Umbwe is the steepest and most direct route up Kilimanjaro, starting on the southern side in thick, mossy rainforest. It is quiet and dramatic, but the fast gain in altitude makes it a tough choice. We recommend it only to experienced and very fit climbers.
Umbwe is the steepest and fastest route, with limited acclimatisation in the first days. We only recommend it to experienced trekkers, and we suggest booking a Mount Meru climb or a longer Umbwe itinerary beforehand.
Day 0 (before the climb): Arrival in Moshi or Arusha. Airport pick-up, hotel transfer, and a gear check and briefing with your guide. Overnight: hotel.
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp
Start from the south in thick, mossy rainforest on a steep, narrow ridge trail.
Day 2 – Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
A steep climb out of the forest to the Barranco Valley, with a close view of the Barranco Wall.
Day 3 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Scale the Barranco Wall and cross the Karanga Valley.
Day 4 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
A short walk to base camp. Early dinner and rest.
Day 5 – Summit day: Barafu to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Midnight start, sunrise at the summit, then a long descent to Mweka Camp.
Day 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Forest descent, summit certificates, and a transfer back to Moshi.
After the climb: continue to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration dinner. Ask us about adding a safari or Zanzibar extension for your departure day.
| Tier | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 2,160 | 1,800 | 1,790 | 1,780 | 1,770 | 1,760 | 1,750 | 1,745 | 1,740 | 1,735 |
| Standard | 2,665 | 2,220 | 2,195 | 2,170 | 2,150 | 2,130 | 2,115 | 2,100 | 2,090 | 2,080 |
Prices are in US dollars per person and include 2026 park fees. Group prices apply when everyone books the same departure together. Park fees and government taxes are set by KINAPA/TANAPA and may change; the price is confirmed at payment.
Budget vs Standard: what’s the difference?
| Budget | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Quality shared tents and mattresses | Roomy waterproof tents and thick mattresses, with a private mess tent |
| Toilet | Shared camp toilet facilities | Private portable flush toilet tent |
| Crew | Licensed guide, assistant guide, cook, porters | Larger crew with extra porters and a dedicated waiter |
| Meals | 3 meals a day, tea and coffee | 3 meals a day plus snacks and a wider menu |
| Sleeping gear | Mattress and standard sleeping bag provided | Premium four-season sleeping bag and liner provided |
| Table, chairs | Dining tent with table and chairs | Private mess tent with table and chairs |
| Hotel in Moshi | 1 night before the climb (B&B) | 2 nights, before and after the climb (B&B) |
Both packages include licensed, English-speaking guides, emergency oxygen, a pulse oximeter, a first-aid kit and emergency evacuation support.
What’s included (both packages)
What’s not included
Park fee breakdown (per climber, 2026)
| Fee | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee | US$70 × 6 days | US$420 |
| Camping fees | US$50 × 5 nights | US$250 |
| Rescue fee | one-off | US$20 |
| Subtotal | US$690 | |
| VAT (18%) | US$124.20 | |
| Total park fees | US$814.20 |
Guide and porter entrance fees are paid by us and included in the package.
You don’t need technical climbing skills, as it is a walk, not a climb. It is still a demanding multi-day trek at altitude, so good fitness and steady training in the months before help a lot. The difficulty of this itinerary is: Challenging (steep and fast ascent).
We don’t recommend it for first-timers. It is steep, and the ascent is fast, so altitude problems are more likely. For a first climb, choose Lemosho 8 days, Machame 7 days or the Northern Circuit.
No. Many of our climbers are first-timers. We recommend regular hiking, cardio and leg strengthening for at least 8–12 weeks before your trip.
The best months are January–March, June–October, with clear skies and the most stable conditions. Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but April–May and November are the main rains.
Our guides are trained in altitude-sickness management and check your oxygen saturation and pulse twice a day. We follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ principle, carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit, and arrange a safe descent if needed
Yes. Prices are per person, and the more people in your group, the lower the price per person (see the table above). Park fees, crew wages, meals, camping or hut fees and transfers are included.
Tipping is voluntary but expected, and it is a large part of the crew’s income. As a guide, budget about US$250–$400 per climber for a 6–7-day climb and US$300–$450 for 8–9 days, shared across the whole crew. We explain the process in your pre-climb briefing.
A 30% deposit confirms your booking and the balance is due before the trek starts. Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure; 50% refund between 30 and 15 days; no refund inside 15 days. We accept bank transfer, credit card or PayPal.
