UMBWE ROUTE
The Umbwe Route is considered the steepest, most direct, and most physically demanding route up Kilimanjaro. It approaches the mountain from the south and is known for its rapid altitude gain, dramatic scenery, and sense of adventure. Due to its difficulty and low success rate (especially with shorter itineraries), it is recommended only for experienced climbers or those in excellent physical condition.
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Route Type: Direct ascent (joins Machame route later)
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (southern side of the mountain)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate (southern descent route)
Distance: ~53 kilometers (33 miles)
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Very high
Success Rate: Medium to low (higher with 7-day itinerary)
Crowds: Very low
Scenery: Excellent – forest, ridge lines, gorges, glaciers
Accommodation: Camping only
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Route Type: Direct ascent (joins Machame route later)
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (southern side of the mountain)
Ending Point: Mweka Gate (southern descent route)
Distance: ~53 kilometers (33 miles)
Duration: 6 or 7 days
Difficulty: Very high
Success Rate: Medium to low (higher with 7-day itinerary)
Crowds: Very low
Scenery: Excellent – forest, ridge lines, gorges, glaciers
Accommodation: Camping only
Day-by-Day Itinerary
(7-Day Version Recommended)
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Altitude: 1,800m to 2,850m
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
The trail begins with a steep, rugged climb through dense rainforest and up narrow ridges. Very physical from the start.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Altitude: 2,850m to 3,900m
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Habitat: Heath & Moorland
Continue steeply up ridges before dropping into the scenic Barranco Valley. Jaw-dropping views of the Southern Glaciers.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Barranco Camp
Altitude: 3,900m
Hiking Time: Optional short hikes
Spend the day acclimatizing to the altitude. Hike up nearby ridges or just rest and enjoy the mountain views.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Altitude: 3,900m to 3,995m
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Climb the famous Barranco Wall – a fun scramble offering epic views – then descend and ascend again to reach Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Altitude: 3,995m to 4,673m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Short but tough day at high altitude. Prepare for the midnight summit push.
Day 6: Barafu to Uhuru Peak (Summit) to Mweka Camp
Altitude: 4,673m to 5,895m (summit), then down to 3,100m
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to rainforest
The hardest day. Begin at midnight, reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend all the way to Mweka Camp. Long, exhausting, but unforgettable.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Altitude: 3,100m to 1,640m
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Final descent through lush rainforest. Celebrate with your summit certificate at the gate!