Overview
Generally recommended for more fit and adventurous types, this route is very steep in the first 2 days. For those that want more of a challenge with less crowds this is a good choice.
This is a 6 day Kilimanjaro hike starting at Umbwe gate and ascending via Stella Point. Note that it joins the Machame route at Barranco valley, and hence has similar levels of people on trail as the Machame route thereon. There is a night time ascent to the summit and descent is via Mweka camp.
Kilimanjaro: afro-montane forest, glacial valleys and alpine desert, views of Mawenzi, ascent of Kibo and possible views of Kibo caldera and ash pit. Glaciers and the roof of Africa!
- Scenic Diversity: Trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the crater rim, with May’s lush greenery enhancing the landscapes.
- Luxury Camping: Stay in luxury tents with sleeping mats, solar lighting, and gourmet meals with paired drinks, ensuring comfort at every camp.
- summit Achievement: Reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Africa’s highest point, via the challenging Western Breach and Stella Point, with sunrise views of crater
- Wildlife & Flora: Spot colobus and blue monkeys, hear diverse birdlife, and see unique flora like giant senecios, adding to the journey’s richness.
Itinerary
8:00 AM – Departure from Moshi
A private driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Moshi (or Kilimanjaro International Airport if arriving early) for a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) in Kilimanjaro National Park (1-1.5 hours, approximately 50 km) in a luxury van (1 vehicle per 6-7 people). The route passes through coffee plantations and rural villages with views of Kilimanjaro’s slopes.
9:30 AM – Registration & Start Hike (4-5 Hours, 6 km, 1,150m Ascent)
At Umbwe Gate, complete registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Meet your professional guide, cook, and porters (porters carry up to 15 kg of your gear). Begin your ascent through dense montane rainforest, with towering trees draped in moss and ferns, vibrant in May’s wet season. The trail is steep and narrow, with roots and rocks requiring careful footing— trekking poles are recommended. Spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and over 100 bird species, like the Hartlaub’s turaco, in the canopy.
2:30 PM – Arrival at Umbwe Camp & Gourmet Lunch
Arrive at Umbwe Camp (2,950m/9,678ft), a forested campsite with basic facilities (latrines, no huts). Your team sets up luxury tents with sleeping mats and solar-powered lighting for comfort. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, featuring vegetable-stuffed flatbreads and fresh mango salad, surrounded by the serene rainforest.
4:00 PM – Acclimatization Walk & Relaxation
Take a short acclimatization walk around the camp to stretch your legs, enjoying views of the forest and possibly glimpsing Kilimanjaro’s summit through the trees. Relax with a cup of Tanzanian coffee, listening to the sounds of the forest.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight
Dine on a 4-course meal with paired drinks (non-alcoholic included), such as grilled chicken with peanut sauce, served in a mess tent with foldable chairs and tables. Overnight in your luxury tent, resting for the next day’s climb.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the mess tent, featuring fresh fruits, pastries, and hot dishes, with forest views.
8:30 AM – Hike to Barranco Camp (5-6 Hours, 7 km, 950m Ascent)
Ascend through the rainforest, which gradually thins into moorland with giant heather and senecio plants. The trail remains steep, with rocky sections offering panoramic views of the Umbwe Valley and Kilimanjaro’s southern slopes. Reach a ridge above the forest, joining the main trail near Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,795ft), a scenic campsite with views of the Barranco Wall and Kibo peak. In May, the moorland is lush, with wildflowers adding color.
2:30 PM – Gourmet Lunch
Settle into Barranco Camp, where your team sets up luxury tents. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, such as spiced lamb with couscous, with views of the Western Breach and glaciers.
4:00 PM – Acclimatization Walk & Relaxation
Take a short acclimatization walk to a nearby viewpoint for stunning vistas of the Barranco Valley and Kilimanjaro’s summit. Return to camp to relax, sipping tea while taking in the alpine scenery.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight
Dine on a 5-course meal with paired drinks, like fresh fish with coconut sauce, in the mess tent. Overnight in your tent, preparing for the next day’s climb.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Have breakfast in the mess tent, savoring the morning views of the Barranco Wall and Kibo peak.
8:30 AM – Hike to Karanga Camp (4-5 Hours, 5 km, 100m Ascent)
Begin with a steep ascent up the Barranco Wall (non-technical but requires scrambling), offering breathtaking views of the valley below. Traverse a series of ridges and valleys, passing through alpine desert terrain with sparse vegetation. Arrive at Karanga Camp (4,000m/13,123ft), a scenic campsite with views of the Southern Icefields and Mawenzi Peak. This shorter day aids acclimatization, reducing altitude sickness risk.
1:30 PM – Gourmet Lunch
Settle into Karanga Camp with luxury tents set up. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, featuring roasted beef with tamarind sauce, with views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
3:00 PM – Acclimatization Walk & Relaxation
Take an acclimatization walk around the camp, exploring the rocky terrain and enjoying panoramic views of the mountain. Relax with a cocktail (non-alcoholic included), soaking in the high-altitude serenity.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight
Dine on a 4-course meal with paired drinks, such as grilled chicken with ugali, in the mess tent. Overnight in your tent, resting for the summit push.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Have breakfast in the mess tent, with views of the Southern Icefields and the summit looming closer.
8:30 AM – Hike to Kosovo Camp (4-5 Hours, 4 km, 800m Ascent)
Ascend through the alpine desert, with the trail becoming rockier as you approach Kosovo Camp (4,800m/15,748ft), a high-altitude campsite near the Western Breach. This less-used camp offers solitude and stunning views of the glaciers and Kibo peak. The ascent is gradual but tiring due to the altitude—move slowly to conserve energy.
1:30 PM – Gourmet Lunch
Arrive at Kosovo Camp, where your team sets up luxury tents. Enjoy a gourmet lunch, such as vegetable wraps with mango salad, with views of the Western Breach route you’ll tackle tomorrow.
3:00 PM – Summit Briefing & Rest
Your guide will brief you on the summit attempt via the Western Breach to Stella Point, advising on gear (warm layers, headlamp, trekking poles) and safety. Rest in your tent, sipping tea to stay hydrated, and prepare for an early start.
6:30 PM – Early Dinner & Overnight
Dine on a 5-course meal with paired drinks, like spiced beef with couscous, to fuel up for the summit. Sleep early in your tent, as you’ll wake around midnight for the climb.
2:00 AM – Summit Push via Western Breach (6-7 Hours, 5 km, 1,095m Ascent)
Wake up for a light snack and tea, then begin the summit ascent in the dark, guided by headlamps. The Western Breach route is steep and rocky, with loose scree and some scrambling sections (non-technical but physically demanding). In May, there may be patches of ice or snow—crampons and an ice axe may be needed if conditions are slippery (your guide will assess). Reach Stella Point (5,739m/18,822ft) on the crater rim at sunrise (around 6:00 AM), witnessing the sun rise behind Mawenzi Peak, casting a fiery glow over the glaciers. From Stella Point, it’s a 45-minute walk along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft), Kilimanjaro’s summit. Stand at Africa’s highest point, taking in views of the crater, icefields, and the vast plains below.
7:30 AM – Descent to Kosovo Camp (2-3 Hours, 5 km, 1,095m Descent)
After photos and a brief rest, descend back to Kosovo Camp via the Western Breach, taking care on the steep, rocky sections. The descent offers daylight views of the glaciers and crater rim.
11:00 AM – Brunch & Rest
Enjoy a hearty brunch at Kosovo Camp, featuring eggs, pastries, and fresh juices, then rest briefly to recover from the summit climb.
1:00 PM – Descent to Mweka Camp (3-4 Hours, 7 km, 1,550m Descent)
Continue descending via the Mweka Route through moorland and back into the rainforest, arriving at Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft). The trail can be slippery in May’s wet conditions—trekking poles are helpful. Spot blue monkeys and birdlife like the white-necked raven along the way.
5:00 PM – Relaxation
Relax at Mweka Camp, where luxury tents are set up. Sip a cocktail (non-alcoholic included) while reflecting on your summit achievement, surrounded by the rainforest’s sounds.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight
Celebrate with a 5-course dinner with paired drinks, such as roasted fish with tamarind sauce, in the mess tent. Overnight in your tent, enjoying a final night on the mountain.
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Have breakfast in the mess tent, savoring the morning views of the rainforest and the journey you’ve completed.
8:30 AM – Descent to Mweka Gate (3-4 Hours, 10 km, 1,250m Descent)
Descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate (1,850m/6,069ft), enjoying the vibrant greenery and birdlife. The trail can be muddy in May—step cautiously. Arrive at the gate, where you’ll sign out and receive your summit certificate (gold for Uhuru Peak, green for Stella Point if you didn’t reach the summit). Say goodbye to your crew after tipping (suggested USD 20-30/day for the guide, cook, and porters).
12:30 PM – Gourmet Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch at the gate, featuring fresh sandwiches and tropical fruits, as a final treat before departing.
1:30 PM – Return to Moshi
Board your luxury van for the 1-hour drive back to Moshi, arriving at your accommodation or Kilimanjaro International Airport by late afternoon, concluding your Kilimanjaro climb.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- Camping equipment
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Cost Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Sleeping bag
- Bath towels
- Tips
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and is considered the hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The rapid speed of the ascent and steepness makes acclimatization very difficult.
Most linguists and etymologists, who study the roots of local words, agree that “Kilimanjaro” means “Mountain of Whiteness,” or “Shining Mountain.” The name is generally understood to be a combination of two words from different tribal languages (“Kilima” or mountain from Swahili and “Njaro” or shining/whiteness from …
April to early May are the long rains, and not suitable for climbing. If your schedule dictates that you need to go during the shoulder seasons – late March and late May – you need to be prepared for wet weather, and not be disappointed by poor visibility.
