Kilimanjaro’s steepest and most demanding route — a direct southern approach
for strong hikers confident in rapid altitude acclimatization.
6 Days on MountainSteep & DirectMax Altitude 5,895mFull Board Meals
Tour Overview
Max Altitude5,895m (Uhuru Peak)
TransportTo & From the Mountain
MealsFull Board
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on
Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide
the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is
very low, the chances of success are also lower.
Umbwe is considered to be a very difficult, taxing route — one that should only be
attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to
altitude. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb.
After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s
Southern Ice Field on the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made
via the Mweka route.
Route Map
Itinerary / Tour Schedule
1 Arrive in Moshi
Welcome to Moshi — the quaint, laid-back town at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by our Real Life Adventure Travel representatives, who will provide transportation to your hotel. No activities are planned for the day. You are free to explore picturesque downtown Moshi.
2 Free in Moshi — Overnight in Hotel
Group briefing and pre-trip discussion. You will be introduced to your trekking guide and have a comprehensive gear check. You are free to explore, take part in an informal group tour around town, visit the market or a local coffee shop for lunch. There will also be time to do last-minute shopping for the trek if needed.
3 Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Leave from your hotel after breakfast and your gear check you will drive to Umbwe gate to meet your crew’s porters. You are ready to start the climb. Hiking time is 5–7 hours through the thick tropical rain forest.
4 Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Today is an important acclimatization day as you travel up to 3,950 m before spending the night at Barranco. You will ascend through the moorlands to the alpine zone where the only plant life is the heartiest of grasses and lichens. This is the high altitude desert, with glorious views of the Western Breach of Kibo. After about 4 hours the path forks to the right and descends into a gorge (“Barranco” in Swahili). There is a fair bit of ‘up and down’ walking today which can be quite tiring.
5 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
In the morning you will climb the Barranco wall (not a technical climb) and then follow the Kibo South Circuit. Wonderful views are to be had of Kibo’s Southern glaciers if the weather is clear. This is a relatively short day, and you should arrive at your camp located just after the Karanga Valley set atop a ridge by lunchtime. Hike from Karanga to halfway between Barafu Camp and then return to the lower elevation of Karanga Camp for hot lunch and relaxation.
6 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this position.
7 Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim — the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow on your ascent to Uhuru Peak — the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit, we descend to Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
8 Mweka Camp to Gate
After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help.
9 Departure
For those returning home, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight. For those going on a safari or Zanzibar, you will be picked up at your hotel on the next day for your trip.
