Group rate starting at $1,950.00/Person

If you want to have a true mountain climbing challenge, Umbwe Route is the one for you to choose when desiring to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is one of the shortest routes to the southern glaciers and it is also the most difficult and challenging routes on the mountain. This route is very quiet, far from the crowds that are found on the more popular routes. While it is not a technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to climb over rocks and tree roots at certain points on the way to the summit. If you choose this route, we advise that you are fit and as ready as possible for the challenge.

Prices are based per person. Make sure to ask about our group rates. Please make travel plans adding a day before the trek begins and a day after you leave the mountain. (Arrival day & Departure Day)

Day 1

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro International Airport to Moshi

You will arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). After making your way through customs, you will be greeted by your transfer team and transferred to your over night accommodation at the Chanya Lodge in Moshi. You will meet your main guide and be given a short briefing to prepare you for your climb. This will include inspection of equipment and gear. You will then get a good night's rest in preparation for your first day of trekking.

Day 2

Trekking Day 1: Moshi to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation gain: 5,249ft to 9,514ft - Hiking Time: 5-7 hours (7 miles)

After breakfast you will load up your gear and start the 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where your registration will be completed. We will then transfer you to the Umbwe Gate, where your climb will begin. The trail ascends up a winding path through the rain forest. The path will steepen and narrow as we climb up the ridge between two rivers. We will reach Umbwe camp where you will spend your first night.

Day 3

Trekking Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation gain: 9,514ft to 13,044ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (4 miles)

The second day will present a much rockier terrain through moss- covered trees. As you gain elevation, you can see glimpses on the peak of Kilimanjaro. The path will flatten as we get closer to Barranco Valley. We will descend slightly, to Barranco camp through the Senecio Forest.

Day 4

Trekking Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 13,044ft to 13,106ft - Hiking Time 4-5hours (3 miles)

You will begin your day descending in to a ravine at the base of the Barranco Wall. From there we will climb the non-technical but steep cliff. After we reach the top of the wall, we will cross a series of hills and valley as we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up will bring us to Karanga Camp where we will spend the night. This day is shorter and meant to help with acclimatization.

Day 5

Trekking Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation gain: 13,106ft to 15,331ft - Hiking Time: 4-5 hours (2 miles)

After breakfast we will leave Karanga Camp and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail, continuing until we reach Barafu Hut. Once we have reached the hut, we have completed the Southern Circuit. We will set up camp and rest after an early dinner to prepare for summit day. The twin peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from this view.

Day 6

Trekking Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Elevation gain: 15,331ft to 19,341ft to 10,065ft - Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent; descent 4-5 hours (10 miles)

You will be awakened around 11:30pm for a warm beverage and then we will start our trek towards the summit at around midnight. This will be the most challenging part of your adventure, as we will be hiking in the dark by the light of your headlamp, and it will be windy and cold. We will ascend through the darkness for a few hours before reaching Stella Point (18,900 ft elevation), where you will be rewarded with one of the most magical sunrises you will ever see over Mawenzi Peak. Finally we will arrive at Uhuru Peak. Congratulations! You have now made it to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa!

From the summit, we will start our descent down the mountain to Mweka Hut, stopping first at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky, making your trekking poles very useful, as the terrain can be very hard on your knees. We will spend your last night on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

Day 7

Trekking Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation gain: 10,065ft to 5,380ft - Hiking Time: 3-4 hours (6 miles)

On your last day on the mountain, we will have breakfast and then continue our descent to Mweka Gate. Your guide will help you register your climb at the visitor's center and our driver will meet you to take you back to the Chanya Lodge for a hot shower, celebration of your accomplishment, certificate ceremony and the memorable tipping ceremony, where you can show your appreciation to your Kilimanjaro Crew! Now you can enjoy a good night's rest after this huge accomplishment.

Day 8

Departure Day: Moshi to Kilimanjaro International Airport

If your time in Tanzania ends today, our team will make sure you are transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departing flight. If you have booked and extended stay for one of our safaris or a day trip, we will be there to assist you in the next steps for your extended stay.

Hakuna Matata!!