meals: Breakfast
Price Per Person — Private Climb
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $2,395 |
| 2 People | $2,175 |
| 3 People | $2,105 |
| 4 People | $2,070 |
| 5 People | $2,045 |
| 6 People | $2,035 |
Price per person in US dollars, by the number of people climbing together. Groups of more than 6: price on request.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Moshi (Kilimanjaro Airport transfers included)
- 8 days in total: 6 days on the mountain + 2 hotel nights
- Private climb: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Only for very fit climbers with high-altitude experience
- An extra acclimatisation day can be added at extra cost
- Prices may change if park fees change
Includes
- Kilimanjaro National Park conservation, camping and rescue fees
- Licensed mountain guides, cook and porters from our own crew
- A personal porter to carry your main bag
- Emergency oxygen carried on the climb
- A sleeping bag
- All meals on the mountain and drinking water
- 2 nights' hotel in Moshi with breakfast
- Private portable toilet tent
- Transfers: Kilimanjaro Airport, Moshi hotel and the park gates
- Summit certificate
Excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance covering trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation
- Tips for the mountain crew
- Personal climbing clothes and boots
- Drinks other than drinking water
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
- Lunch and dinner in Moshi
Questions Climbers Ask
How hard is the Umbwe route?
It is the steepest route on Kilimanjaro. The first two days climb fast through forest and onto a narrow ridge, sometimes using your hands on roots and rocks. No technical climbing is needed, but you must be very fit.
Is Umbwe a good first climb?
No. Because you gain height so fast, your body has less time to adjust, and the risk of altitude sickness is higher. For a first high mountain, choose the 7-day Machame or the 8-day Lemosho.
Can I add a day?
Yes. An extra night at Karanga or Barranco gives more time to adjust and improves your chances. Ask us when you book; the extra park fees and crew days cost more.
What happens if I feel unwell from the altitude?
Your guides check you twice a day and carry emergency oxygen. If symptoms get worse, a guide takes you down at once. Your safety comes before the summit.
What insurance do I need?
Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 metres and emergency evacuation. Please check the altitude limit in your policy before you book.
