6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb - Marangu Route
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Umbwe Route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit. The descent is done via the Mweka route.
Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize to altitude. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, and seven days is preferred when attempting to climb using Umbwe..
ARRIVAL DAY
On the arrival day, you will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town; you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.
DAY 1: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAMP
We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time:5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Umbwe Camp
DAY 2: UMBWE CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP
Extra Day for Acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify your acclimatization.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barranco Camp
DAY 4: BARRANCO CAMP- KARANGA CAMP
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp.
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Karanga Camp
DAY 5: KARANGA CAMP - BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Barafu Camp
DAY 6: BARAFU CAMP TO UHURU PEAK TO MWEKA CAMP
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Camping at Mweka Camp
DAY 7: MWEKA CAMP – MOSHI
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Altitude Loss: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodation: Your Hotel
DEPARTURE DAY
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Wildlife Safari tour, Zanzibar trip and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.
$2500 per person when 1 person travels alone
$2100 per person when 2 – 4 persons travel together
$2000 per person when 5 – 7 persons travel together
$1800 per person when 8 – 15 persons travel together
For a more accurate estimate, it's best to contact us directly and discuss your specific requirements and budget. We can provide you with a detailed quote based on your itinerary, group size, and preferred level of comfort.
• Kilimanjaro International Airport transfers to and from your accommodation in Moshi.
• 2 nights of accommodation before and after climb
• Transportation to & from the Kilimanjaro gate
• Park entry fees, Camping fees, and Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
• 4 Season mountain tents
• Double layered Sleeping Mats
• Professional mountain guides, cook and porters
• 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
• Enough treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
• Hot water for washing
• Fair treatment and payment of our crew
• Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
• Portable flush toilet with a toilet and tent
• Emergency first-aid kit, and Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
– Lunches, dinners and drinks at your hotel before and after climb.
– Travel insurance
– Flights
– Laundry (Available at hotel)
– Personal items and toiletries
– Tips for guides, porters and cook
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing
Kilimanjaro Climbing