7 Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climb - The Toughest & Steepest Route to Uhuru Peak
Short, Steep & Direct - For Experienced & Fit Climbers Only
Karibu Mount Kilimanjaro, this trailhead attacks the mountain from the rainforest. After the Barranco the terrain stretches more south before summiting. The descent is done via the Mweka route.
Umbwe is mostly short, steep and tough terrain, due to the fast ascent to high altitude, the route does not offer much acclimatization. Perhaps, this route should only be attempted by those who are physically fit for higher altitudes.
This route still offers the natural habitat of Mount Kilimanjaro. The success rate to the summit is understandably low compared to other routes.
Below is Detailed Itinerary
Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our airport representative and transferred to a hotel in Arusha, for pre-briefing and overnight stay before you set out for your 7 Day Umbwe Route lifetime adventure.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp – 2,940m
After breakfast in Arusha, drive to Umbwe Gate to begin your 7 Day Umbwe Route. Trek through the rainforest – rain showers are likely, so carry a rain jacket. Camp and dinner will be ready on arrival. Temperatures can drop to freezing at night.
First Night Rules: No alcohol, limit caffeine, drink at least 4 litres of water daily, and report any altitude symptoms to your guide immediately.
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp – 3,950m
After breakfast, continue your 7 Day Umbwe Route through the moorland, home to giant lobelia and groundsel. Trek past Barranco Valley with stunning views of the summit before arriving at Barranco Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Arrow Glacier – 4,800m
After breakfast, leave Barranco Camp and climb steadily on the 7 Day Umbwe Route towards Arrow Glacier. This is a short but steep and demanding section with spectacular views of the Western Breach and the summit above.
Dinner and overnight stay at Arrow Glacier Camp, 4,800m.
Day 4: Arrow Glacier to Crater Camp – 5,700m
After an early breakfast, trek the rocky trail up the Western Breach on your 7 Day Umbwe Route to Crater Camp, 5,700m. In the rainy season, ice axe and crampons are required. On arrival, enjoy stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields.
Optional afternoon hike to the Ash Pit – 340m wide and 120m deep. Dinner and overnight stay inside the snow-covered crater, one of Kilimanjaro’s most exclusive camps.
Day 5: Summit Day – Crater to Uhuru Peak 5,895m, Descend to Mweka Camp 3,100m
Wake up around 04:00am for tea and biscuits, then begin the final push on your 7 Day Umbwe Route. Hike for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak, 5,895m – a lifetime accomplishment! Take photos and celebrate briefly at the summit.
Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp, 3,100m, passing moorland into rainforest. Expect fog and rain. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate – 1,980m, Drive to Arusha
After breakfast, descend 3 hours through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to complete your 7 Day Umbwe Route. Sign out and receive your certificate – Green for Stella Point, 5,685m, and Gold for Uhuru Peak, 5,895m.
Transfer to Arusha for a hot shower, lunch and overnight stay.
Day 7: Transfer to Airport – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, or to Arusha Airport for Zanzibar. You can also extend your trip with our wildlife safari.
End of your 7 Day Umbwe Route.
- PRICE FROM: $2,440pps
- Government Taxes
- All National Park entrance fees
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Overnight stay at hotel as per itinerary
- Guide, porter and cook salaries (not including gratuity)
- Crisis management and safety procedures. Rescue fees.
- All three meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner while on mountain.
- All transfers mentioned above, upon your arrival and departure from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha domestic airport.
- Gratuity
- All Personal Items (Example toiletries, cameras)
- Excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary
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