Umbwe Route - 6 Days Trek

– Trek Overview

Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones – from tropical rainforest to eternal ice – will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.

Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way – Umbwe camp. In spite of the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, well thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization.

  • Start/End : Moshi, Kilimanjaro
  • Trek Duration : 6 Days, 5 Nights
  • Difficulty : Very High
  • Scenery : Very Good
  • Traffic : Very Low
  • Departure Date : All year round

– Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 1 : Umbwe Gate - Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Health

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

DAY 2 : Umbwe Camp - Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Health

We continue on the trail leading out of the rain forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.

DAY 3 : Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 4 : Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

DAY 5 : Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles Habitat: Rain Forest

We begin our push to the summit very early in the morning (around midnight). This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon.
Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6 : Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

– Routine Map

  • Day 1: Mti Mkubwa
  • Day 2: Shira 1 Camp
  • Day 3: Barranco Camp
  • Day 4: Karanga Camp
  • Day 5: Barafu - Uhuru - Mweka Camp
  • Day 6: Mweka Gate

– Trekking Cost Includes

  • All government taxes including 18% VAT
  • Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to Arusha or Moshi
  • Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro entrance gate
  • Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
  • Guides, Porters and Cook salaries
  • All meals on the mountain (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Filtered water throughout the trek
  • Mountain equipment and gear – tents, Sleeping Mats, mess tent, table and chairs
  • All national park gate fees for visitors and also for the supportive mountain crew (entrance, camping, rescue)

– Trekking Cost Excludes

  • International and local airfare.
  • Yellow fever vaccinations
  • Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
  • Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for the support team
  • Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
  • Private Toilet and hot shower tent
  • Local transport before & after the climb.
  • Optional tours not mentioned in the itinerary

– Enquiries and Requests

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