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4.5 /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kilimanjaro via Umbwe route - 6 Days Climbing (+ 2 days in a hotel)

From $2,287 USD* / Scenic Rainforest / 8 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

Home > Climbing Kilimanjaro > 9-Day Trip: Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Steep 6-Day Umbwe Route

Kilimanjaro via Umbwe route - 6 Days Climbing (+ 2 days in a hotel)

The Umbwe route is the shortest path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in terms of distance. However, this also means that the altitude gain each day is quite steep. The trail ascends sharply through the valley, leading directly toward the summit. Due to its demanding and extreme nature, this route is often referred to as the “Double Whiskey Route.” The Umbwe route is best suited for experienced climbers who have previously been at high altitudes and understand how their bodies respond to rapid elevation gain.

If you wish, you can extend your Umbwe route trek by an additional day — something we highly recommend. Adding an extra day allows your body to better acclimatize to the altitude and significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit without experiencing altitude sickness.

Tanzania Wildlife Voyages offers a unique service throughout the climb

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the ultimate adventure! Every small detail counts — that’s why with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, you’ll climb under the expert guidance of professional guides, porters, and a dedicated cook. Our team ensures your safety and comfort throughout your Lemosho Route ascent by conducting daily health checks and serving nutritious, freshly prepared meals. It might sound like a lot, but every measure we take helps you reach the summit safely — because altitude sickness can appear without warning, and maintaining proper nutrition is vital during this challenging journey.

To help you prepare, Tanzania Wildlife Voyages provides a complete information package for your Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route. It includes detailed insights about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, preparation tips, and guidance on what gear to buy or rent.

We are also proud partners of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO) — ensuring ethical treatment of our crew and responsible climbing practices that protect the mountain environment. With us, you’ll climb with confidence and a clear conscience.

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

*If you’d like to see our sample menu, we’ll be happy to send it to you in advance.

Kilimanjaro via Umbwe route - 6 Days Climbing
(+ 2 days in a hotel)

Low season (April 1st – May 19th)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$3,279.42 USD*
$2,740.12 USD*
$2,624.20 USD*

Mid season (the rest of the year)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$2,964.28 USD*
$2,406.72 USD*
$2,286.89 USD*

High season (July + August + September + 20 Dec – 10 Jan)

2 persons 4 persons 6 persons
$3,085.80 USD*
$2,505.31 USD*
$2,380.63 USD*

* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets

Included
Park fees
Pickup and transfer airport
Private cook speaking fluently English
Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)
8 days
Porters who carry your luggage
Private guide speaking fluently English
High quality tents (including dinner-tent)
Accommodation on Day 1 and Day of Descending in Moshi
Excluded
Visas
Travel insurance
International flights (can be booked for you on request)
Tips for guides, porters and cooks

Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

dAY 1

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

Upon landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Tanzania Wildlife Voyages representative will be ready to welcome you. You will then be transferred to your hotel to unwind after your journey.

Climb Preparation: Before the trek begins, you will meet your mountain guide, who will brief you thoroughly and share useful tips on clothing, packing essentials, and other key recommendations to ensure your climb is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Accommodation

Umbwe Cave Camp

dAY 2

Umbwe Route (1/6) | Umbwe Gate (1,600 m/5,249 ft) - Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft)

Umbwe Cave Camp

Today, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Umbwe Gate for registration formalities. Your Kilimanjaro trek begins through lush rainforest, where the sounds and sights of wildlife accompany you along the trail. As you near the Umbwe River, the path becomes steeper, revealing stunning views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding deep valleys. After a 5–7 hour trek, you’ll arrive at Umbwe Cave Camp for an overnight rest.

Day 3

Umbwe Route (2/6) | Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)

Barranco Camp

Depart from the lush rainforest and move into the heather zone surrounded by rugged rocks and scenic valleys. The climb becomes steeper along the Umbwe Route Ridge before levelling out near the Barranco Valley. After a 4 to 5-hour trek, enjoy dinner and spend the night at Barranco Camp, nestled in the valley beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.

Barranco Camp
Karanga Camp

Day 4

Umbwe Route (3/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Barranco Wall (3,977 m/13,047 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)

Karanga Camp

This morning, you’ll trek toward the Barranco Wall, where breathtaking views await — the Kibo volcano rising to your left and Mount Meru visible to your right. From there, the challenging trail to Karanga Camp begins, featuring several steep ascents and descents. Upon reaching the camp, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some time to relax. Later, take a short 300-meter acclimatization hike toward Barafu Camp before returning to Karanga Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 5

Umbwe Route (4/6) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

Barafu Camp

On the fourth day of your Kilimanjaro adventure with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, you’ll trek to Barafu Camp, the base for your final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Reach the camp around midday, have lunch, and take some time to relax. Later, embark on an acclimatization hike to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) before returning to Barafu Camp. Enjoy a warm dinner and rest early, preparing for your midnight climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Barafu Camp
uhuru peak

Day 6

Umbwe Route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

uhuru peak

Around midnight, your final ascent to Uhuru Peak begins. You’ll trek along well-marked trails as your guide carefully monitors your physical and mental condition at high altitude. Upon reaching the summit, witness a breathtaking sunrise from the Roof of Africa! After celebrating your achievement, you’ll head toward the nearby glacier before descending through Barafu Camp and continuing down to Millennium Camp following a short two-hour rest.

Day 7

Umbwe Route (6/6) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

Mweka Gate

Millennium Camp lies within a lush tropical rainforest, offering a refreshing sense of relief after descending to a lower altitude and the joy of having conquered the summit the previous day. After breakfast, you’ll trek toward the park’s exit, and your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and recovery.

Mweka Gate

Accommodation

Outbound international flight home from Kilimanjaro Int. Airport

Day 8

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Outbound international flight home from Kilimanjaro Int. Airport

Unfortunately, your journey has come to an end and it’s time to head back home. Savor your final moments in Tanzania before a driver arrives to transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Want to extend the experience? You can still add extra safari days or a relaxing beach getaway to round off your Kilimanjaro trip!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Wildlife Voyages

At Tanzania Wildlife Voyages, you have the freedom to personalize your trip. Our sample itineraries can be tailored to match your preferences, and our experts collaborate with you to design your ideal adventure!

Why Tanzania Wildlife Voyages
100% Specialized in Tanzania
Private Safaris, Dedicated Vehicles and Guides for Top-Notch Service
Travel Advisors Who Live in Tanzania
Guarantee For an Amazing Safari Experience
Personalized Service, From Booking to On-Site Support
Approachable and Quick Response