Africa Joy Tours

9-DAY TRIP: CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
VIA THE STEEP 6-DAY UMBWE ROUTE

From $2342 USD* / Park fees / 9 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation,
food, drinks, guides and park fees. Excl.
International flight (based on six persons)

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route: Overview

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Umbwe Route (1/6) | Umbwe Gate (1,600 m/5,249 ft) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft)
  • Day 3: Umbwe Route (2/6) | Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)
  • Day 4: Umbwe Route (3/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) – Barranco Wall (3,977 m/13,047 ft) – Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)
  • Day 5: Umbwe Route (4/6) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)
  • Day 6: Umbwe Route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)
  • Day 7: Umbwe Route (6/6) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) – Hotel
  • Day 8 – 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb.
mount-Kilimanjaro-Map

9-Day Trip: Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Steep 6-Day Umbwe Route

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route is the shortest of all routes in terms of distance to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This makes the altitude gain each day quite steep and rapid. You’ll trek directly through the valley, making a steep ascent all the way to the top. Known as the “Double Whiskey Route” due to its extreme nature, the Umbwe Route is best suited for experienced climbers who are familiar with high altitudes and how their body reacts to rapid elevation changes.

If you wish, you can add an extra day to the Umbwe Route, which is highly recommended. Adding an extra day allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude, thus increasing your chances of reaching the summit without suffering from altitude sickness.

Africa Joy Safaris Provides Expert Service During Your Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route is no small feat! Small details can make a significant impact, which is why, with Exodus Africa Safaris, you’ll be guided by professional guides, porters, and cooks. They’ll monitor your health twice a day and prepare nutritious meals to keep you strong throughout the climb. Proper nutrition is key to preventing altitude sickness and keeping you fueled for the strenuous journey.

In addition, we provide a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb. This includes details about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, what materials you need, and how to best prepare.

We are partners with the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO), which ensures that we respect both the crew and the environment during your ascent. This means you can climb with peace of mind. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?

If you’d like to see the menu, feel free to ask, and we’ll send it to you in advance.

Fitness Requirements for the Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a true challenge due to the altitude, rapid ascent, and varying temperatures. You will hike six to seven hours on average each day. If you’re healthy and fit, it’s absolutely doable. Here are some tips to improve your chances of reaching the summit and ensuring you enjoy the trek:

  • Take Your Time: It’s crucial to avoid rushing. Hiking at a steady pace allows your body to acclimatize properly.
  • Get in Shape: Being physically prepared will make the climb much more manageable. Hiking, particularly multi-day hikes, is great training, and aerobic exercises like running are also beneficial.
  • Add an Extra Day: Altitude sickness can be unpredictable. By adding an extra day to your itinerary, you’ll give your body more time to adjust to the altitude, reducing your risk of altitude sickness and increasing your chance of summiting.

Trip Prices:

Low season (April 1st – May 19th)

2 People4 People6 People +

$2.987,00 USD*

$2.455,00 USD*

$2.342,00 USD*

Mid season (the rest of the year)

2 People4 People6 People +

$3.128,00 USD*

$2.579,00 USD*

$2.461,00 USD*

High season (July + August + 20 Dec + 10 Jan)

2 People4 People6 People +

$3.256,00 USD*

$2.684,00 USD*

$2.562,00 USD*

INCLUDED

Park fees

Pickup and transfer airport

Private cook speaking fluently English

Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Portable toilet

Porters who carry your luggage

Private guide speaking fluently English

High quality tents (including dinner-tent)

Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)

EXCLUDED

International flights and visas

Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

Travel insurance

Itinerary - Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Tanzania safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, to climbing Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar: Tanzania has it all. Good news: Tanzania Specialist can build a custom made itinerary that suits all your wishes.

Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?

Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.

Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Day 3: Umbwe Route (2/6) | Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft)

Leave the rainforest and enter the heather with rocks and valleys around you. The ascent becomes steeper at the Umbwe Route Ridge and flattens out again near the Barranco Valley. After a 4 to 5-hour hike, you have dinner and overnight at the Barranco Camp in the valley below the Barranco wall.

Day 4: Umbwe Route (3/6) | Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,959 ft) - Barranco Wall (3,977 m/13,047 ft) - Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft)

This morning, you hike to the Barranco Wall where you have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to the left and Mount Meru to the right. Then a more difficult route to Karanga Camp begins, with many ascents and descents. Once at the camp, you have lunch and a couple of hours to rest. You can then go on a 300-meter acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp before descending back to Karanga Camp for the night.

Day 5: Umbwe Route (4/6) | Karanga Camp (4,040 m/13,254 ft) - Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft)

On the fourth day on the mountain, you walk to Barafu Camp, the starting point for your summit push to Uhuru Peak. Arrive at the camp around noon, enjoy lunch, and take some time to rest. Later, go on another acclimatization walk to Kosovo Summit Camp (4,870 m) before returning to Barafu Camp. Warm up with a hot dinner and relax for the rest of the day before starting the climb to the top of Kili at midnight.

Day 6 Umbwe Route (5/6) | Barafu Camp (4,645 m/15,239 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft)

Around midnight, you begin your final push to Uhuru Peak. Ascend along good trails while your guide keeps an eye on you to monitor your physical and mental state facing the altitude. Once you reach the top, enjoy a beautiful sunrise from the roof of Africa! After celebrating at the top, descend to the nearby glacier before returning through Barafu Camp and continuing the descent to Millennium Camp after a two-hour break.

Day 7: Umbwe Route (6/6) | Millenium Camp (3,820 m/12,532 ft) - Mweka Gate (1,640 m/5,380 ft) - Hotel

Millenium Camp is located in a tropical rainforest. Here you feel a sense of relief from the reduced altitude and satisfaction from reaching the summit the day before. After breakfast, you walk to the national park's exit and your driver takes you back to the hotel, where you can recover from the rigors of the climb.

Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after Climbing Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!