A steep, quiet climb through rainforest on a narrow ridge, with very few other groups.
Joins the Barranco Wall and the Southern Circuit for spectacular views of Kibo.
The shortest way to the summit, but not a route for first-time trekkers.
Overview
Umbwe is the steepest route on Kilimanjaro. It climbs from the southern forest straight up a ridge, reaching high altitude quickly. That makes it fast and quiet, and it also makes acclimatisation harder.
We recommend Umbwe only for fit, experienced hikers who have already spent time at altitude, and we suggest adding an extra day if you can. The longer Machame route is usually a better first choice. See Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tour facts
Difficulty
Challenging
Group sizes
Private, Small group
Great for
16+
Languages
English, Swahili
Start point
Moshi
Guest rating
4.8 / 5
Best months to travel
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day-by-day itinerary
Day1Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave CampMount Kilimanjaro
From the gate at about 1,650 metres we climb steeply through dense rainforest along a narrow ridge to Umbwe Cave Camp at around 2,940 metres.
Day2Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco CampMount Kilimanjaro
The forest thins into heath and moorland. We reach Barranco Camp at about 3,900 metres, beneath the towering Barranco Wall.
Day3Barranco Camp to Karanga CampMount Kilimanjaro
A morning scramble up the Barranco Wall, then a walk across ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp at about 3,930 metres.
Day4Karanga Camp to Barafu CampMount Kilimanjaro
A short climb to Barafu Camp at about 4,680 metres, where we rest and eat before the summit attempt.
Day5Summit day: Uhuru Peak and Mweka CampMount Kilimanjaro
A midnight start climbs to Stella Point on the crater rim and on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres for sunrise. We descend to Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp.
Day6Mweka Camp to Mweka GateMount Kilimanjaro
A last walk through moorland and rainforest to Mweka Gate, certificates, and a transfer to your hotel.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
KINAPA park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fee for the route and nights sold
Chief guide, assistant guides, cook and porters within park crew ratios
Tents or huts as the route requires, mess tent and three meals a day on the mountain
Private transfers from your Moshi or Arusha hotel to the gate and back
Purified drinking water on the mountain
Two nights in a hotel in Moshi or Arusha, bed and breakfast, before and after the climb
Not included
International flights, visa and hotel nights beyond those included
Sleeping bag, down jacket and other personal kit (a hire list is sent with your quote)
Tips for the mountain crew, which we explain before you fly
Travel insurance that covers trekking to 6,000 metres, which is required
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
High season
1 Jan – 31 Mar
$1,850
High season
1 Jun – 31 Oct
$1,850
Low season
Best value
1 Apr – 31 May
$1,720
Low season
Best value
1 Nov – 31 Dec
$1,720
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Low season rate.
1 traveller
$2,614
--52%
2 travellers
$1,720
-0%
3 travellers
$1,668
-3%
4 travellers
$1,634
-5%
5 travellers
$1,600
-7%
6 travellers
$1,565
-9%
7 travellers
$1,548
-10%
8 travellers
$1,531
-11%
Frequently asked questions
Is Umbwe suitable for beginners?
No. It is the steepest route, and the quick gain in altitude makes altitude sickness more likely. It suits strong, experienced trekkers.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need mountaineering experience, but you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on consecutive days. Hill walking in the months before helps a lot.
What are the chances of reaching the summit?
They depend mostly on time to acclimatise, your pace and the weather. Longer routes and a slow pace give the best chance, but no operator can guarantee a summit.
