The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most challenging ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This trek is recommended for a seasoned hiker with plenty of experience at high altitudes. Allow your experienced guides, porters, cook, and extra day of rest help you realize your goal of reaching the top of Uhuru Peak.
You’ll ascend through the various mountain climates quite quickly as you hike the steep trail up the mountain. By night two you’ll already be at nearly 4000m! This itinerary allows you to spend an extra night at this elevation to acclimatize. Barranco Camp is a great home base for a day of rest and exploration since the views are stunning. You’ll appreciate being well-rested when you take on the imposing Barranco Wall. This guided hiking tour will circle the peak on the Southern Circuit, giving you many views of the summit and surrounding peaks. Your summit day will be the ultimate highlight of your tour. Starting with a challenging midnight climb, you’ll cross between spectacular glaciers through heavy scree to Stella Point. Allow the sunrise to inspire your final push to the summit and be rewarded with the view from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll start your descent quickly and spend your final night at a much more comfortable altitude. Complete your journey with a pick up from Mweka Gate and drive back to Moshi. You did it!
7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most challenging ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This trek is recommended for a seasoned hiker with plenty of experience at high altitudes. Allow your experienced guides, porters, cook, and extra day of rest help you realize your goal of reaching the top of Uhuru Peak.
You’ll ascend through the various mountain climates quite quickly as you hike the steep trail up the mountain. By night two you’ll already be at nearly 4000m! This itinerary allows you to spend an extra night at this elevation to acclimatize. Barranco Camp is a great home base for a day of rest and exploration since the views are stunning. You’ll appreciate being well-rested when you take on the imposing Barranco Wall. This guided hiking tour will circle the peak on the Southern Circuit, giving you many views of the summit and surrounding peaks. Your summit day will be the ultimate highlight of your tour. Starting with a challenging midnight climb, you’ll cross between spectacular glaciers through heavy scree to Stella Point. Allow the sunrise to inspire your final push to the summit and be rewarded with the view from the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. You’ll start your descent quickly and spend your final night at a much more comfortable altitude. Complete your journey with a pick up from Mweka Gate and drive back to Moshi. You did it!
Hike through lush rainforest, scenic valleys, and across dramatic ridges.
Keep your strength up with healthy meals prepared for you and your companions by your cook.
Tackle the Barranco Wall and complete the Southern Circuit.
Watch a once in a lifetime sunrise from Stella Point before you push yourself to the summit.
Trip map for 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route
Barbara C.
Amalfi Coast Bicycle Tour
We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
Everest Base Camp
Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
XC Skiing in the Dolomites
It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, you will be picked from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today you will spend time having a pre-trek briefing. The team will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed. Please note that the accommodation or airport transfers for this day are not included but can be booked as a supplement.
This morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi and driven to the Umbwe Gate. There will be some registration procedures you’ll have to complete before you start your hike. The trail quickly ascends a steep forest track through the rainforest. You’ll still be under lush tree cover when you arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp for the night.
Today you’ll notice the forest recede into mountain moorland. You’ll have a steady ascent up the ridge before it flattens into the valley. When you reach Barranco Camp you’ll be joining campers who are hiking the Machame Route.
Now that you’re at nearly 4000m you’ll begin really feeling the effects of the elevation, especially since your ascent was so fast. Today will be an important day to rest and become more acclimatized before you climb even higher. You can choose to soak in the spectacular views from camp or explore the valley on your own.
You’ll be glad to be well-rested this morning as you take on the impressive Barranco Wall. It’s a steep hike up and over, but you’ll enjoy the views from the top as you crest the ridge and descend into the Karanga Valley.
Your trail today continues around the Southern Circuit, which means you’ll get to see the inspiring summit from nearly all angles. Head to bed after an early dinner in preparation for your midnight departure and summit attempt tomorrow!
Enjoy those short hours in your sleeping bag because this morning’s hike will be cold and dark as you head out after midnight. The hike this morning will be the most challenging yet, as the steep and loose trail will be cold with very little oxygen. Despite being short of breath, make sure you take a moment to take in Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers as you pass between them and begin the scramble up to Stella Point. Here your efforts will be rewarded with an inspirational sunset before your final hour to the peak.
Congratulations! At the summit, you’ve reached Africa’s highest point and have a moment to celebrate. From Uhuru Peak, you’ll begin your descent back down the mountain on Mweka Trail. Although the descent may be tough on your knees, you’ll find it becoming easier to breathe as the elevation decreases.
After a great sleep, you’ll continue down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll receive your summit certificate, and your driver will take you back to Moshi.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
This guided hiking tour of Mount Kilimanjaro is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the pricing depends on your group size.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided group of 4: from $2,020USD* per person
Please note that the price depends on the size of your group. Please contact us to get the exact quote.
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and purified drinking water are included.
Accommodations
Camping accommodations for 6 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes the transfers between Moshi and the trailhead before and after the tour. Airport transfers can be booked as a supplement.
Also Included
- Experienced mountain guides
- Porter and cook
- Park fees
- Quality four-season tents (based on twin share)
- Sleeping mattress
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Mess tents with table and chairs
- Conservation, camping and rescue fees
- VAT (18% charged by the government)
Not Included
- Visas if required
- Flights to and from Tanzania
- Personal equipment such as sleeping bag, trekking poles, etc. (rental options are available)
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation for 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route
All the included accommodations are camping tents at designated camps along the trail. Tents are good quality and waterproof with a sleeping pad. The provided tents are double occupancy. Private tents and private toilets can be rented as additional gear.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private tent (please enquire for more information).
How hard is the 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route tour?
We rate this tour as a 5 / 5. The Umbwe Route is short and steep with little time to acclimatize to the elevation. It is recommended that only hikers with a lot of experience at high elevations attempt this route. The extra day to acclimatize will help increase your chances of success. No technical climbing skills are required, but the trail can be very steep with challenging footing in some sections.
Is there first aid available on the 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route tour?
Yes, the experienced and professional guides are all trained in first aid as well as in the use of personal protective equipment.
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route tour?
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, and purified drinking water are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking at high altitudes. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Moshi to start this tour?
Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Is the 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Are equipment rentals included?
A tent, sleeping pad, and mess tent are all included. You’ll need to provide your own personal trekking equipment such as a sleeping bag, hiking boots, and trekking poles. You will have the opportunity to rent anything you are missing locally the day before your departure.
Where does the 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro on Umbwe Route tour end?
The tour ends with a transfer back to Moshi. Airport transfers or extra nights in Moshi can be booked as a supplement.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Tanzania?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Tanzania?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Tanzania for this tour?
The best time to travel to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is when the weather is warmest and driest, which tends to be December-March and June-October.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Custom Guided Trips
Experience a private trip led by a highly-vetted local guide taking you to places most travellers never see.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!