6 Days Umbwe Route

6 Days

Availability: Year- Round

Arrival: Kilimanjaro Airport

Departure: Kilimanjaro Airport

Trekking Overview

Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers. It is the hardest and most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge.

The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a challenge. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Itinerary

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave

Departing from Arusha/Moshi until we reach the Umbwe gate. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora and fauna and natural wildlife.

At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. Then we continue until we reach Umbwe Cave.

Elevation: 1800m to 2850m
Distance: 11km
Walking time: 7hours

Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp

We leave camp and shortly afterward the forest ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco camp.

Elevation: 2850m to 3900m
Distance: 6km
Walking time: 7 hours

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see your power/ strength over this wall with what appears such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Elevation: 3900m to 3995m
Distance: 6km
Walking time: 5hours

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga camp behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles.
At the camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo will be seen from this position.

Elevation: 3995m to 4673m
Distance: 4km
Walking time: 5hours

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

You will be woken at midnight with some quick tea and biscuits. We start our trekking to the summit. We will head in a northwest direction and ascend through to Stella Point on the crater rim.

At Stella Point, we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise. At Uhuru Peak, we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the roof of Africa.

Then we descend to the Mweka Hut camp, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp. Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Elevation: 4673m to 5895m to 3100m
Distance: 5km to Uhuru and 11km to Mweka

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate

After breakfast, it is to time to say goodbye to the crew. We continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. From the gate, a vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi.

Elevation: 3100m to 1800m
Distance: 10km
Walking time: 3hours