# Umbwe route, 6 days

> The shortest and steepest way up: a narrow forest ridge straight to Barranco, then the southern circuit to Stella Point. For strong hikers who are already acclimatised.

**For acclimatised hikers.** The fastest climb of the six routes: from 1,660 m at the gate to Barranco Camp at 4,000 m on day 2.

Guided by Joseph (Joseph Lazaro Kamil). Licensed mountain-climbing guide, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania. Licence no. 039257, valid until 31 Dec 2026.

Canonical page: https://guide-joseph.com/routes/umbwe/
Last updated: 2026-10-16

## Key facts

- Duration: 6 days, 5 nights on the mountain
- Total distance: about 54 km (sum of daily distances)
- Highest point: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Summit via: Stella Point
- Side of the mountain: South
- Start: Umbwe Gate. Finish: Mweka Gate
- Drive to the start: About 1 hour from Moshi
- Sleeping: Tents
- Price: $1,700 per person (USD). Prices can change for larger groups. Message me for your final price.

## Is Umbwe for you?

You reach Barranco (4,000 m) on day 2, a very fast gain. I only recommend Umbwe if you've recently been at altitude, for example after climbing Mount Meru. If you are at all concerned, or not a very fit or experienced hiker, choose one of my longer itineraries instead: the more days, the better your chance of reaching the summit.

## What the price includes

- Park fees
- All meals on the mountain
- Crew wages
- Sleeping tents
- Sleeping mattress
- Dining tent with table and chairs
- Transport from your hotel to the gate and back

Not included: Tips for your crew, travel insurance, gear (you can rent it from me), hotel nights before and after the climb, and any transport other than to and from the start and finish gates, such as airport transfers.

## Day by day

### Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

The drive from Moshi to Umbwe Gate takes about 1 hour. We climb steeply through the rainforest, with a packed lunch on the way.

- Altitude: 1,660 to 2,850 m (5,450 to 9,350 ft)
- Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
- Hiking time: 5–6 hours
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Meals: Lunch, dinner

### Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

We leave the forest and climb through open moorland to Barranco Camp. You gain more than 1,100 m today, which is why Umbwe suits climbers who are already acclimatised.

- Altitude: 2,850 to 4,000 m (9,350 to 13,000 ft)
- Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
- Hiking time: 4–5 hours
- Habitat: Semi-desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We climb the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. A short day that gives your body more time to adjust.

- Altitude: 4,000 to 4,050 m (13,000 to 13,250 ft)
- High point: 4,250 m
- Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit with views of the summit from many angles. We make camp, rest, have dinner and prepare for summit night.

- Altitude: 4,050 to 4,673 m (13,250 to 15,330 ft)
- Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (summit day)

We set off between midnight and 2 am, climbing between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the hardest part of the trek, mentally and physically. At Stella Point we rest and are rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may see it from the summit.

From Stella Point it is about an hour, often on snow, to Uhuru Peak: the highest point on Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

Then we descend straight down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Gaiters and poles help on the loose gravel. We spend our last evening on the mountain at Mweka Camp.

- Altitude: 4,673 to 5,895 to 3,090 m (15,330 to 19,340 to 10,150 ft)
- Distance: 5 km up, 13 km down
- Hiking time: 5–7 h up, 5–6 h down
- Habitat: Scree and ice-capped summit
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

### Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to your hotel

We descend to Mweka Gate, where you receive your summit certificate. Lower down it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and poles help. Shorts and a T-shirt are usually enough, but keep rain gear and a warm layer handy.

A vehicle meets you at Mweka Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.

- Altitude: 3,090 to 1,640 m (10,150 to 5,380 ft)
- Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
- Hiking time: 3–4 hours
- Habitat: Forest
- Meals: Breakfast

## Book

Message Joseph on WhatsApp: +255 745 044 958.