Climb Kilimanjaro in 7 days via the Umbwe Route, with an extra day on the mountain to adjust to the altitude on this steep and scenic trail.
About this tour
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek via Umbwe Route (7 Days)
The 7-day Umbwe itinerary keeps the steep, direct character of the route but adds one more day on the mountain. That extra day helps your body adapt to the altitude and improves your chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
You begin in thick rainforest on the southern slopes and climb steadily toward the high moorland. The trail is quiet, rugged, and rewarding for trekkers with good fitness and some hiking experience.
Highlights
- Extra day for better acclimatization on a steep route
- Quiet, rugged rainforest trail
- Scenic high-altitude moorland and rock formations
- Experienced local guides and a full support crew
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Umbwe Gate (1,650 m) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,940 m) through rainforest.
Day 2 Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m).
Day 3 Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Barranco Camp up the Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (4,030 m).
Day 4 Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Karanga Camp
Rest and acclimatization day at Karanga Camp with a short hike higher up, then back to sleep.
Day 5 Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673 m). Early dinner and rest.
Day 6 Day 6: Summit Day, Uhuru Peak
Start around midnight via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), then descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m).
Day 7 Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640 m), then transfer to Moshi.
Your safari at a glance
What's included
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, plus transfers to and from the park gate
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees, rescue fees and VAT
- Camping fees and sleeping tents, dining tent, tables, and chairs
- Licensed mountain guides, cook, and porters, including their wages
- Three meals a day on the mountain, hot drinks, and treated drinking water
- Foam sleeping mattress
- First aid kit, pulse oximeter checks, and emergency oxygen
- Pre-climb briefing and gear check in Moshi
- Summit certificate for those who reach Stella Point or Uhuru Peak
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa and travel or medical insurance
- Tips for the guides, cook, and porters
- Personal gear, equipment rental, and personal expenses
- Hotel accommodation, drinks, and meals in Moshi before and after the trek
- Optional upgrades (private tent, thicker mattress, private toilet)
Important information
- Uhuru Peak is 5,895 m (19,341 ft). Altitude affects everyone, so fitness, a slow pace, and a positive attitude matter.
- A pre-climb briefing and gear check is held the evening before the trek begins.
- Tips are paid at the end of the trek. A common guide is USD 20 to 25 per day for the lead guide, 15 to 20 for the assistant guide, 12 to 15 for the cook, and 8 to 10 per porter, shared by the group.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is strongly recommended.
- Bring warm layers, waterproof jacket and trousers, broken-in hiking boots, gloves, a warm hat, a headlamp, trekking poles, and a sleeping bag (rental is available).
- Private tour: the climb can start any day of the year and the itinerary can be adjusted.
Best time to travel
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