The Umbwe Route climbs a steep forest ridge from Umbwe Gate to Barranco Camp in two days, then follows the southern circuit to Barafu Camp and the summit.
Max altitude5,895 m
Total distance53 km
Scenery
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
1,600 m → 2,850 m 11 km Montane rainforest
Steep forest ridge to the first camp.
Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
2,850 m → 3,960 m 6 km Moorland to alpine desert
Continue up the ridge to Barranco Camp.
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
3,960 m → 4,035 m 5 km Alpine desert
Barranco Wall and Karanga Valley.
Day 4
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
4,035 m → 4,673 m 4 km Alpine desert
Short climb to base camp.
Day 5
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp
4,673 m → 3,100 m (high point 5,895 m) 17 km Arctic to rainforest
Summit night and descent.
Day 6
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
3,100 m → 1,640 m 10 km Montane rainforest
Final descent and transfer to Moshi.
Included
Kilimanjaro National Park fees (conservation, camping, rescue)