Mt Meru & Kilimanjaro – Umbwe Route

Embark on a unique double-summit adventure in northern Tanzania. Begin with a trek up Mount Meru (4,566 m) for essential acclimatization, then move on to the Umbwe Route, one of Kilimanjaro’s most direct and demanding paths. Amanzing vistas, remote wilderness, and fewer crowds await.

The Umbwe Route is known as one of the shortest yet steepest routes to Uhuru Peak, combining fast altitude gain with dramatic terrain and minimal traffic.

Trek through lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier zones, and finish your climb with a descent via Mweka Gate. This route is ideal for trekkers who want a serious challenge, a less traveled path, and the thrill of two summits in one trip.

Location map

Mt Meru Route

Umbwe Route

Elevation and distance travel graph 

Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to luxury hotel in Arusha (1,400 m). Evening or morning briefing with guides.

Day 2 – Arusha → Momella Gate → Miriakamba Hut (2,500 m)
Scenic trek through Arusha National Park, with possible sightings of giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and elephants. Overnight in Miriakamba Hut. (5–7 hrs)

Day 3 – Miriakamba Hut → Saddle Hut (3,500 m)
Steep ascent along the ridge with views of Meru Crater. Optional acclimatization hike to Little Meru (3,820 m). Early dinner and rest. (3–5 hrs)

Day 4 – Saddle Hut → Summit of Mt Meru (4,566 m) → Arusha
Midnight start to reach Rhino Point and Cobra Point, then summit at sunrise with spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. Descend back via Miriakamba to Arusha. (6–8 hrs)

Day 5 – Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Cave Camp (2,900 m)
Begin Kilimanjaro trek via the Umbwe Route, climbing through dense rainforest along the Umbwe River. Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp. (5–6 hrs)

Day 6 – Umbwe Cave Camp → Barranco Camp (3,970 m)
Leave the forest and gain altitude, with views of the Western Breach. Overnight at Barranco Camp. (4–5 hrs)

Day 7 – Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,050 m)
Climb the Barranco Wall (600 ft) and traverse beneath the glaciers to Karanga Valley. (3–4 hrs)

Day 8 – Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,650 m)
Short but steep trek to Barafu Camp. Rest, hydrate, and prepare for the midnight summit push. (3–4 hrs)

Day 9 – Barafu Camp → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Millennium Camp
Summit day! Early start to reach Stella Point by sunrise, then continue to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. Descend via Barafu to Millennium Camp (3,820 m). Very long day.

Day 10 – Millennium Camp → Mweka Gate → Hotel
Final descent through rainforest to Mweka Gate. Return to hotel in Arusha for showers, rest, and celebration.

Day 11 – Departure or Extensions
Transfer to the airport, or continue your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a Zanzibar beach extension.

Included

• All airport transfers (arrival & departure)
• Transportation to and from Kilimanjaro National Park
• 3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Arusha (B&B basis, double occupancy; single supplement available)
• Accommodation in shared tents during the trek
• Experienced trekking guides, cooks, and porters
• Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
• Purified drinking water
• Conservation, camping, and rescue fees (as required by local regulations)
• First aid medical kit
• Oxygen (emergency use) & pulse oximeter
• World Sherpas T-shirt or duffle bag
• Shower tent

Excluded

• Tips for trekking staff (approx. US$270–415 per person for an 8-day climb, depending on group size)
• Lunch and dinner in Arusha
• Extra hotel costs in Arusha (bar bills, laundry, additional nights)
• Internet access during the trek (Tanzanian SIM card and top-up available in Arusha)
• Personal trekking & climbing gear (see gear list)
• Personal medical, travel & evacuation insurance (mandatory)
• International airfare
• Tanzanian entry visa fee

Base Camp Comfort

• Spacious sleeping tents with mattress
• Toilet tent
• Mess tent for dinner with tables and chairs
• Snacks, tea, and coffee available during breakfast and dinner

Communications

• Phone network usually available along the trek (with a Tanzanian SIM card)

• Maximum elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft
• Secondary summit: Mt Meru – 4,566 m / 14,977 ft
• Location: Tanzania, Africa
• Climbing season: January–February, July–October
• Duration: 11 days total
• Type of trek: Strenuous, no exposure