Breathtaking Views and an Unparalleled Sense of Accomplishment
The Umbwe Route stands out as Kilimanjaro’s toughest and most direct path because it starts with an exceptionally steep and relentless climb. Unlike other routes that ease you into the altitude, Umbwe quickly pushes through thick rainforest, often requiring you to scramble over roots and rocks. This fast upward climb means your body has less time to naturally adjust to the thinner air, making it a very demanding challenge.
This route’s reputation as Kilimanjaro’s hardest comes from its unrelenting steepness and the lack of flatter sections found on other paths. While you won’t need ropes or special climbing gear (though some parts are exposed and require careful steps), it demands superior physical fitness, mental strength, and good high-altitude experience.
The Umbwe Route’s appeal lies in its solitude and raw beauty. Because of its difficulty, far fewer trekkers choose it, offering a more intimate and untouched wilderness experience. For highly experienced and exceptionally fit adventurers who love a strenuous climb and want a true test of their abilities, the Umbwe Route delivers an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and breathtaking, rarely seen panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding areas.
The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s toughest and most direct climb. It demands exceptional fitness, mental toughness, and ideally, previous high-altitude experience. This route is perfect for adventurers looking for a wilder, less crowded challenge.
While the 6-day trek on Umbwe gives you a better chance than the riskier 5-day option, it still offers less time to get used to the altitude compared to other routes.
Only pick the Umbwe Route if you’re completely ready for a steep, fast climb and its unique demands. If not, a more gradual route might be a safer and more comfortable way to reach the summit.
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Because the Umbwe Route climbs very quickly and doesn’t give much time to get used to the altitude, it generally has lower success rates for reaching the summit compared to other routes.
If you choose the 5-day trip, which often tries to tackle the tough Western Breach, the success rate is very low (around 27-40%).
However, by extending your trek to 6 days, you significantly improve your chances. This usually includes an extra night after Barranco Camp before heading to Barafu for the summit push. With this added time, success rates typically rise to around 50-70%. That extra day is crucial for better acclimatization.
Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the gateway to Tanzania.
Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.
In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.
This morning, you’ll meet your dedicated crew. After a hearty breakfast, a 45-minute drive will take you from your hotel to Umbwe Gate. Here, your crew will handle registration while the porters and guides finalize preparations. Following lunch, your trek officially begins. You’ll journey through dense, green mountain rainforest, heading towards Umbwe Cave, where you’ll spend the night.
Distance: 11km
Estimated hiking time 6-8 hours
Elevation gain; 1,050m
Vegetation zone: Montane Forest
After a good, energy-boosting breakfast, you’ll start today’s climb. The trail leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland, dotted with rocky areas. You’ll ascend through the cloud forest and along the impressive Umbwe Route ridge, which has steep drops on its sides until it flattens near the Barranco Valley. Your destination, Barranco Camp, is nestled in this valley, below the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall. A hot dinner will be waiting for you there.
Distance: 6km
Estimated hiking time 4-6 hours
Elevation gain; 1,050m
Vegetation zone: Rain Forest
The ascent to Arrow Glacier Camp, your base camp for the summit attempt, typically takes four to five hours. The trail offers scenic views of Lava Tower and merges with the steep paths from the Lemosho and Machame routes, leading directly to your overnight camp.
Distance: 3.7km
Estimated hiking time 4-5 hours
Elevation gain; 1003m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
Today is your summit day via the Western Breach, the most challenging route. You’ll start at midnight, climbing through rocky sections and into the snowline, with guides navigating the ever-changing landscape. After 5-6 hours, you’ll reach Uhuru Peak. If you’re up for it, you might visit the Reusch Ash Pit in the crater, identifiable by its sulfur smell. Afterward, you’ll descend to Millennium Camp for a hot lunch and much-needed rest.
Distance: 16km
Estimated hiking time 8-10 hours
Elevation gain; 9,92m
Elevation loss: 1,945
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you’ll walk back to Mweka Gate, enjoying the misty, deep green forest. You’ll then say goodbye to your guides and porters before getting into the shuttle that will take you back to Moshi, where you can look forward to a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and fresh clothes.
Distance: 13km
Estimates walking time: 6-7 hours
Elevation loss: 2,310m
Vegetation zone: Transition from moorland to rain forest
After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.
NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee
Touch down at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, where your driver will be waiting to greet you. Let your driver whisk you away to your chosen hotel in the bright and bustling city of Arusha –the gateway to Tanzania.
Arusha is the beating heart of the wild – the last port of civilization before heading out into dense jungles and rich savannah plains. The markets of Arusha burst with color, and throng with locals picking up their weekly wares. The numerous cafes sell dark and deliriously good coffee from the plantations, and close by the infamous National Park lures visitors in to explore her evocative Maasai culture and exotic flora and fauna.
In the evening, you will enjoy a quick briefing, which will be conducted by a professional Bush 2 City Mountain Guide about your trek, and to ensure you are ready for climbing.
This morning, you’ll meet your dedicated crew. After a hearty breakfast, a 45-minute drive will take you from your hotel to Umbwe Gate. Here, your crew will handle registration while the porters and guides finalize preparations. Following lunch, your trek officially begins. You’ll journey through dense, green mountain rainforest, heading towards Umbwe Cave, where you’ll spend the night.
Distance: 11km
Estimated hiking time: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain; 1,050m
Vegetation zone: Montane Forest
After a good, energy-boosting breakfast, you’ll start today’s climb. The trail leads you out of the rainforest and into the moorland, dotted with rocky areas. You’ll ascend through the cloud forest and along the impressive Umbwe Route ridge, which has steep drops on its sides until it flattens near the Barranco Valley. Your destination, Barranco Camp, is nestled in this valley, below the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall. A hot dinner will be waiting for you there.
Distance: 6km
Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: 1,050m
Vegetation zone: Rain Forest
This section of this Route is filled with thrilling exploration and life-changing scenery. You’ll start the day with a 90-minute climb up the magnificent Barranco Wall, also known as the Breakfast Wall. After that, you’ll continue along a calm trail until you reach the Karanga Valley. Here, you’ll settle and mentally prepare for the final stretch of your journey.
Distance: 6km
Estimated hiking time: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain; 300m
Elevation loss 205m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
The final day on the Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route before the summit begins with a gentle climb through the Karanga Valley, temperatures will drop, and vegetation will thin out. You’ll set up camp on an exposed part of the ridge (barafu camp) and enjoy an energy-rich meal to prepare for your midnight ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 4km
Estimated hiking time: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain; 678m
Vegetation zone: Alpine desert
Your journey to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro starts just after midnight, taking you across sapphire glaciers to Stella Point. A beautiful sunrise will illuminate the summit as you proceed toward your ultimate destination: Uhuru Peak, known as the “Rooftop of Africa.”
From the summit, you’ll feel an immense sense of exhilaration and triumph as you look down upon the clouds and ice. Following a celebration with your support team, you’ll descend to Barafu Camp for a short break, then move on to Mweka Camp. There, a hot meal will be waiting, and you’ll spend your last night on the mountain unwinding beneath the stars.
NB: This is the longest and most challenging day of the trek.
Distance: 17 km, (5km ascent, 12km descent)
Estimated hiking Time: 12-16 hours (7-8 hours to summit, 5-6 hours descending)
Elevation Gain: +1,222 to the summit
Elevation loss; –2,795m descent
Vegetation zone: Arctic / Rainforest
After breakfast, you’ll walk back to Mweka Gate, enjoying the misty, deep green forest. You’ll then say goodbye to your guides and porters before getting into the shuttle that will take you back to Moshi, where you can look forward to a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and fresh clothes.
Distance: 10 km
Estimated hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Elevation Loss: –1,460m
Vegetation zone: Rainforest
After getting some rest and refreshments at the hotel, your driver guide will take you to the airport, ready for your flight back home.
NOTE: Hotel check-out is at 10:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of your evening flight there is a procedural option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee
Our classic climbing package is the ideal choice for most adventurers, blending great comfort with the highest safety standards to create an unforgettable experience.
Everything you need for a successful trek is included: experienced mountain crews, high-quality group equipment, and nutritionist-designed meals.
Your safety is our top priority. All our guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and every expedition includes oxygen cylinders, complete medical kits, and mandatory medical check-ups twice a day. For your peace of mind, a GPS device tracks your party’s progress in real-time, allowing you to share a link with family and friends.
Before and after your climb, you’ll stay in a comfortable hotel with caring staff, reliable Wi-Fi, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and hot water.
Price per person
Price per person
To ensure a smooth start and end to your climb, our package provides dedicated transfers specifically for your journey to and from the park gate. For your arrival and departure at the airport, we offer a separate, optional transfer service that can be arranged at your convenience. Just let us know your flight details if you’d like us to organize this for you.
Your pre and post-climb accommodation is included in your package. We’ve arranged comfortable stays for you before and after your climb to ensure you’re well-rested and ready for your adventure.
For your convenience and comfort on the mountain, we provide all necessary camping equipment for the trip, including tents, cooking gear, and dining essentials. Please note that you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Rest assured, all your meals throughout the entire climbing trip will be freshly prepared by our team. We’ve got your culinary needs covered from start to finish!
You’ll be in excellent hands with our experienced team on the mountain. Our well-trained and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified guides will lead the way, ensuring your safety and success. Our hardworking porters will manage all your gear, and our dedicated cook will prepare delicious meals, making your entire trip enjoyable and seamless.
For your safety on the mountain, an emergency oxygen tank is included and will be carried by the crew throughout your climb.
Your safety is our priority. We include daily medical check-ups by our WFR-certified guides, and our crew will carry a fully loaded medical kit to address any health concerns that may arise during the trek.
For your peace of mind, we provide 24/7 support via satellite phone throughout your entire trip, ensuring constant communication and emergency access no matter where you are on the mountain.
To ensure a completely hassle-free experience, all necessary park entrance fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, and government taxes are fully included in your package price. This means you won’t encounter any hidden costs for accessing the national park or climbing Kilimanjaro itself, allowing you to focus purely on your adventure.
You’ll have the full backing of our dedicated support team throughout your entire journey. From your initial inquiry until you safely return home, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Don’t worry about your extra luggage while you’re on the mountain. We provide a safe and secure storage room for any bags you don’t need to take on your climb. You can leave your belongings with us with complete peace of mind, and they’ll be ready for you upon your return
We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.
By booking directly with us, you directly fuel positive change. Your adventure provides stable employment for guides, porters, and cooks from nearby villages. We also commit to sourcing our supplies locally, ensuring your trip’s economic benefits flow right into the hands of area businesses and families, cultivating true prosperity within the region.
To ensure your comfort and maintain excellent hygiene during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, portable toilets are thoughtfully included in your package. Our aim is to provide a clean and convenient experience at all times.
We understand the importance of privacy and freedom while on the mountain. By providing dedicated portable toilets, we avoid reliance on public facilities. This not only gives you more personal space but also addresses the challenge of maintaining hygiene in public toilets, which can often be heavily used and difficult for park authorities to keep 100% clean at all times.
Please note that international flights are not included in the package price. You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as your entry and exit point for this trip.
Please note that tips for your climbing crew are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by our hardworking team for their excellent service. We encourage you to read more about our suggested tipping structure on our website for detailed guidance.
Please be aware that visa fees are not included in your package. You will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for entry into Tanzania.
Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the visa application process, we highly recommend you read our detailed article on visa application procedures available on our website. It provides step-by-step guidance to assist you.
Please note that personal gear rentals (e.g., specialized clothing, trekking poles, etc.) are not included in your package. While you’ll need to bring your own personal climbing and trekking equipment, it’s worth noting that there are reliable rental shops here in Tanzania.
This means you don’t necessarily have to buy all the equipment, especially if you don’t anticipate needing it for future treks. Instead of carrying a heavy load of gear from home, you can opt to bring essential items and rent the rest upon your arrival, making your travel much lighter and more convenient.
Please note that our package pricing is based on shared accommodation (double occupancy). If you are a solo traveler and prefer a private room, a single supplement will apply and will be an additional charge to your package.
Please be advised that travel insurance is not included in your package. It is mandatory for all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that lunch and dinner at your hotel before and after your climb are not included in your package. Only breakfast is provided at the hotel. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own dining options for lunch and dinner during these times.
Elevate your climb with our premium package, designed for ultimate comfort and safety.
On the mountain, you’ll enjoy spacious walk-in tents with cots, an enhanced meal plan, a private portable toilet, and a satellite phone for staying in touch.
Your safety is our priority. All guides are Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified, and we carry oxygen, medical kits, and conduct twice-daily medical checks.
The journey starts and ends with a stay at a Luxury hotel in Arusha, including breakfast and dinner.
Price per person
Price per person
This premium expedition package includes two nights at the luxurious Mount Meru Game Lodge in Arusha—one night before and one night after your climb. The lodge’s exceptional service and serene setting provide a comfortable and relaxing start and end to your adventure.
On the mountain, you’ll stay in spacious, custom-designed, four-season walk-in tents. By default, you’ll share a room at the lodge and a tent with your travel companion; single occupancy is available upon request for an additional fee.
To ensure your comfort and maintain excellent hygiene during your Mount Kilimanjaro expedition, portable toilets are thoughtfully included in your package. Our aim is to provide a clean and convenient experience at all times.
We understand the importance of privacy and freedom while on the mountain. By providing dedicated portable toilets, we avoid reliance on public facilities. This not only gives you more personal space but also addresses the challenge of maintaining hygiene in public toilets, which can often be heavily used and difficult for park authorities to keep 100% clean at all times.
At Bush 2 City, we provide a safe and comfortable camping experience on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Here’s what you can expect:
Our Tents and Sleeping Gear
We use durable tents designed to keep you warm and dry. Each tent has a separate area to store your boots and gear. Tents are spacious enough for two people and their bags, even though they’re made for three. You’ll share a tent with your travel partner, or with another hiker of the same sex if you’re traveling alone. If you’d like your own tent, you can request one for an additional fee.
For extra comfort, we offer a larger walk-in tent with enough space for a camping cot, also for an additional fee. All of our trips include a thick, 3-inch sleeping mat to ensure a good night’s rest.
Dining and Socializing
Enjoy meals in our strong, wind- and rain-proof dining tents. We provide camping tables with reusable cutlery and crockery, served and cleaned by our kitchen crew. We never use plastic disposable tableware.
We also provide comfortable, foldable chairs with back and arm support, so you can relax and socialize with your fellow hikers.
Camp Amenities and Management
Our camps include a hand-washing stand with hot water. Your camp managers arrive early to set up camp in the best spot and inspect all equipment to ensure a smooth trip. They also carry a repair kit for any quick fixes, though this is rarely needed.
Rest assured, all your meals throughout the entire climbing trip will be freshly prepared by our team. We’ve got your culinary needs covered from start to finish!
You’ll be in excellent hands with our experienced team on the mountain. Our well-trained and WFR (Wilderness First Responder) certified guides will lead the way, ensuring your safety and success. Our hardworking porters will manage all your gear, and our dedicated cook will prepare delicious meals, making your entire trip enjoyable and seamless.
For your safety on the mountain, an emergency oxygen tank is included and will be carried by the crew throughout your climb.
Your safety is our priority. We include daily medical check-ups by our WFR-certified guides, and our crew will carry a fully loaded medical kit to address any health concerns that may arise during the trek.
For your peace of mind, we provide 24/7 support via satellite phone throughout your entire trip, ensuring constant communication and emergency access no matter where you are on the mountain.
To ensure a completely hassle-free experience, all necessary park entrance fees, conservation fees, rescue fees, and government taxes are fully included in your package price. This means you won’t encounter any hidden costs for accessing the national park or climbing Kilimanjaro itself, allowing you to focus purely on your adventure.
You’ll have the full backing of our dedicated support team throughout your entire journey. From your initial inquiry until you safely return home, we’re here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.
Don’t worry about your extra luggage while you’re on the mountain. We provide a safe and secure storage room for any bags you don’t need to take on your climb. You can leave your belongings with us with complete peace of mind, and they’ll be ready for you upon your return
We’re passionate about protecting Mount Kilimanjaro’s natural splendor. Our “Leave No Trace” approach goes beyond words: we take proactive steps by deploying our dedicated teams during the off-peak season to remove any litter from the mountain. Our company fully funds these vital clean-up initiatives, ensuring every adventure with us contributes to a truly responsible and sustainable environment.
By booking directly with us, you directly fuel positive change. Your adventure provides stable employment for guides, porters, and cooks from nearby villages. We also commit to sourcing our supplies locally, ensuring your trip’s economic benefits flow right into the hands of area businesses and families, cultivating true prosperity within the region.
Please note that international flights are not included in the package price. You will need to arrange your own flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as your entry and exit point for this trip.
Please note that tips for your climbing crew are not included in the package price. Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by our hardworking team for their excellent service. We encourage you to read more about our suggested tipping structure on our website for detailed guidance.
Please be aware that visa fees are not included in your package. You will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for entry into Tanzania.
Should you encounter any difficulties or have questions regarding the visa application process, we highly recommend you read our detailed article on visa application procedures available on our website. It provides step-by-step guidance to assist you.
Please note that personal gear rentals (e.g., specialized clothing, trekking poles, etc.) are not included in your package. While you’ll need to bring your own personal climbing and trekking equipment, it’s worth noting that there are reliable rental shops here in Tanzania.
This means you don’t necessarily have to buy all the equipment, especially if you don’t anticipate needing it for future treks. Instead of carrying a heavy load of gear from home, you can opt to bring essential items and rent the rest upon your arrival, making your travel much lighter and more convenient.
Please note that our package pricing is based on shared accommodation (double occupancy). If you are a solo traveler and prefer a private room, a single supplement will apply and will be an additional charge to your package.
Please be advised that travel insurance is not included in your package. It is mandatory for all clients to arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other unforeseen circumstances.
The Umbwe route is renowned as one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most challenging and direct paths to the summit. It is an ideal choice for experienced climbers seeking a demanding and secluded trekking experience.
The main distinction between the Umbwe and Machame routes is in their initial days. The Umbwe route is characterized by a very steep ascent over the first two days, offering a solitary journey with minimal foot traffic. In contrast, the Machame route follows a more gradual incline and is significantly more crowded. Both routes converge on the third day and proceed along the Southern Circuit, traversing the Barranco Wall before the final push to the summit. A seven-day itinerary is highly recommended for either route to ensure adequate acclimatization.
Both the Umbwe route and the Western Breach are known for their difficulty. The six-day Umbwe itinerary is challenging due to its rapid altitude gain and demanding first two days. The Western Breach, however, presents a different type of challenge, primarily due to the risk of rockfalls. It is a route that should only be attempted by seasoned trekkers who are fully aware of and prepared for the inherent dangers.
The Umbwe route has a remarkably high summit success rate, with some reports indicating that over 97% of climbers reach the peak. This is largely because the route attracts highly experienced and well-prepared trekkers. For those with less experience, a new seven-day itinerary has been developed to provide a slightly more manageable ascent while maintaining a high success rate.
Following your Kilimanjaro climb, you have the opportunity to extend your adventure by adding a safari or a relaxing beach vacation. This allows you to experience the diverse beauty of Tanzania in a single, comprehensive trip. We can customize an itinerary that seamlessly transitions from the high-altitude challenge of the mountain to the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti or the pristine beaches of Zanzibar.
Tell us your ideas, and we’ll craft a personalized travel itinerary within 3 hours.
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