9 Days Umbwe Route (7 Days Hiking)

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Home Mountain Climbing 9 Days Umbwe Route (7 Days Hiking)

Tour Type

Mountain Climbing

Tour Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

Airport transfers
Accommodation in Arusha and on the mountain
Meals as specified
Professional mountain guides, porters, and cook
Park fees and camping fees
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, etc.)
Emergency first-aid kit and oxygen
Summit certificate

The Price Excludes

International flights
Tanzanian visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, clothing, trekking poles, etc.)
Tips for guides, porters, and cook
Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, etc.)

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling journey with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris as we guide you along the Umbwe Route, one of the steepest and most challenging paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. This 9-day, 8-night expedition is designed for adventurers seeking a demanding yet rewarding climb, offering unparalleled solitude, dramatic landscapes, and breathtaking photographic opportunities at every step.

From your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our experienced team ensures your comfort and safety, managing logistics so you can focus entirely on the adventure ahead. The Umbwe Route is renowned for its steep ascents, lush rainforests, rugged moorlands, and alpine deserts, providing a journey that is as visually stunning as it is physically challenging.

Over the course of seven days on the mountain, you will traverse dense forests, dramatic cliffs, and barren highlands, culminating in a pre-dawn summit attempt at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Each day is carefully planned with trekking distances, terrain challenges, and accommodation options in mind, from cozy campsites to well-equipped high-altitude shelters, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. With expert guides leading the way, this trek is not just a climb, but a life-changing adventure and a photographer’s dream

Day To day

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by the Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris team and transferred to your chosen accommodation in Arusha. Options include Outpost Lodge (budget), Arusha Planet Lodge (midrange), or Arusha Coffee Lodge (luxury). Spend the evening resting and preparing for the challenging trek ahead.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Arusha – Umbwe Gate (1,640m) to Umbwe Camp (2,943m)

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Umbwe Gate, the starting point of the Umbwe Route. Complete registration formalities before beginning your steep ascent through dense rainforest. Trek approximately 11 km in 6–8 hours, navigating challenging terrain as you gain altitude and immerse yourself in the lush natural surroundings. Arrive at Umbwe Camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Umbwe Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Umbwe Camp (2,943m) to Barranco Camp (3,976m)

Continue your climb through rainforest that gradually transitions to open moorlands. Trek 6 km in 4–6 hours, ascending steadily and enjoying panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s rugged northern slopes. Arrive at Barranco Camp to rest, take in the scenery, and capture unforgettable photographs of the surrounding peaks.
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Barranco Camp (3,976m) to Karanga Camp (3,995m)

Begin the day with the exhilarating Barranco Wall scramble, a thrilling climb that rewards you with stunning vistas of valleys and peaks. Trek 5 km in 4–5 hours through highland terrain to Karanga Camp, pausing to photograph the dramatic landscapes along the way.
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Karanga Camp (3,995m) to Barafu Camp (4,673m)

Today’s trek is short but steep, covering 4 km in 4–5 hours as you ascend to Barafu Camp, your base for the summit attempt. The landscape transitions to barren slopes and rocky terrain, providing a stark contrast to the forested paths below. Dinner and rest at Barafu Camp in preparation for the pre-dawn climb.
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Barafu Camp (4,673m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) to Mweka Camp (3,100m)

Rise before dawn for the final summit push, trekking 5 km in 7–8 hours to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Witness a breathtaking sunrise over the clouds, capturing one of the most iconic moments on the continent. Descend approximately 12 km in 4–6 hours to Mweka Camp, passing through alpine deserts and lush rainforest on the way.
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,640m) – Arusha

Complete the final descent through tropical rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you will receive your official summit certificates. Trek 10 km in 3–4 hours, celebrating your achievement along the way, then transfer back to Arusha for a well-earned rest at your chosen lodge.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Rest Day in Arusha

Enjoy a leisurely day in Arusha, exploring local markets, cultural sites, or simply relaxing at your lodge. Reflect on your Kilimanjaro adventure and celebrate your extraordinary achievement.
Overnight: Arusha
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, concluding an unforgettable journey with Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast

At Above & Beyond Photographic Tours and Safaris, every journey is thoughtfully crafted around you. We move beyond rigid schedules to offer flexible, tailor-made itineraries shaped by your interests, preferred pace, and travel style. Our experienced travel specialists work closely with you from the very beginning, designing a personalized adventure that reflects the true spirit of Tanzania. This is not just a trip, it is your journey, your story, and an unforgettable experience that goes above and beyond expectations.

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