6 Days Umbwe Route

Welcome To Keys Tours

This is 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 wild animals and birds in the lower level, and shorter walking distance.

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrival

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).

Day 2 : Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp

Walking distance: 8 km/4,9 miles

Walking time: 5-7 hours

Altitude gain: 1000m/ 3,281ft

You are now setting off to the event you have prepared for and dreamt about for months, if not years. Time to tick your conquer of Africa’s highest free standing mountain off your Bucket list. After breakfast you will be transferred to the 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)

Day 3: Umbwe Camp – Baranco Camp

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 get close to 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 be lucky to sleep above the clouds at Barranco Camp.

Dinner and overnight : At Baranco Camp (FB)

Day 4: Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

Walking distance: 5.8 km/3.4 miles

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude gain: 90 m/295 ft

After breakfast you will 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)

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

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)

Day 6 : Barafu Camp – Summit via Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Millennium Camp

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

You will be required to 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 sideways 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)

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Tel: +255757117784

Mail : info@keys-tours.com

Address: 933 Uru Road, Moshi, Tanzania,Moshi

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Climbing Packages

Our Most Kilimanjaro Route

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the roof of Africa with our curated Kilimanjaro climbing packages. Choose from a range of expertly guided routes, each tailored to different fitness levels and timeframes.

View More Route

Machame Route

This is most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro.

6 Days Machame

With Lovely gradual ascent through forest

6 Days Marangu

This is the traditional and most straightforward route

7 Days Rongai

Rongai route is less crowded compared to Marangu

7 Days Rongai

Make Your Stay Memorable

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.

Best Time To Visit Kilimanjaro

Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, from December to mid-March and mid-June to the end of October. However, although these are considered to be the best times to climb the mountain in terms of weather.

Kilimanjaro Altitiude sickness

In fact, once you climb above 3,000 meters, more than 75% of Kilimanjaro climbers develop AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness)You know you have acute mountain sickness when your body kicks up unpleasant symptoms like headaches and nausea.

Kilimanjaro Foods

You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day spent on the mountain. The food, specifically selected to help your climb, are high energy carbohydrate foods that are easily digestible.

Kilimanjaro Climbing Packing List

When preparing for Kilimanjaro, pack lightweight, moisture-wicking layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, a warm hat, gloves, and sunscreen. Don’t forget a durable backpack, water purification tablets, snacks, a first aid kit, and a good sleeping bag.

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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The safari was one of the coolest experiences that I’ve ever had. The drivers were amazing and knew everything. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to go on a safari.

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Using Keys Tours was an amazing experience. Made exploring Tanzania so simple! They handled all our logistics for us. Everything went smoothly and made our trip to Tanzania perfect!! They had the best drivers who were so enjoyable to be around.

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Best Tours in all of Tanzania

We hiked to a nearby waterfall, watched a coffee demonstration, and spent two days on safari! I had an absolutely incredible experience, and would highly recommend Keys for anyone wanting to explore Tanzania.

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6 Days Umbwe Route