The 6-Day Umbwe Route is the most direct, steepest, and most challenging route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “hardest route,” Umbwe is designed for experienced trekkers seeking a physically demanding and less crowded climb. The route ascends rapidly through dense rainforest and dramatic ridges before joining the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, allowing for improved acclimatization during the final stages.
This climb rewards adventurers with remote wilderness, breathtaking views, and a strong sense of achievement. Due to its rapid ascent, the Umbwe Route is recommended only for fit and experienced hikers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.
The steepest and most direct route, Umbwe is physically demanding and has poor acclimatization. It is only recommended for highly experienced hikers searching for a tough, challenging ascent. Very few climbers choose this route.
Best for:
• Very experienced mountaineers
• Climbers looking for a tough technical challenge
You will be met on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. After settling in, you will receive a full climb briefing from your Wildicon Safaris mountain guide, including route details, safety procedures, and a final gear check. The evening is spent resting and preparing for the climb ahead.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, you will be driven to Umbwe Gate for registration and official park entry. The trek begins immediately with a steep ascent through dense montane rainforest. The trail is narrow and challenging, rising sharply along a ridge with towering trees, moss-covered ground, and occasional sightings of monkeys and forest birds.
This day sets the tone for the Umbwe Route—quiet, rugged, and physically demanding. After several hours of climbing, you arrive at Umbwe Camp, nestled deep in the forest, where you will enjoy dinner and overnight rest.
Altitude: 1,600m – 2,850m
Accommodation: Umbwe Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail becomes steeper and more exposed as you ascend above the tree line. The route follows a dramatic ridge with stunning views of the Western Breach and surrounding valleys. By midday, you reach the junction where Umbwe merges with the Machame Route.
You then descend slightly into Barranco Camp, located beneath the iconic Barranco Wall. This camp offers spectacular views of glaciers, cliffs, and alpine vegetation. The extra time here helps improve acclimatization after the rapid ascent.
Altitude: 2,850m – 3,950m
Accommodation: Barranco Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes alpine and barren, with thinner air and colder temperatures. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the summit climb, which begins around midnight.
Your guides will provide a detailed briefing and ensure you are mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead.
Altitude: 4,035m – 4,673m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you continue the ascent to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. The landscape becomes alpine and barren, with thinner air and colder temperatures. After an early dinner, you rest and prepare for the summit climb, which begins around midnight.
Your guides will provide a detailed briefing and ensure you are mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead.
Altitude: 4,035m – 4,673m
Accommodation: Barafu Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Around midnight, you begin the most challenging part of the climb. Hiking slowly under the stars, you ascend to Stella Point, where the first rays of sunrise illuminate the crater. From here, the final push leads you to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.
After celebrating your achievement and taking photos, you begin the long descent back to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp, where oxygen levels are higher and rest comes easier.
Altitude: 4,673m – 5,895m – 3,100m
Accommodation: Mweka Camp (tents)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you descend through lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you sign out of the park and receive your summit certificate. You will then be transferred back to Moshi for a well-earned hot shower and celebration.
Meals: Breakfast
