6 Days Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is known for being the steepest, shortest, and most challenging route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a true climbing challenge
Scenic Beauty
The route offers dramatic landscapes, including dense rainforests, heath, moorland, and alpine deserts
Difficulty
Very high, due to the rapid ascent and steep terrain, which makes acclimatization difficult
Accommodations
Camping is the only option along this route
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m / 5,940ft} – Umbwe Cave Camp (2,940m / 9,702ft)
Distance: 11km /7 Miles
Hiking time: 6 – 7 hours
Ascent: 1,140m / 3,762ft
Max. altitude: 2,940m / 9,702ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
This morning we will begin our journey by drive from Moshi to Kilimanjaro national park (Machame gate); the drive will be about 45 minutes. After registration at the gate we will then transfer through Umbwe village to Umbwe gate and commence our trekking through the dense rain forest along the ridge surrounded with large ancient trees, endemic flowers, we might also spot blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkey on the way. The hiking will be approximately 5 – 6 hours.
Spend the night at Umbwe cave camp.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp (2,940m / 9,702ft) – Barranco Camp (3,900m /12,870)
Distance: 6km / 4Miles
Hiking time: 4 – 5 hours
Ascent: 940m / 3,168ft
Max. altitude: 3900m / 12,870ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accomodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today we will start early with a steep climb and shortly the forest will end following the rocky terrain. The sheer wall of the western Breach can be seen and sometimes disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the great Barranco; from Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco camp through the beautiful large flowering plants of giant scenecio. The day will take approximately 3 – 4 hours of walking.
Spend the night at Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900m / 12,870ft) – Karanga Camp (4,035m / 13,316ft)
Distance: 6km / 4Miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 135m / 446ft
Max. altitude: 4,035m / 13,316ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accomodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Today we will begin our climb with the Barranco wall, which is a little bit scramble; this starts soon after we leave the camp. While climbing there is a fascinating view of the camp behind us. After reaching the top of the Barranco wall 4200m, we will have ups and down into the Karanga valley and take a short steep path to Karanga camp. On a clear day, there are exceptional views of kibo to your left and mount Meru to your right. Walking time is approximately 3 – 4 hours.
Spend the night at Karanga camp.
Day4: Karanga Camp (4,035m / 13,316ft) – Barafu Camp (4,673m / 15,421ft)
Distance: 4km / 2.5Miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Ascent: 773m / 2551ft
Max. altitude: 4673m / 15421ft
Habitat: Moorland
Accomodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast we will start a steadily climb to Barafu camp which is located on the ridge below the summit cone, where in most of clear days the two peaks of kibo and Mawenzi can be seen from here. After about 3 hours of walking through the alpine desert, we will arrive at Barafu camp early enough for lunch, afternoon resting having early dinner, rest and ready for the summit ascent.
Spend the evening rest at Barafu camp.
Day 5: Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,421ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,453.5ft) then descending to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,230ft)
Distance: 14 – 17.5km / 9 – 11Miles
Hiking time: 11 – 14 hours
Max. altitude: 5895m / 19454ft
Accommodation: Tent
Habitat: Alpine Desert / Moorland / Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
We will begin our final ascent at midnight, after about 4 – 5 hours of walking in the cold night; we will reach the crater rim (Stella point 5756m). From here, the climb will be less steep to Uhuru peak the highest point of Africa, where we can enjoy the golden color of sun rising from behind Mawenzi peak over the African highest point. The hike from Stella point to Uhuru peak will be about 45min – 1 hour. After the summit we will start our descent back to Barafu camp where we will have time to rest have lunch before we continue our way down to Mweka camp.
Spend the night at Mweka camp.
Day 6: Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,230ft) to Mweka Gate (1,800m/5,940ft)
Distance: 10km / 6Miles
Hiking time: 3 – 4 hours
Descent: 1460m / 4818ft
Habitat: Montane forest
Accommodation: Tent
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
After breakfast, the goodbye ceremony from the mountain crew (supporting team) will be follow before staring our final descent through the forest to the gate for about 2 – 3 hours. If the weather will be good, there will be a great opportunity of spotting monkeys. From Mweka Gate we will transport you to your accommodation for a long shower and relaxing day for you to celebrate your victory.
- National park fees
- Camping fees
- Rescue fees
- Guides, cook & porter’s salaries
- Food; drinking water
- Camping equipment
- Accommodation
- Transport to/from park entry gate.
- Hiring of clothing, sleeping mats, sleeping bags, walking poles etc.
- Tipping to your mountain crew. The standard recommendation for this is USD$30-40 per day to the chief guide, $25-30 per day per assistant guide, $20-25 per day to the cook, $15-20 per day per helping porter (such as the toilet cleaner or
