Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek
7 days—Conquer Kilimanjaro in Style: Hike the Challenging Umbwe Route with Tanzania Safari Source: Now with 10% Off
From
$1750 USD
pp
Safari summary
If you are looking for a bold adventure that combines raw beauty, steep trails, and the thrill of standing at the highest point in Africa, hiking Mount Kilimanjaro via the Umbwe Route is your perfect match. Known as the shortest but steepest ascent to the “Roof of Africa,” the Umbwe Route is designed for strong and adventurous hikers who want a direct, less traveled path to Uhuru Peak. With its dramatic ridges, dense rainforest, and striking alpine scenery, it offers a truly unforgettable challenge.
At Tanzania Safari Source, we specialize in turning ambitious dreams into reality. As an award safari and trekking company with excellent guest reviews, we pride ourselves on combining professional mountain guides, personalized service, and premium safety standards to give you not just a climb but a life changing journey. To make your adventure even sweeter, we are offering a 10% discount on Kilimanjaro trekking via the Umbwe Route when you book directly with us.
The Umbwe Route is often called the “hardcore” Kilimanjaro trek because of its steepness and rapid ascent. It usually takes 6 to 7 days to complete, giving you enough time for acclimatization while still maintaining its challenging edge. The trail starts with a steep climb through lush rainforest, where towering trees and bird calls surround you. As you ascend higher, the vegetation shifts to moorlands and then to rocky alpine desert before finally leading you across the glaciers and snowfields of Kibo to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft).
Unlike the more crowded Machame or Marangu routes, Umbwe offers solitude, raw wilderness, and an authentic connection with the mountain. It is ideal for climbers with previous trekking experience, good fitness, and a strong spirit of adventure. The reward is not only the summit itself but also the sense of achievement from conquering Kilimanjaro on one of its most demanding yet rewarding trails.
With Tanzania Safari Source, your Umbwe Route expedition is fully supported by professional guides and porters who ensure your safety and comfort every step of the way. Our team is trained to monitor your health, assist with acclimatization strategies, and provide hearty meals to keep your energy high. We use high quality camping equipment, and our personalized service ensures that you feel both cared for and empowered throughout the journey.
What truly sets us apart is the feedback from our guests. We are humbled to be recognized as an award winning company with excellent guest reviews, and we work tirelessly to maintain the trust of every traveler who chooses us. Many climbers describe their time with us as “life changing,” not just because of reaching the summit, but because of the camaraderie, care, and personal attention they receive.
Whether you dream of conquering Kilimanjaro solo, as a couple, with friends, or even as part of a private group, Tanzania Safari Source will tailor the experience to your needs. And with our special 10% discount on the Umbwe Route, now is the perfect time to book.
Let the challenge excite you, let the mountain inspire you, and let us guide you safely to the top. With the Umbwe Route, you will not only conquer Kilimanjaro you will conquer your limits.
Book your Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route adventure today with Tanzania Safari Source and save 10%
About this tour
Tour type | Custom, tailor-made, private | |
Main focus | None | |
Activity level | Strenuous activity | |
Best months | All months | |
Countries | ||
Parks |
Fine details
Safari highlights
- Bird watching—with professional guide
- Photography safari—with professional guide
- Hiking | trekking
What’s included?
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Meals
- Park fees
- Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
- Alcoholic beverages
- All drinks
- Hot air balloons
- Internal flights
- International flights
- Laundry
- Premium alcoholic beverages
- Private vehicle and driver
- Spa treatments
- Tips and gratuities
- Visas
Itinerary
Arrival in Arusha or Moshi
Kilimanjaro
Your Kilimanjaro adventure begins with a warm welcome from our Tanzania Safari Source team. After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. In the evening, you’ll meet your professional mountain guide for a full briefing and gear check. This first night is all about relaxing, hydrating, and preparing for the challenge ahead.
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Kilimanjaro
The real adventure begins at Umbwe Gate, where you step into the dense montane rainforest. The path quickly turns steep, giving you a taste of why the Umbwe Route is known as Kilimanjaro’s most challenging trail. Surrounded by ancient trees, vines, and the songs of tropical birds, you’ll push steadily uphill until you reach Umbwe Cave Camp. Here, dinner and rest under the stars await.
Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
Kilimanjaro
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail climbs into heath and moorland zones. The ridges open up, offering magnificent views of Kilimanjaro’s dramatic valleys and cliffs. Today’s hike is shorter but steeper, and you’ll soon find yourself arriving at Barranco Camp one of the most scenic sites on the mountain. From here, you’ll gaze up at the imposing Barranco Wall, which you’ll conquer tomorrow.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Kilimanjaro
The day starts with the famous scramble up the Barranco Wall, a thrilling and rewarding climb that opens up panoramic views of glaciers and rugged peaks. After reaching the top, the path rolls across ridges and valleys before leading to Karanga Camp. This stop is essential for acclimatization and gives you time to rest, refuel, and adjust to the thin air.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Kilimanjaro
Today’s trek is shorter but strategic. You ascend through rocky alpine desert landscapes until you arrive at Barafu Camp your launch point for the summit. The afternoon is for resting, hydrating, and preparing for the midnight climb to Uhuru Peak. From here, the summit feels within reach, with Mawenzi and Kibo peaks standing proudly in the distance.
Summit Day
Kilimanjaro
At midnight, guided by headlamps, you begin the slow, steady climb toward the summit. The air is thin, the path is steep, but as dawn breaks, the horizon glows with spectacular colors. You’ll reach Stella Point before pushing to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m the highest point in Africa. Standing on the summit is a moment of triumph you’ll never forget. After celebrating and taking photos, you descend to Barafu Camp for a short rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp for the night.
Return to Arusha or Moshi
Kilimanjaro
The final descent winds through lush rainforest alive with birds and, if lucky, monkeys. At Mweka Gate, you’ll be awarded your summit certificates a symbol of your incredible accomplishment. From here, our driver will transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, where a hot shower, delicious meal, and celebration await.
Here are the latest 6 tours by Tanzania Safari Source. See all 237 tours.
Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Ngorongoro and Serengeti Tour
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Christmas in the Serengeti
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Luxury Honeymoon Safari
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Luxury Christmas and New Year
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Tarangire Manyara Safari
Tour by: Tanzania Safari Source
Countries:
Focus: Game drives
Cleanliness of vehicle
Meet and greet team
Quality of itinerary
Responsiveness of staff