DAY 1 · RAINFOREST
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave
A steep climb from the start, up through dense forest along narrow ridges, with very few other climbers.
- DISTANCE
- 11 km
- WALKING
- 5 to 6 hours
- TONIGHT
- Umbwe Cave Camp, 2,850 m
KILIMANJARO
Umbwe
The steepest, most direct way to the summit.
DURATION
6 days
5 possible
DISTANCE
53 km
Gate to gate
SUMMIT
5,895 m
Uhuru Peak
DIFFICULTY
Very demanding
For experienced trekkers
SLEEP
Private camps
Tents, every night
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Steep, direct, and only for the experienced.
Umbwe climbs straight up the southern side of the mountain through forest and narrow ridges, gaining height faster than any other route. We only recommend it to experienced trekkers who have been to altitude and are short on time.
Experienced trekkersShort on timeSteep, quiet ridgesBeen above 4,000 m before
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
Umbwe is for climbers who already know how their body handles altitude.
It’s steep, quiet and dramatic, and it gains height quickly. If that’s you and time is short, it’s a wonderful climb. If not, we’ll point you to Lemosho.
Rawan Dakik
FOUNDER · ALL SEVEN SUMMITS
THE CLIMB
From the gate to the roof of Africa.
DAY 2 · HEATH AND MOORLAND
Umbwe Cave to Barranco
Up the ridge and out of the trees into the Barranco valley, beneath the glaciers of Kibo.
- DISTANCE
- 6 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- Barranco Camp, 3,960 m
DAY 3 · ALPINE DESERT
The Barranco Wall to Karanga
The famous Barranco Wall: a steep scramble with your hands on the rock, but no technical climbing.
- DISTANCE
- 5 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- Karanga Camp, 4,035 m
DAY 4 · ALPINE DESERT
Karanga to Barafu
A short walk to high camp. A summit briefing, an early dinner and a few hours of rest.
- DISTANCE
- 4 km
- WALKING
- 4 to 5 hours
- TONIGHT
- Barafu Camp, 4,673 m
DAY 5 · ARCTIC SUMMIT
Summit day: Uhuru Peak
You set off around midnight, reach Stella Point as the sun rises, then Uhuru Peak. Then the long walk down to Mweka Camp.
- DISTANCE
- 17 km
- WALKING
- 12 to 14 hours
- TONIGHT
- Mweka Camp, 3,100 m
DAY 6 · RAINFOREST
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
A last walk down through the forest, a farewell with your crew, and your summit certificate at the gate.
- DISTANCE
- 10 km
- WALKING
- 3 to 4 hours
- TONIGHT
- Your hotel in Moshi or Arusha
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Everything on the mountain is taken care of.
INCLUDED ON EVERY CLIMB
- Oxygen on every climb+ pulse oximeters
- First Responder guides1 guide : 2 guests
- Health checksEvery night
- Porter load limit18 kg max
- Park feesAll included
- Evacuation protocolAlways on call
- Private campMess and sleeping tents
- Meals on the mountainCooked fresh at camp
- Airport transfersJRO pickup + hotel night
NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Tanzania visa
- Tips for your crew
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
LUXURY CLIMB
The mountain, with every comfort.
$3,000 per person
Everything above, plus:
- 5 star accommodation in Arusha
- Lebanese culinary dining
- Spacious standing expedition tent
- Sleeping bed with mattress
- 1 dedicated guide per climber
- Hot shower every day
- Portable solar charging
WHEN TO GO
Our pick is October.
Dry, clear and quiet before the short rains, ideal for a fast, steep climb. June to October and January to February are all great. In the rainy months we’ll usually suggest another route.
OUR PICK
JFMAMJJASOND
BestSome cloudRainy
It’s steep, but not technical: no ropes or climbing skills are needed. The challenge is how quickly it gains height, which is why we only recommend it to experienced trekkers.
Umbwe gives your body less time to adjust to altitude. If you haven’t been above 4,000 metres before, a longer route like Lemosho gives you a much better chance.
We recommend 6. The night at Karanga gives you a little more time to adjust before the summit.
The first two days are some of the quietest on the mountain. From Barranco, it shares the trail with Machame. Your camp is always private.
START PLANNING
Ready to climb Umbwe?
Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll get back to you within a few hours.
Let's talk about your Tanzania.