6 Days
Duration
Challenging
Physicality
Tanzania
Destination
13+
Age
All Year
Availability

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. The Umbwe Route is a scenic route which approaches the summit from the south. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize.

1

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

  • Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
  • Distance: 11 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalitieswill be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantationsto Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the denserainforest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two riverssurrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thickundergrowth.

2

Day 2: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

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

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. Thepath flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descendsto Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

3

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

  • Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • 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 theBarranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply intoKaranga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorterday meant for acclimatization.

4

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

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

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

5

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Habitat: ArcticUhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

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

6

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 milesHiking
  • Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

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

TOUR INCLUDES

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Transportation to & from the Mt. Kilimanjaro gate

Park entry fees

Accommodation fees for on the mountain

Rescue fees

18% VAT on tour fees & services

Accommodation on the mountain in tents (mattresses and sleeping bags are included)

Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters

3 meals daily while on the mountain

Drinking water throughout the trek

Hot water for washing

Government taxes

Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter

Emergency first-aid kit

 

TOUR EXCLUDES

Accommodation before and after your mountain trek

Travel insurance

Flights

Laundry Service

Personal items and toiletries

Tips for guides, porters and cook (see our tipping guidelines for more information)