Main Info
The Umbwe Route widely considered to be the most difficult route on Kilimanjaro. The route is very steep and ascends very fast without allowing much time to acclimate to the increasing altitude. The route joins the Southern Circuit at Barranco camp. We offer 6, 7 and 8 day treks on this route, however climbers who choose Umbwe should be confident in their ability to acclimate rapidly.
Day 01:
Register at Umbwe Gate (5,249ft/1,600m), the climb then starts out in the in the rain forest of the lower slopes where we may encounter animals, such as black & white colobus monkeys and several varieties of birds. Hike to edge of forest at Umbwe Cave (9,510ft/2,900m). Duration 6-7hrs.
Day 02:
After breakfast leave Umbwe cave for a steep climb to Barranco
camp (13,045ft/3,976m) directly under Kibo. Most of today’s hike is
through heather climate zone. Enjoy the wonderful sunset on the summit
and Great Barranco Wall. Duration 4-5hrs.
Day 03:
After breakfast we will start the 1000ft scramble up the Great Barranco
Wall. Once on top, we will continue the undulating hike to Karanga
camp(13,100ft/3,995m) where you will spend the night. Enjoy the views of
Kibo above and the plains below, can see Moshi Town far below. Duration
4-5 hrs.
Day 04:
After breakfast leave Karanga camp and head up the steep slopes to
Barafu(15,330ft/4,673m) camp. This is a short day. You will have a hot
lunch and an early dinner. You will leave Barafu for the summit at
midnight. Mawenzi dominates the view from Barafu. Duration 4hrs.
Day 05:
Wakeup around 11pm and get ready for summit hike. Leave for the summit
at midnight and after a very steep ascent, reaching Stella Point
(18,958ft/5,745m) after 6hrs. Another 1 hr of gradual sloping ground and
you are at the summit! Descend to Barafu for a couple of hours rest and
lunch. Then descend on Mweka route to Mweka camp (10,065ft/3,068m).
Duration 13-14hrs.
Day 06:
After breakfast start the short hike down through forest to Mweka Gate
(5,380ft/1,640m). You will receive your summit certificate and say good
bye to your new friends. Duration 2-3hrs.
INCLUDED: All park entry fees, rescue fees, transport to/from the gate, food, drinking water, tents, guide,cook and porters..
NOT INCLUDED: Sleeping bag, tips for your guide, cook and porters and other personal things of nature.
