The Best and Complete Itinerary for Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route: Best 6 Day Climbing Costs and Best Dates

This 6-day Umbwe route Kilimanjaro climbing is the best less-traveled but very challenging route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world with 5,895 meters above sea level. This trek offers a unique perspective of the mountain with steep inclines and rugged terrain, which makes Umbwe route ideal for hikers looking for a more adventurous way to climb Kilimanjaro in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The 6 days Umbwe route trail is a short, steep, and direct climb beginning from the south of Mount Kilimanjaro on reaching Barranco Camp, the route deviates eastward approaching the summit from Barafu camp at 15,331 feet elevation. Despite its difficulty, the 6 days Kilimanjaro Umbwe route is a rewarding and unforgettable experience for those who are up for the Kilimanjaro challenge.

The best price for 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route

The best price for the 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route is from $1,300 to $2,500 per climber for the maximum and full successful summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters depending on the number of people in the group, services during the climb, and accommodation before and after the climb. This 6 days Kilimanjaro Umbwe route costs include the park fees, camping fees, and operation costs, the price can be paid in USD, Euro, Pound, or Tanzania shilling.

Best 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing Umbwe route success rate

The best overall successful summit rate of 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route is between 70-75% reaching at Africa's rooftop 5,895 meters as Umbwe route is the most difficult route on Kilimanjaro climbing. This 6-day Umbwe route success rate is reached with experienced hikers since the route is considered difficult and most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The best full-detailed itinerary for 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route

The best and most popular full detailed day-by-day itinerary for 6 days Kilimanjaro climbing via Umbwe route: Day 1: Umbwe Gate (5,249 ft) to Umbwe Camp (9,514 ft) | 5-7 hours | 11 km; Day 2: Umbwe Camp (9,514 ft) to Barranco Camp (13,044 ft) | 4-5 hours | 6 km; Day 3: Barranco Camp (13,044 ft) to Karanga Camp (13,106 ft) | 4-5 hours | 5 km; Day 4: Karanga Camp (13,106 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,331 ft) | 4-5 hours | 4 km; Day 5: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft) to Uhuru Point (19,341 ft) to Mweka Camp (10,065 ft) | 11-14 hours | 17 km; Day 6: Mweka Camp (10,065 ft) – Mweka Gate (5,380 ft) | 3-4 hours | 10 km.

Day One (1) : Umbwe Gate (5,249 ft) to Umbwe Camp (9,514 ft)

 • Stretch: 11 km

 • Hiking time: 5-7 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Rain Forest

Immediately after arriving at the Umbwe Gate, hiker(s) and the team complete the registration processes and prepare the hiking gears and equipment. The trek beings up a gradual inclining path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail.” From here we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe campsite for resting.

Day Two (2): Umbwe Camp (9,514 ft) to Barranco Camp (13,044 ft)

 • Stretch: 6 km

 • Hiking time: 4-5 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Heath

The trek begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here landscape changes rapidly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Moshi and Kibo Peak. Once at camping ground, there will be some extra time to explore the area in depth.

Day Three (3): Barranco Camp (13,044 ft) to Karanga Camp (13,106 ft)

 • Stretch: 5 km

 • Hiking time: 4-5 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert

Our first challenge is a climb and struggle over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well-earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley camping ground. This is a short day hike meant for allowing acclimatization.

Day Four (4): Karanga Camp (13,106 ft) to Barafu Camp (15,331 ft)

 • Stretch: 4 km

 • Hiking time: 4-5 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, hiker(s) and the whole team leave Karanga camping ground and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two summits of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks are visible from this site.

Day Five (5): Barafu Camp (15,331 ft) to Uhuru Point (19,341 ft) to Mweka Camp (10,065 ft)

 • Stretch: 17 km

 • Hiking time: 11-14 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (at midnight), hiker(s) and the team put on many layers of clothing and begin the climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trip. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you areand have ever likely seen and witnessed. From Stella Point, hiker(s) have just one more hour before reaching the peak. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa!!! Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camping ground, stopping at Barafu camping ground for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day Six (6): Mweka Camp (10,065 ft) – Mweka Gate (5,380 ft) to Moshi/Arusha

 • Stretch: 10 km

 • Hiking time: 3-4 hours

 • Climatic habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast we continue the descent down towards Mweka Park Gate for hiker(s) to receive their summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Africa Natural Tours vehicle will be waiting for hiker(s) at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.