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OVERVIEW

The Umbwe Route is widely regarded as the hardest trail, a tough vertical slog through the jungle, in places using the tree roots as makeshift rungs on a ladder. Because of the high risks involved with sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, all our Umbwe route hikes are re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request, we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach/ Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Crater camp. Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplement rate will apply. The main itinerary difference between the Umbwe 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Barranco camp.

Best time to visit: Dec-Mid-March / Mid-June-October
Duration

               7 days

 
 

Map Overview

 

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha
  • Machame Gate – Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave camp
  • Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp
  • Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
  • Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
  • Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
  • Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha

Text content

7 Days Umbwe Route

Tour Inquiry

Traveler’s Details

✅ Tour Inclusions

  • All national park entrance fees

  • All meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Services of porters (for treks where applicable)

  • All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle (unless stated as optional)

  • Government taxes and levies, including any officially imposed increases in park fees

❌ Tour Exclusions

  • Tips (tipping guideline: US$20.00 per person per day)

  • Climbing gear and personal equipment

  • Sleeping bag (can be rented upon request)

  • Roundtrip airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)

  • International flights (to/from your home country)

  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone use, etc.)

  • Visa fees and travel insurance

  • Emergency evacuation and medical repatriation coverage

FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions

The best times are January–March and June–October when the weather is more stable and dry.
It typically takes 5–9 days, depending on the route and pace of acclimatization.
Altitude sickness is a real risk. Climb slowly, stay hydrated, and choose longer routes for better acclimatization.
No technical climbing experience is needed, but good fitness and preparation are essential.
Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, hiking boots, sleeping bag, headlamp, sunscreen, and personal medicine.
Yes, permits are required and are typically arranged by your tour operator or guide company.
Accommodation includes mountain tents (on most routes) or huts (on the Marangu Route).
No. Tanzanian law requires climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides and support crew.
Success rates vary by route and duration—from 50% (5-day treks) to 90% (8–9 day treks).
The minimum age is 10 years, but fitness and stamina are more important than age.
It’s a strenuous trek with long days at high altitude, but no technical climbing is required.
Guides are trained in mountain rescue and carry oxygen and radios. Evacuations are arranged quickly if needed.
Tips are customary: about $20/day for guides, $10–15/day for assistant guides and cooks, $6–10/day for porters.
FAQ Accordion

Frequently Asked Questions

The best times are January–March and June–October when the weather is more stable and dry.
It typically takes 5–9 days, depending on the route and pace of acclimatization.
Altitude sickness is a real risk. Climb slowly, stay hydrated, and choose longer routes for better acclimatization.
No technical climbing experience is needed, but good fitness and preparation are essential.
Pack warm layers, waterproof gear, hiking boots, sleeping bag, headlamp, sunscreen, and personal medicine.
Yes, permits are required and are typically arranged by your tour operator or guide company.
Accommodation includes mountain tents (on most routes) or huts (on the Marangu Route).
No. Tanzanian law requires climbers to be accompanied by licensed guides and support crew.
Success rates vary by route and duration—from 50% (5-day treks) to 90% (8–9 day treks).
The minimum age is 10 years, but fitness and stamina are more important than age.
It’s a strenuous trek with long days at high altitude, but no technical climbing is required.
Guides are trained in mountain rescue and carry oxygen and radios. Evacuations are arranged quickly if needed.
Tips are customary: about $20/day for guides, $10–15/day for assistant guides and cooks, $6–10/day for porters.