Trek Overview:

The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes and the most challenging on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. It is the best route for those who prefer fewer crowds, although the chances of success are also low on this route.

The route considered to be a very difficult and taxing route-one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.

Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

The minimum number of days for this route is six. Additional days are recommended for more acclimatization.

Trek Highlights

• Arrival
• Day 1:Umbwe Gate (1,600m/5,259ft) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,380ft)
• Day 2:Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,380ft) – Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)
• Day 3:Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800 ft) – Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100)
• Day 4:Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673m15, 330ft)
• Day 5:Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,330) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,350ft) – Millennium Camp (3,950m/12,950ft) –Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,200ft)
• Day 6:Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,200ft) – Mweka Gate (1,650m/54,200ft) – Moshi (900m/2,950ft)

End

Day 1

Umbwe Gate (1,600m/5,259ft) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,380ft)

Distance: 10.5km
Environment: Montane forest
Time: 5 to 7 hours

Start in the morning from the lodge in Moshi; you will make a way to the Umbwe Gate from where the trekking journey begins with your guide and porters. Through the rainforest, the route subsequently follows a forestry track and then steepens between the rivers of Lonzo and Umbwe.

Subject to the condition that the weather remains clear, you’ll get good view of the Kibo in the distance. Hiking for approximately 5 to 6 hours will get you to Umbwe Cave Camp located at 2850 meters, which is 10.5 km from the starting point.

The porters and assistants will arrive at the campsite much before you and have erected the tents by you arrive. Water for washing and drinking will be prepared in the evening. Later in the evening dinner will be served before you retire to your tent for overnight. Night temperature at the campsite will drop below freezing point!

Day 2

Umbwe Cave Camp (2,850m/9,380ft) – Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800ft)

Distance: 6.5km
Environment: Rain Forest/Lowe alpine zone
Time: 4 to 6 hours

The landscape gradually changes to moorland from rainforest, and consequently vegetation becomes sparse and rocky outcrops dominate. You’ll be following the Umbwe Route ridge until it begins to flatten as it reaches the Barranco Valley. The Barranco Camp located at an altitude of 3950 meters sits under the shadow of Great Barranco Wall from where trekkers can clearly see Kibo in a distance. You will notice the camp is pretty busy. This is because you will be joining hikers from the Machame Lemosho and Shira route here.

Day 3

Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,800 ft) – Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100)

Distance: 7 km
Environment: Alpine Desert
Time: 4 to 5 hours

Today the Barranco Wall stands before you to conquer. Some stages will require you to use your hands for a better grip, but no actual climbing is necessary and your guide will be with you every step of the way to provide a helping hand.

The route with its numerous ascents and descents allow you a chance for further acclimatization, before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along the ridge you can take in the beautiful landscape with its stunning contrasts of desert and vegetation, before finally reaching the cloudy Karanga Camp. Your trek will take between 4 to 5 hours, leaving more than enough time to rest and play a game of rummy.

Day 4

Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,100ft) to Barafu Camp (4,673m15, 330ft)

Distance: 4km
Environment: Alpine desert
Time: 4 to 5 hours

Awakening to the sunlight dancing off the Kibo Summit, you will enjoy an energetic breakfast before setting out to today’s destination – the Barafu Camp. Most of the day will be spent walking through very dry deserted terrain, with Kibo ever present on your left side.

After 3-4 hours you will reach Barafu Camp, where you will have an early dinner and overnight as the highlight of your trip is only a few short hours away.

Day 5

Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,330) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,350ft) – Millennium Camp (3,950m/12,950ft) –Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,200ft)

Distance: 18 km
Environment: Alpine desert/stone scree/ice-capped summit/Montane forest
Time: 14 to 16 hours

You will start early, around 11 pm or midnight.  Ascend to the Stella Point which is located at the rim of Kilimanjaro’s crater. From there, you can see the sun rise over the peak of Mawenzi, and after a short break, you’ll ascend further to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

Descending from the peak will lead you to Barafu camp for a short rest, after the meal and some rest, and then continue down to Mweka camp to sleep overnight.

Depends with how you will be feeling, you will sleep at Millennium camp instead, so less descent today, but means more descent tomorrow.

Day 6

Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,200ft) – Mweka Gate (1,650m/54,200ft) – Moshi (900m/2,950ft)

Distance: 10km
Environment: Montane Forest
Time: 3 to 4 hours

The final ascend of your amazing Kilimanjaro trekking adventure begins after your last breakfast on the mountain followed by a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 3 to 4 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your transferring driver will be waiting for you to drive back to the Hotel accommodation in Moshi and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.

GROUP PRICE 

Price per person per 2 people 1,950 USD

Price per person per 3 people 1,920 USD

Price per person per 4 people 1,890 USD

Price per person per 5 people 1,860 USD

Price per person per 6 people 1,830 USD

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Porterage
• Rescue fee
• Park fees(For non-residents)
• All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
• Camping equipment
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Climbing gear
• International flights(From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Sleeping bag
• Bath towels
• Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees