The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest, and most direct path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, this route is known for its demanding ascent, making it ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenge. The journey begins with a steep climb through dense rainforest before reaching the dramatic ridgelines of the Umbwe trail. Upon arrival at Barranco Camp, the route merges with the Southern Circuit, offering breathtaking views beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field. From here, trekkers continue toward Barafu Camp, the final stop before the exhilarating push to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
The descent follows the Mweka Route, providing a different perspective of the mountain’s diverse landscapes. Though the Umbwe Route is physically demanding, it rewards climbers with stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and a true sense of adventure. This is the only tour that we offer as with 6 days as well and is only recommended for experiencec high altitude climbers.
Our experience with hundreds of clients has shown that this 7 day itinerary offers
the highest chance of reaching the summit successfully while ensuring a safe descent.
After having your breakfast we will drive from your hotel to National Park gate for the necessary formalities at the gate. We start the climbs through fascinating tropical rain forest; we reach the first hut at Mandara for dinner and overnight. An alternative is to simply rest and relax the beautiful forest around the camp.
Today the first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into moorland and, in clear weather, there are great views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
We arrive at Horombo Hut mid-afternoon, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around the camp.
Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut.
Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.
Today we have another acclimatisation day and trek very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spend some time for lunch. Before we go back to Horombo Hut and follow the mountaineer old rule: go high – sleep low.
Today we walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, this extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the Horrombo hut.
Horombo hut to further improve our acclimatization.
Today is another acclimatisation day. we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spent some time before we go back to Horombo hut for overnight. We follow the old rule for high altitude climbers.. walk high – sleep low.
Today we climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. These 6-7 hours walking will be taken at a slow pace until we reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), where we will spend the night in a comfortable hut.
There is no running water at Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent relaxing in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night.
