The 6-Day Umbwe Routeis Kilimanjaro’s most challenging yet rewarding path—perfect for experienced trekkers seeking an intense adventure. This steep, less-travelled trail ascends rapidly through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, offering striking views and raw wilderness. Conquer the iconic Barranco Wall, traverse breathtaking valleys, and summitUhuru Peakunder the stars. With expert guides, hearty meals, and full mountain support, this journey delivers not only elevation—but a profound sense of achievement. A true bucket-list experience!

Challenging, Less-Traveled Path — Perfect for experienced trekkers, the Umbwe Route offers a thrilling, steep ascent with fewer crowds, giving you an authentic wilderness experience.

Lush Rainforest to Alpine Desert — Trek through vibrant rainforest alive with colobus monkeys, into moorland and finally the stark, otherworldly alpine desert.

Conquer the Great Barranco Wall — Test your resolve and enjoy the rewarding scramble up this iconic, dramatic rock face with jaw-dropping views.

Magical Sunrise Summit — Reach Uhuru Peak before dawn and witness a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise from the roof of Africa.

Full Support Team — Climb with confidence, supported by expert guides, warm meals, quality gear, and friendly porters.

A Life-Changing Journey — Beyond the summit lies deep personal accomplishment, unforgettable memories, and a story worth telling forever.

6 Days Umbwe Route

Trip Highlights

  • Steep, scenic trail for experienced trekkers.
  • Less-crowded route with raw, untouched beauty.
  • Camp under starlit skies in remote wilderness.
  • Conquer the iconic Great Barranco Wall.
  • Summit Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
  • Feel true accomplishment on Africa’s highest point.

Day-By-Day

Day

1

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Before beginning our 6-day Umbwe Route trek, we will register at the Umbwe Park Gate. We climb up through the rainforest and along the Umbwe River on a short curving trail. The first night’s camp is in Umbwe Cave Camp, which is located at an elevation of roughly 2,900 meters.

  • 1600m - 2900m
  • 11km
  • 6 hours

Day

2

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

After we leave camp, we reach the end of the rainforest zone on Mount Kilimanjaro. As the afternoon mists drift up the Great Barranco, we can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach emerging and receding. We’ll spend the night in Barranco camp.

  • 2940m - 3970m
  • 6km
  • 4-5 hours

Day

3

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s adventure begins with a quick but enjoyable climb to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall. We next descend over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m), which lies beneath the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers’ icefalls. We’ll spend the night in the Karanga camp.

  • 3950m - 3930m
  • 7km
  • 4 hours

Day

4

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave the Karanga camp behind to reach the Mweka descending Trail’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of perspectives. We may relax, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo may be easily viewed.

  • 3930m - 4600m
  • 6km
  • 3 hours

Day

5

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

At 23:30, you will be awoken with some fast tea and some snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we begin our ascent to the top. Guided by headlamps and determination, you’ll trek through the icy night, passing Rebman and Ratzel glaciers en route to Stella Point. Just as dawn breaks, you’ll arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa. Take in the sunrise, snap your summit photos, and soak in this life-defining moment. Afterwards, descend through scree and gravel back to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • 4600 - 5895m - 3100m
  • 7km ascent / 23km descent
  • 6-8 hours ascent/7-8 hours descent

Day

6

Mweka Camp to Hotel

After breakfast, we trek down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will obtain your summit certificates which marks the end of your6 days Umbwe Routetrek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

  • 3100m - 1800m (and down to 3100m)
  • 8km
  • 3-4 hours

Itinerary Details

Umbwe Gate

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Before beginning our 6-day Umbwe Route trek, we will register at the Umbwe Park Gate. We climb up through the rainforest and along the Umbwe River on a short curving trail. The first night’s camp is in Umbwe Cave Camp, which is located at an elevation of roughly 2,900 meters.

  • 1600m - 2900m
  • 11km
  • 6 hours

Umbwe Camp

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

After we leave camp, we reach the end of the rainforest zone on Mount Kilimanjaro. As the afternoon mists drift up the Great Barranco, we can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach emerging and receding. We’ll spend the night in Barranco camp.

  • 2940m - 3970m
  • 6km
  • 4-5 hours

Barranco Camp

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today’s adventure begins with a quick but enjoyable climb to the summit of the Great Barranco Wall. We next descend over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m), which lies beneath the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers’ icefalls. We’ll spend the night in the Karanga camp.

  • 3950m - 3930m
  • 7km
  • 4 hours

Karanga Camp

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave the Karanga camp behind to reach the Mweka descending Trail’s junction. We proceed up to the Barafu Hut from here. You’ve finished the Southern Circuit, which provides views of the peak from a variety of perspectives. We may relax, eat dinner, and prepare for the summit day in camp. From this vantage point, the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo may be easily viewed.

  • 3930m - 4600m
  • 6km
  • 3 hours

Barafu Camp

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

At 23:30, you will be awoken with some fast tea and some snacks. Between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, we begin our ascent to the top. Guided by headlamps and determination, you’ll trek through the icy night, passing Rebman and Ratzel glaciers en route to Stella Point. Just as dawn breaks, you’ll arrive at Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – the highest point in Africa. Take in the sunrise, snap your summit photos, and soak in this life-defining moment. Afterwards, descend through scree and gravel back to Mweka Camp for a well-earned rest.

  • 4600 - 5895m (and down to 3100m)
  • 7km ascent / 23km descent
  • 6-8 hours ascent/7-8 hours descent

Barafu Camp

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Hotel

After breakfast, we trek down to the Mweka Park Gate, where you will obtain your summit certificates which marks the end of your 6 days Umbwe Route trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It might be muddy and damp at lower levels. The use of gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. T-shirts and shorts will suffice (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

  • 3100m - 1800m (and down to 3100m)
  • 8km
  • 3-4 hours

What to Expect

Climbing Kilimanjaro offers adventure, challenge, and incredible views, supported by expert crews, proper equipment, and thoughtful logistics for a safe ascent.

Connection

Transfers

Airport pickups and transfers to your chosen trailhead.

Activities

Activities

Daily guided treks, acclimatisation hikes, and summit attempts.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Mountain tents or huts with meals prepared fresh daily.

Support 24/7

Support

Certified guides, porters, and 24/7 local emergency assistance.

Knowing Melodica Tours has taken care of everything

"At Melodica Tours and Safaris, we believe the smallest details make the biggest difference. We won’t stop refining your safari experience until everything feels just right. From the very beginning, our focus is to bring your dream journey to life — thoughtfully, beautifully, and down to the finest detail."

About Booking This Tour

Booking your adventure is simple, secure, and fully supported by our expert team. From reserving your place to arranging flexible travel protection, we are here to help you plan with confidence and peace of mind.

Booking your dream safari is easy. Once you’ve chosen your preferred itinerary, simply contact our reservations team through our website, email, or phone.

We’ll confirm availability, answer any questions, and guide you through the booking process. You’ll then receive a detailed confirmation and travel documents, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience from start to finish.

To secure your place, a deposit is required at the time of booking. The amount depends on your chosen tour and will be communicated. Final payment is generally due 60 days before departure.

Our team will send reminders and support you through the process so your payment schedule is clear and stress-free.

We strongly recommend purchasing a comprehensive travel protection plan. This helps safeguard your investment in case of unexpected situations such as illness, delays, or lost luggage.

You can choose coverage through a provider of your choice, or let us assist you with recommended options tailored to East African safaris, giving you greater peace of mind.

We understand that plans can change. If you need to postpone your safari, please contact us as early as possible.

We’ll work with you to reschedule your travel dates, subject to availability, and explain any applicable change fees.

Our team is committed to finding flexible solutions to protect your travel investment wherever possible.

If you must cancel your booking, please notify us in writing right away. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you inform us and are outlined in our booking conditions.

We aim to minimise any costs where possible, and we recommend travel insurance to help recover funds for non-refundable services in case of cancellation.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Prepare for a seamless safari journey by arranging your passport, visa, health documents, and baggage details early, ensuring you arrive relaxed, confident, and fully ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Once you have chosen your itinerary, confirming your reservation is the first step. Our team will assist you with securing your spot and provide all necessary pre-departure information.

We recommend confirming early to guarantee availability, especially during peak seasons. Once reserved, you will receive detailed documents to help you prepare.

A deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the remaining balance typically due 60 days before departure.

Full details will be shared upon reservation. Our team will support you with reminders and a clear payment schedule to ensure your planning remains stress-free and your adventure stays on track.

All travellers will need a valid passport, with at least six months’ validity from the date of travel.

Depending on your nationality, a visa may be required for entry into your chosen East African destinations.

We recommend checking requirements early and applying for visas in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

International flights are not usually included in our tours, but we’re happy to advise on the best routes and trusted airlines.

Remember to review your airline’s luggage limits, as smaller safari planes may also have weight restrictions.

Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended for ease of storage on light aircraft and safari vehicles.

Let’s Plan Your Next Holiday Trip

Let’s plan your unforgettable African safari—epic game drives, stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and close encounters with wildlife. Adventure, wonder, and lifelong memories await you here.

  • Pick up at the International Airport
  • Transfer to the hotel Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
  • Kilimanjaro National Park permits
  • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees
  • Camping/hut fees
  • 3 meals daily while on the mountain. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request
  • Modern tents
  • First aid kit
  • Warm and comfortable sleeping pads (2 inches thick)
  • Portable flush toilets can be provided for free upon clients' request
  • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
  • Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel
  • Accommodation after the climb
  • International certificates for a successful ascent

  • Sleeping bag
  • Local and international flights
  • Visa
  • Other meals at the hotel in the town
  • Tips
  • Personal gear such as a sleeping bag, boots and clothes
  • Laundry services
  • Personal items such as souvenirs and travel insurance
  • Soft and alcoholic beverages

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Sales & Reservations Manager

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Tour Consultant