Tour Type
Mountain Climbing
Tour Duration
09 Days - 08 Nights
Min. No of Pax
1
Tour Price
Budget
On request
Mid-range
On request
Luxury
On request
The Price Includes
• Airport pickup on arrival
• Airport transfer on departure
• Pre climb accommodation in Arusha
• Post climb accommodation in Arusha
• Transportation to Umbwe Gate
• Transportation from Mweka Gate to Arusha
• Professional licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guide
• Assistant guides according to group size
• Kilimanjaro porters
• Professional mountain cook
• Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
• Camping fees
• Rescue fees required by park regulations
• Applicable government taxes
• Mountain tents
• Sleeping mattresses
• Dining tent where provided
• Breakfast during the climb
• Lunch during the climb
• Dinner during the climb
• Drinking water
• Hot drinks
• Daily guide briefing
• Altitude monitoring
• Summit preparation briefing
• Kilimanjaro summit certificate for eligible successful climbers
• Services of the Tansania Toll Safaris mountain operations team
The Price Excludes
• International flights
• Domestic flights unless specifically stated
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance
• High altitude trekking insurance
• Personal trekking equipment
• Hiking boots
• Sleeping bag unless rented or included
• Trekking poles unless included
• Waterproof clothing
• Thermal clothing
• Personal toiletries
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soft drinks
• Personal snacks beyond those provided
• Meals in Arusha unless specifically stated
• Additional hotel nights
• Equipment rental
• Optional excursions
• Tanzania safari extensions
• Zanzibar beach extensions
• Personal expenses
• Telephone calls
• Souvenirs
• Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks and porters
• Emergency medical costs not covered by applicable insurance
• Services not specifically mentioned under the inclusions
Tour Overview
The 9 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route with 7 Days Hiking is one of the most dramatic, direct and adventurous ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is designed for experienced hikers and physically prepared travellers who are looking for a challenging mountain journey with steep terrain, spectacular scenery and a strong sense of wilderness from the very beginning.
Organized by Tansania Toll Safaris, based in Arusha, Tanzania, this itinerary gives you seven hiking days on the mountain and follows a carefully paced program that provides additional time for acclimatization before the final summit attempt. The Umbwe Route is known for its steep and rapid ascent through the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, and for this reason it is generally considered one of the more demanding Kilimanjaro climbing routes.
Mount Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895 metres above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world. The mountain consists of three volcanic cones known as Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo is the highest cone and contains Uhuru Peak, while Mawenzi is known for its jagged volcanic profile and Shira is the oldest and most heavily eroded formation.
The Umbwe Route begins on the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro, where the trail enters dense rainforest and immediately begins gaining altitude. Unlike more gradual routes, the Umbwe trail climbs steeply from the lower forest toward high ridges, making the early stages physically demanding but also extremely rewarding.
The first section takes you through lush montane forest toward Umbwe Cave Camp, where you spend your first night on the mountain. The trail is narrow in some sections and surrounded by thick vegetation, creating a true wilderness atmosphere.
From Umbwe Cave, the route continues upward toward Barranco Camp through steep ridges and dramatic valleys. As the forest disappears, the landscape changes rapidly into heath, moorland and eventually alpine environments.
One of the most important features of this extended seven day Umbwe itinerary is the additional acclimatization time provided after reaching the southern circuit. This allows the body more time to adapt to altitude before moving toward the summit.
Barranco Camp is located at approximately 3,960 metres above sea level and sits beneath the famous Barranco Wall. This area provides spectacular views of Kilimanjaro’s southern glaciers and the upper slopes of Kibo.
The following stage takes you over the Barranco Wall, one of the most memorable sections of the entire climb. The ascent involves steep trekking and scrambling, but it is not generally considered technical climbing.
After Barranco, you continue toward Karanga Camp at approximately 4,035 metres. The combination of climbing and descending between ridges helps support acclimatization.
The journey then continues toward Barafu Camp at approximately 4,640 metres, which is the final summit base. Here, you rest, eat and prepare for the midnight ascent toward the crater rim.
The summit attempt begins in darkness and follows steep volcanic terrain toward Stella Point at approximately 5,756 metres. From Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point on the African continent.
Reaching Uhuru Peak is the defining moment of the expedition. When weather conditions are favourable, you may see glaciers, volcanic formations, distant mountain ranges and clouds far below.
After the summit, you descend toward Barafu and continue to Mweka Camp, where the increased oxygen and warmer temperatures provide welcome relief after summit night.
The final trekking day takes you through the rainforest toward Mweka Gate, where the mountain trek officially comes to an end. You then return to Arusha for a well deserved rest.
This 7 day Umbwe Route itinerary is suitable for climbers looking for a more demanding and adventurous Kilimanjaro experience. It is particularly attractive to travellers with good fitness, trekking experience and the determination to tackle one of Kilimanjaro’s steepest routes.
With Tansania Toll Safaris, your expedition is supported by professional mountain guides, assistant guides, porters and cooks. Our focus is on responsible pacing, safety, altitude awareness and helping you experience Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence.
9 Days Umbwe Route Quick Facts
• Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Route: Umbwe Route
• Total Trip Duration: 9 Days
• Mountain Hiking Duration: 7 Days
• Highest Point: Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
• Starting Side: Southern Kilimanjaro
• Exit Point: Mweka Gate
• Accommodation on Mountain: Tented camping
• Difficulty Level: Very challenging
• Climbing Style: Non technical high altitude trekking with steep sections and scrambling
• Starting City: Arusha, Tanzania
• Main Ecological Zones: Rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit environment
• Major Highlights: Umbwe forest, Umbwe Cave, Barranco Valley, Barranco Wall, Karanga, Barafu Camp, Stella Point and Uhuru Peak
Day To day
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ARUSHA AND KILIMANJARO CLIMBING BRIEFING
Welcome to Tanzania and the beginning of your 9 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route adventure. Depending on your travel schedule, you will normally arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a representative from Tansania Toll Safaris will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.
The road journey from Kilimanjaro International Airport to central Arusha usually covers approximately 45 to 55 kilometres and takes around one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel.
Arusha lies at approximately 1,400 metres above sea level and is one of Tanzania’s major tourism centres. It is the ideal place to prepare before travelling toward Mount Kilimanjaro.
After reaching your hotel, you will meet your professional mountain guide for a detailed pre climb briefing. Your guide will explain the Umbwe Route itinerary, daily hiking stages, altitude changes, mountain weather, acclimatization strategy, summit plan and safety procedures.
Your trekking equipment will also be inspected to ensure you have suitable hiking boots, waterproof clothing, thermal layers, warm gloves, trekking poles, a headlamp and proper sleeping equipment.
The remainder of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration and final preparation.
Major activities today include:
- Airport arrival assistance
• Transfer to Arusha
• Hotel check in
• Umbwe Route briefing
• Trekking equipment inspection
• Final luggage preparation
• Rest and hydration
Optional activities include:
- Short Arusha city exploration
• Local restaurant visit
• Coffee shop visit
• Souvenir shopping
• Relaxation at your hotel
DAY 2: ARUSHA TO UMBWE GATE AND HIKE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 1,640 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 2,850 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 10 to 11 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest
After breakfast in Arusha, you travel toward Umbwe Gate on the southern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. The road journey normally takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
After completing national park registration procedures, you begin trekking through dense tropical rainforest. The Umbwe Route immediately reveals its challenging character because the trail climbs steeply from the lower slopes.
The forest is thick and humid, with towering trees, moss covered branches, ferns and rich vegetation surrounding the narrow trail.
You gradually gain more than 1,000 metres of elevation during the day, making this one of the more demanding opening stages among Kilimanjaro routes.
The trail continues along ridges and through forest sections toward Umbwe Cave Camp at approximately 2,850 metres above sea level.
Once at camp, your crew prepares the tents and evening meal while your guide discusses the following day’s route.
Major activities today include:
- Transfer from Arusha to Umbwe Gate
• Kilimanjaro registration procedures
• Rainforest trekking
• Steep ascent
• Mountain vegetation observation
• Camping at Umbwe Cave
Additional experiences may include:
- Forest photography
• Birdwatching
• Nature interpretation
• Evening mountain briefing
• Short acclimatization walk
DAY 3: UMBWE CAVE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 2,850 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 3,960 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 6 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Habitat: Heath, moorland and alpine transition
After breakfast, you leave Umbwe Cave and continue climbing steeply through the upper forest and toward more open terrain. The landscape begins to change as vegetation becomes shorter and the route enters heath and moorland.
The trail follows dramatic ridges with deep valleys on either side, creating some of the most impressive scenery on the Umbwe Route.
As altitude increases, the environment becomes cooler and more exposed. Kibo begins to dominate the skyline when weather conditions are clear.
The route eventually joins the southern circuit near Barranco Camp at approximately 3,960 metres above sea level.
Barranco Camp sits beneath the imposing Barranco Wall and offers impressive views of Kilimanjaro’s upper slopes.
This stage involves significant altitude gain, so your guide will encourage a slow pace and proper hydration throughout the day.
Major activities today include:
- Steep mountain trekking
• Transition from forest to moorland
• High altitude acclimatization
• Ridge walking
• Barranco Valley arrival
• Camping beneath Barranco Wall
Additional experiences may include:
- Kibo photography
• Glacier viewing
• Sunset photography
• Short acclimatization walk
• Landscape observation
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP ACCLIMATIZATION DAY
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,960 metres
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,960 metres
Highest elevation reached: Depends on guide selected acclimatization route
Approximate hiking time: 2 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine transition zone
Day four is dedicated to high altitude acclimatization, which is especially important on the Umbwe Route because the early stages gain altitude quickly.
After breakfast, your guide assesses the condition of the group before beginning a controlled acclimatization hike to higher ground around the Barranco area.
The objective is to gain additional elevation before returning to sleep at Barranco Camp. This follows the principle of climb high and sleep low and provides your body with more time to adapt to reduced oxygen.
The surrounding landscape is dramatic, with views toward the Barranco Wall, southern glaciers and upper Kilimanjaro.
After the acclimatization walk, you return to camp for lunch, rest and hydration.
The remainder of the day is used for recovery and preparation for the Barranco Wall ascent the following morning.
Major activities today include:
- High altitude acclimatization hike
• Controlled elevation gain
• Health monitoring
• Rest and recovery
• Summit preparation discussion
Additional experiences may include:
- Barranco Wall photography
• Glacier photography
• Short landscape walk
• Stretching
• Sunset viewing
DAY 5: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,960 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 4,035 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 5 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you begin the famous Barranco Wall ascent, one of the most exciting sections of the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route.
The climb involves steep trekking and scrambling, but it does not normally require technical climbing equipment.
Your guides lead you carefully through the safest sections and help maintain a steady pace.
After reaching the top of Barranco Wall, you are rewarded with impressive views across the southern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
The trail continues across ridges and valleys before descending toward the Karanga Valley.
You then make a final ascent to Karanga Camp at approximately 4,035 metres above sea level.
The repeated climbing and descending helps support acclimatization and prepares your body for the higher altitude ahead.
Major activities today include:
- Barranco Wall ascent
• Controlled scrambling
• High altitude trekking
• Karanga Valley crossing
• Acclimatization
• Camping at Karanga
Additional experiences may include:
- Barranco Wall photography
• Glacier viewing
• Landscape photography
• Sunset viewing
• Rest and recovery
DAY 6: KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 4,035 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 4,640 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 4 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert
Today you continue toward Barafu Camp, the final staging point before the summit attempt.
The trail climbs gradually through barren alpine desert, where vegetation becomes almost nonexistent.
The volcanic landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as Kibo rises directly ahead.
After approximately 3 to 4 hours of hiking, you reach Barafu Camp at around 4,640 metres above sea level.
Once at camp, the focus shifts completely to summit preparation. Your guide provides the final briefing and explains the expected timing, pace and safety procedures for the midnight climb.
You organize your summit clothing, gloves, headlamp, snacks, water and essential equipment.
Dinner is served early so that you can rest before the summit departure.
Major activities today include:
- Trekking to Barafu Camp
• High altitude acclimatization
• Summit preparation
• Equipment organization
• Final summit briefing
• Early rest
Additional experiences may include:
- Mawenzi viewing
• Kibo photography
• Sunset photography
• Short acclimatization movement
DAY 7: BARAFU CAMP TO STELLA POINT, UHURU PEAK AND DESCEND TO MWEKA CAMP
Starting elevation: Approximately 4,640 metres
Stella Point elevation: Approximately 5,756 metres
Uhuru Peak elevation: 5,895 metres
Sleeping elevation: Approximately 3,080 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 16 to 17 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 11 to 15 hours
Habitat: Arctic summit environment, alpine desert and descending moorland
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of your Umbwe Route expedition. Your summit attempt begins around midnight after warm drinks and a light meal.
You leave Barafu Camp in darkness and climb slowly through steep volcanic terrain. The temperature can become extremely cold, especially as you approach the crater rim.
The pace remains slow because the combination of altitude, reduced oxygen, cold temperatures and steep terrain makes summit night physically demanding.
Your first major destination is Stella Point at approximately 5,756 metres. Reaching Stella Point places you on Kilimanjaro’s crater rim and represents a major achievement.
From Stella Point, you continue gradually along the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres.
Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest point on the African continent.
When weather conditions are clear, the sunrise reveals glaciers, ice formations and the vast landscapes surrounding Kilimanjaro.
After taking photographs and celebrating briefly, you begin descending toward Barafu Camp.
You normally rest at Barafu before continuing downward to Mweka Camp at approximately 3,080 metres.
The lower altitude provides higher oxygen levels and warmer temperatures, making it a welcome place to recover after the summit climb.
Major activities today include:
- Midnight summit departure
• High altitude night trekking
• Stella Point ascent
• Crater rim trekking
• Summit of Uhuru Peak
• Sunrise viewing
• Glacier viewing
• Descent to Barafu
• Continued descent to Mweka Camp
Additional memorable experiences include:
- Summit photography
• Glacier photography
• Mawenzi viewing
• Sunrise photography
• Crater rim photography
• Summit celebration
• Mountain team congratulations
DAY 8: MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE AND RETURN TO ARUSHA
Starting elevation: Approximately 3,080 metres
Ending elevation: Approximately 1,640 metres
Approximate hiking distance: 10 kilometres
Approximate hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Habitat: Montane rainforest
After breakfast, you begin your final descent through the lush rainforest toward Mweka Gate.
The trail becomes warmer and greener as you lose altitude.
You pass through dense forest vegetation while enjoying the increased oxygen levels after several days at high elevation.
Depending on recent weather, the lower trail may be wet or slippery, so careful footing remains important.
After approximately 3 to 4 hours, you reach Mweka Gate and complete the national park exit procedures.
This is also where you say goodbye to the mountain team that supported you throughout the expedition.
You then travel back to Arusha, usually taking approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Upon arrival at your hotel, you can enjoy a warm shower, comfortable room and a well deserved evening of relaxation.
Major activities today include:
- Final mountain descent
• Rainforest trekking
• Mweka Gate arrival
• National park exit procedures
• Mountain crew farewell
• Transfer to Arusha
Additional activities may include:
- Celebration dinner
• Massage or spa treatment
• Arusha restaurant visit
• Souvenir shopping
• Hotel relaxation
Day 9: Departure from Arusha or Continue Your Tanzania Holiday
After breakfast at your hotel, your 9 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route adventure officially comes to an end.
Depending on your flight schedule, Tansania Toll Safaris can arrange your transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
You may also choose to continue your Tanzania journey with a wildlife safari.
Popular safari extensions include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
If you prefer relaxation, you can continue to Zanzibar for a beach holiday along the Indian Ocean.
You may also add shorter experiences around northern Tanzania such as Materuni Waterfalls, Chemka Hot Springs, coffee tours or cultural visits.
Whatever you choose, completing the Umbwe Route and standing at Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres will remain one of the greatest memories of your journey through Tanzania.
Activities today include:
- Breakfast in Arusha
• Hotel check out
• Airport transfer
• Assistance with onward travel arrangements
Optional extensions include:
- Serengeti National Park safari
• Ngorongoro Crater safari
• Tarangire National Park safari
• Lake Manyara National Park safari
• Arusha National Park safari
• Zanzibar beach holiday
• Materuni Waterfalls
• Chemka Hot Springs
• Coffee tour
• Cultural tourism experience
Major Highlights of the 9 Days Umbwe Route
- Trek one of Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most adventurous routes
• Experience remote rainforest landscapes
• Camp at Umbwe Cave
• Trek along dramatic southern ridges
• Reach Barranco Valley
• Spend valuable time acclimatizing at Barranco
• Climb the famous Barranco Wall
• Cross Karanga Valley
• Reach Barafu Camp
• Attempt the summit at midnight
• Reach Stella Point at approximately 5,756 metres
• Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres
• Stand on the highest point in Africa
• View Kilimanjaro glaciers
• Descend through Mweka rainforest
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