Welcome To Keys Tours
7 Days Umbwe Route
One of the shortest routes to the southern glaciers and the western breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technic’ mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful, fewer people pristine forest, greater chance of seeing wildlife and birdlife in the lower level, and shorter walking distance.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with comfortable accommodation, variety of meals, clean swimming pool and friendly services. Located just ten minutes walking distance to Moshi town center, palatable meal and luxurious accommodation; Keys Hotel is the most spectacular place one will always wish to stay.
Keys Hotel – 2700 ft (BB).
Walking distance: 8 km/4,9 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1000m/ 3,281ft
Today is the day you have prepared for and dreamt about for months, if not years. Time to tick conquering Africa’s highest free standing mountain off your Bucket list. After breakfast you will be transferred to Umbwe Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park from where your hike starts. Today’s trekking pace is slow and very comfortable, ensuring you have enough time to enjoy the natural surroundings as you walk through beautiful rainforest with dense vegetation, often on a muddy trail with steep climbs. Take time for photographing and nibble on your packed lunch that we provide. The first campsite, Umbwe Camp, is positioned on a steep valley with rock overhangs between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers.
Dinner and overnight : At Umbwe Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 7 km/4,3 miles
Walking time: 4-6 hours
Altitude gain: 1,150 m/3,774 ft
From Umbwe Camp the trail continues over steep terrain. The vegetation changes to increasingly sparse trees and from bushes to moorland. Views of Kibo and Uhuru peak with its snow-capped summit becomes a regular sight as you near Baranco Camp. The sun paints the rocks in front of camp a dreamy red-yellow color with the white ice of the high peaks shining bright. Looking towards the south you may see the little town of Moshi far below. You often sleep above the clouds at Barranco Camp.
Dinner and overnight : At Baranco Camp (FB)
Walk to Lava Tower today through the “Garden of the Senecios”, which features many of the huge senecio plants as well as lobelia plants. Return to Barranco Camp for Dinner and overnight at Baranco Camp (FB).
Walking distance: 5.8 km/3.4 miles
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 90 m/295 ft
After breakfast you cross the Great Barranco Wall, topping out at about 4 420 m before dropping to the camp at the Karanga River at about 4040 m. The hike up the Barranco Wall is steep. You pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as ‘The Icicle’, was first climbed in the early 1970’s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 26C, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing point.
Dinner and overnight : At Karanga Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 3.5 km/ 2.2 miles
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Altitude gain: 510 m/1,675 ft
Today’s path takes you up and across a rocky zone where very little vegetation can be found on the inhospitable terrain. A field of sedimentary rocks litter the ground. You leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. Continue up to the Barafu Camp. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Amazing views of Kilimanjaro’s two peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, are to be seen from Barafu Camp. An early dinner will be served in order for you to get the maximum rest before the final ascent starting at around midnight.
Dinner and overnight : At Barafu Camp (FB)
Walking distance: 7 km/4.3 miles ascent + 23 km/14.2 miles descent
Walking time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 7-8 hours down (the overall walking time may vary between 10-16 hours)
Altitude gain: 1,202 m/3,940 ft (Stella Point) or 1,345 m/4,410 ft (Uhuru Peak) Descent: 2,795 m/9,170 ftMweka Camp
Wake up very early to have a quick bite and something warm to drink before setting out in darkness. The hike to Stella Point is a very slow steep walk on volcanic scree for about 5-6 hours. The headlamps on the trail towards the summit almost look like fireflies, flying in a long row. As you approach the crater rim you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience – the golden sunrise over Africa! You will often see the curving of the earth at this high altitude and the sunrise on the horizon just accentuates it. Keep your camera ready at all times as there are plenty of photographing opportunities along the summit. Once you reach Stella Point on top of the crater rim Uhuru Peak is in the sight. Hike along fairly flat terrain for about 40-45 min to reach Uhuru Peak.
Spend a few minutes at the top and get photos of your choice next to the sign marking the summit. Descend from Uhuru Peak in high spirits as you have just achieved your goal. The trail down from Stella Point on the Mweka route is often enjoyed by hikers sliding down the scree slope, which entails skidding down the loose gravel with big steps and some sideway moves. Try it, it is fun! With every step going down your body enjoys having more oxygen to breathe in. Depending on how you feel, you may enjoy a short rest at Barafu Camp before descending down to Millennium Camp or Mweka Camp.
Dinner and overnight : At Mweka Camp (FB)
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Yes. All our Kilimanjaro packages include airport and local transfers. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Keys Tours driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi in a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle.
We use Toyota Hiace or Coaster minibuses, which are reliable and well-suited for the rugged mountain roads. After your climb, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel and later to the airport for your onward journey.
Yes. All vehicles are regularly serviced and driven by experienced, English-speaking drivers to ensure your comfort and safety.
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
You will stay at Keys Hotels, a family-run 3-star property, or at another 3-star hotel of your choice, the night before your climb and the night after your descent.
We primarily use:
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Both hotels provide:
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Our packages include a bed & breakfast. Lunch and dinner can be ordered directly from the hotel restaurant.
If you’re traveling solo, you’ll share a room with a same-sex traveler unless you book a single supplement in advance.
Any extra hotel nights will incur additional charges.
On the day before your climb, the Keys Tours team will meet you at your hotel for an orientation briefing, and our vehicle will pick you up the next morning to start your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Camping Equipment
We provide high-quality equipment to ensure your safety and comfort, including:
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Our crew arrives early to secure the best camping spots and prepares everything before you arrive.
Meals on the Hike
We provide three freshly cooked meals a day, except for lunch on the first day, which is served as a packed meal.
Yes. We can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets at no extra cost. Please inform us in advance.
Breakfast: porridge, eggs, sausages, fresh fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
All climbs are led by certified, experienced mountain guides trained in first aid and mountain safety.
Our guides have years of experience on Mount Kilimanjaro and possess expert knowledge of the routes, terrain, wildlife, and local culture. Each expedition is led by our highly trained head guides, who are certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR) — ensuring your safety, comfort, and confidence from start to summit.
Our porters carry equipment, set up tents, fetch water, and support you throughout the climb.
Yes. We follow ethical practices, offering fair wages, good working conditions, and proper equipment. Our crew is often praised by guests for their friendliness and professionalism.
Safety & Medical Support
Daily health checks: Our guides monitor oxygen levels and overall well-being.
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Yes. We strongly recommend securing travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m) and emergency evacuation.
Environmental Commitment
We follow Leave No Trace principles, carry out all waste from the mountain, and use eco-friendly, compostable packaging for packed meals to minimize single-use plastics.
Safe Storage
We provide a secure storage facility at our hotel in Moshi for your belongings, such as laptops or extra clothes.
Yes. A safe room is available for cash, travel documents, and valuables — free of charge for Keys Tours clients.
Costs Not Included
The following are not included:
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
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Kilimanjaro Travel Guide
Well before you set off on your trip to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro you’ll want to read about these guides! it is important to get used to the details! Let’s look at some things to know before going to Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro Climbing FAQS
Frequently asked questions about Kilimanjaro include best trekking routes, required permits, altitude sickness prevention, recommended packing items, and average trek duration. Travelers often wonder about weather conditions, the best time to visit, and tips for staying safe and healthy during the climb.
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