Join a Group 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route - Serengeti Wildlife Safaris

Join a Group 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route

6 Days 5 Nights

Overview

This Join a Group Kilimanjaro Climb is run by Serengeti Wildlife Safaris, a locally based Tanzanian operator. You climb with experienced mountain guides, porters and cooks, and we plan every detail with you.

Why book this Join a Group Kilimanjaro Climb with us

First, every Join a Group Kilimanjaro Climb we run is tailor-made, so we can adjust the dates, accommodation and pace. In addition, our local team supports you from arrival to departure. Before you travel, you can also read about the area on the official Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) website. For more ideas, see our other Kilimanjaro National Park tours.

Experience one of the most adventurous and challenging Mount Kilimanjaro climbs on our 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via the Umbwe Route. In fact, Umbwe is one of the steepest and most direct routes on Africa’s highest mountain. So it is perfect for experienced hikers who want a more remote, less crowded and physically demanding Kilimanjaro trek.

The Umbwe Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southern side. Along the way, it also offers dramatic landscapes, breathtaking ridges and unforgettable views of Kibo Peak, glaciers and the valleys below. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, Umbwe also gives you a true wilderness experience with fewer trekkers. As a result, it is one of the most exciting routes for adventure seekers.

Your 6-day Umbwe Route itinerary

This 6-day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro climb follows a carefully planned itinerary, so your body can acclimatize. At the same time, you experience some of the mountain’s most spectacular sections, such as Umbwe Forest, Barranco Wall, Karanga Valley, Barafu Camp and Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Throughout your journey, our professional mountain guides, skilled cooks and dedicated porters give you expert support. They also provide safety monitoring, delicious meals and quality camping services.

Itinerary

Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a pickup from Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). After a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate (1,800 m), you first complete registration at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Then you begin your trek.

First, the trail winds through dense tropical rainforest, where ancient trees, mossy vegetation, colourful birds and unique wildlife create a magical atmosphere. The Umbwe Route is also known for its steep and direct climb, so it gives you an exciting introduction to the mountain.

Next, you follow narrow forest paths and rising ridges until you reach Umbwe Camp (2,850 m). Finally, enjoy a dinner prepared by your mountain cook and rest to the peaceful sounds of the forest.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Distance: 11 km
Accommodation: Umbwe Camp
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you keep climbing through the forest before entering the beautiful heath and moorland zone. Then the trail becomes more dramatic as you follow steep ridges with incredible views of Kibo Peak, volcanic valleys and the surrounding landscapes.

This section of the Umbwe Route also offers some of the most spectacular scenery on Mount Kilimanjaro. As you approach Barranco Camp (3,960 m), the famous Barranco Wall comes into view, one of the most iconic sights on the mountain.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and overnight at Barranco Camp, surrounded by giant senecio plants and breathtaking mountain scenery.

Hiking Time: 5–7 Hours
Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today begins with the exciting climb up the famous Barranco Wall, one of the most enjoyable sections of the Kilimanjaro trek. Although it looks impressive, the climb is non-technical, and experienced mountain guides keep it safe.

Once you reach the top of the wall, you enjoy panoramic views of glaciers, valleys and the southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Afterwards, you continue through alpine desert landscapes to Karanga Camp (4,035 m).

This shorter day also helps your body acclimatize while preparing you for the final approach to the summit.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 5 km
Accommodation: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you continue your ascent to Barafu Camp (4,640 m), the final base camp before your summit attempt. The trail crosses dry alpine desert, with incredible views of Kibo Peak and Mawenzi Peak, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.

When you reach Barafu Camp, enjoy lunch, rest and prepare your summit equipment. Later, your guides give you a detailed briefing about the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak.

After an early dinner, you sleep for a few hours before your summit adventure begins.

Hiking Time: 4–5 Hours
Distance: 6 km
Accommodation: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Around midnight, you begin your final summit ascent under the beautiful African night sky. First, the climb leads slowly over volcanic rock to Stella Point (5,739 m). Then you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).

Standing on the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is an unforgettable achievement. Here you enjoy breathtaking sunrise views, take memorable photos and celebrate reaching the Roof of Africa.

Later, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest after your time at the summit. Finally, you continue down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for your last night on the mountain.

Hiking Time: 12–15 Hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you begin your final descent through the beautiful rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Meanwhile, enjoy the fresh mountain air, tropical vegetation and peaceful forest as you make your way to Mweka Gate.

Once you complete the park procedures, you receive your official Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate to celebrate your successful climb. Then your driver transfers you back to Arusha, Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

Finally, you leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories of conquering one of the world’s greatest mountains.

Hiking Time: 3–4 Hours
Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Included & Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha or Moshi
  • Airport transfers (JRO & ARK)
  • Mount Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
  • Camping fees
  • Professional mountain guide
  • Assistant mountain guides
  • Experienced mountain cook
  • Porters
  • Quality mountain tents
  • Sleeping mattress
  • Dining tent and camping equipment
  • Three freshly prepared meals daily
  • Drinking water
  • Rescue fees
  • Emergency oxygen
  • Daily health monitoring
  • First aid kit
  • Government taxes and VAT
  • Kilimanjaro Summit Certificate
  • International and domestic flights
  • Tanzania tourist visa
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Sleeping bag rental
  • Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Accommodation before and after the climb
10% Off
From $2000 $1800
/ Adult
Join a Group 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route