The Umbwe Route is the steepest most direct route on Mount Kilimanjaro., offering a
challenging and rewarding climb for experienced trekkers. Beginning on the forested
southern slopes, the route is remote and rarely used, providing true a true wilderness
experience. After joining the Machame Route at Barranco, the trail follows the Southern
Circuit, allowing better acclimatisation before the summit attempt.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by a Kilimanjaro Mavens representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. In the afternoon, your lead guide conducts a detailed pre-trek briefing covering safety procedures, altitude awareness, Pole Pole pacing, and a full gear check. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, we drive approximately 80km (2-2.5 hours) from Arusha to
Umbwe Gate. Following registration our trek begins with a steep ascent through dense
montane rainforest. The narrow less-travelled trail is rich in wildlife and birdlife, giving a
strong sense of adventure from the very first day.
Umbwe Cave Camp, located is at the edge of the forest. Tents will be erected and the
kitchen staff busy preparing dinner. Snacks will follow shortly, then dinner will be served
before going to bed for a long rest ahead of day two.
Elevation: 1,640m to 2,850m | Distance: 11km | Time: 5-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
The forest gradually thins, as we climb steeply along a ridge with dramatic views of the
Western Breach. This demanding ascent is followed by a descent into the Baranco Valley,
where giant senecios and lobellias dominate the landscape. Baranco Camp is set
beneath the impressive Barranco Wall, offering stunning views of Kibo.
Elevation: 2,850m to 3,986m | Distance: 6km | Time: 4–6 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we tackle the iconic Barranco Wall — a non-technical, fun but
challenging scramble.
At the top we are rewarded with panoramic views before traversing valleys and ridges on
our way to Karanga Camp. This shorter day supports acclimatisation and recovery.
Elevation: 3,986m to 4,035m | Distance: 5.2km | Time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we cross the alpine desert landscape on the southern slopes of Kibo. A steady
ascent leads us to Barafu Camp, our base camo for the summit attempt. The afternoon
is spent resting, hydrating and preparing equipment for the night climb ahead.
Night 4: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit)
Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m | Distance: 3.8km | Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After celebrating at the summit and a brief rest, we continue back down to Barafu Camp
– a tough walk given that you’ve used up almost your entire energy reserves going up. At
Barafu we take breakfast and relax for an hour, before continuing our walk down the
mountain, this time on the Mweka Trail to Mweka Camp. Note that, judging from your
condition after a long and brutal walk to the summit and down to Barafu, your guide will
decide on the final stop of the day between Millennium and Mweka Campsite.
Elevation: 5,895m to 3,106m | Distance: 11.5km | Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A gentle descent through the rainforest to the gate, where we celebrate with your
certificate and a well-earned rest. A bus will be waiting to take you to your celebratory
lunch and then back to your hotel for you to treat yourselves with warm showers and
cold beers. Your trek is at an end. Your guide will tell you what to do and you will have a
chance to say thanks to the whole team before you part ways.
Elevation: 3,106m to 1,633m | Distance: 9.1km | Time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
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