A short, demanding climb through forest to Barranco Camp. For experienced, very fit trekkers only. 6 days with local guides from Moshi.
Get a free quoteSee itineraryUmbwe is the most direct route on the mountain. It climbs steeply through forest up a narrow valley from the roadhead to Barranco Camp on the south side. Because you gain altitude so quickly, it is the hardest route to acclimatise on.
Today Umbwe is used mainly by porters, who carry food supplies up to Barranco Camp, and as a quick retreat for climbers who fall sick at Barranco or Karanga Camp. The trail drops fast through forest, which helps people reach lower altitude quickly. Park rules and route use can change, so please check with us before booking.
The route is mostly forested and the trail is steep and often muddy, with roots and rock steps. Past Barranco it joins the Machame trail, so the higher camps and summit night are the same as on Machame.
| Stage (6 day plan) | Altitude | Distance | Walking time | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp | 1,650 to 2,850 m | ~6 km | 5–6 hrs | Steep rainforest |
| Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp | 2,850 to 3,950 m | ~6 km | 5–7 hrs | Forest to moorland |
| Barranco to Karanga Camp | 3,950 to 3,995 m | ~5 km | 4–5 hrs | Barranco Wall, alpine |
| Karanga to Barafu Camp | 3,995 to 4,673 m | ~4 km | 3–4 hrs | Alpine desert |
| Barafu to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka Camp | 4,673 to 5,895 to 3,100 m | ~5 km up, ~12 km down | 10–15 hrs | Arctic summit |
| Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate | 3,100 to 1,640 m | ~10 km | 3–4 hrs | Rainforest |
Distances and times are approximate and vary with pace and conditions.
A steep, direct ascent for experienced and very fit trekkers.
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Barranco to Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga to Barafu Camp.
Day 5: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Most climbers have a better chance of reaching the summit on a longer route. Compare these popular options:
Confirm the exact inclusions for your booking when you request a quote.
The driest and clearest months are January to March and June to October. In the rains the steep forest trail becomes muddy and slippery, so Umbwe is best avoided then. Good boots, poles and waterproofs matter in any season.
Dense, quiet rainforest with giant trees and moss, a narrow ridge above the valley, then the open Barranco Valley below the famous Barranco Wall. Above Barranco you share the trail with Machame climbers.
Umbwe gains altitude very fast, so altitude sickness is a real risk. Walk “pole pole” (slowly), drink plenty and tell your guide about any headache, nausea or dizziness. Your guides will monitor you and can arrange a fast descent. If you are unsure, choose a longer route or add a Mount Meru climb first.
Layered clothing, a warm summit jacket, waterproof shell, broken-in boots, gloves, hat, headlamp, trekking poles, a sleeping bag rated to about –10°C and a 2 to 3 litre water system. Tents and mats are provided, but bring your own sleeping bag.
Umbwe is the most direct and steepest route. It climbs quickly to Barranco Camp, so it is the hardest to acclimatise on.
Umbwe is mostly used today by porters carrying supplies and as a descent or retreat route for sick climbers. We offer a 6 day itinerary for experienced, very fit trekkers. Contact us to confirm current park rules.
No. Because it gains altitude so fast, we recommend Lemosho, Machame or Rongai for first-time climbers.
It drops quickly through forest from Barranco, so climbers who are sick at Barranco or Karanga can descend fast to lower altitude.
January to March and June to October are driest. In the rains the steep forest trail becomes muddy and slippery.
It starts at Umbwe Gate on the southern side, joins the Machame trail near Barranco Camp and usually finishes at Mweka Gate.
Tell us your dates, fitness and experience and we’ll recommend the right route and send a quote.
Request a quoteCall +255 765 470 565