6-Day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro Climbing

The most difficult route up Kilimanjaro

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, 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 short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

Highlights:

• Most scenic route at Kilimanjaro
• Climbing passage in the Barranco Wall, surefootedness required
• Ascent over Umbwe route and descent over the Mweka route
• Height profile does no positive effect on acclimatization

Itinerary

Day 1 Transfer from the hotel to Umbwe  Gate (1800m) – Umbwe Cave Camp  (2950m)

The day begins with a drive of approx. 50 minutes to Machame Gate where we complete the registration formalities. After that we have a short transfer through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our crew.

The steep and partly slippery trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest, followed by heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth. Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 2 Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp (3960m)

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge on rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, then you will arrive at Barranco Camp which is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe route as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias

Day 3 Barranco Camp (3960m) – Karanga Camp (4035m)

Today’s trek is somewhat shorter, so we can start a little later and enjoy the sun. First it travels through the Barranco Wall, where there is some light climbing where you must also use your hands to help. After you have reached the upper end, you can take a deep breath and once again enjoy the view of the Kibo. The next part of today‘s route will take you through small streams and the Karanga River to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night in your tent.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 4 Karanga  Camp (4035m)- Barafu Camp (4640m)

 After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after some hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit!

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 5 Barafu Camp (4640m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3080m)

You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at the Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to the highest point, the Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are fantastic views in all directions. The shadow that the Kilimanjaro casts over Mount Meru in the morning is a special experience. After you have enjoyed the summit, and taken a few memorable photos, it is time for the descent. At the Barafu Camp you have a short rest, where your mountain team will greet you with a hot drink and snacks. Afterwards, you will slowly go to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the last night at the
mountain.

Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Day 6 Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m) – Transfer to the hotel

After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success.

Breakfast; Lunch

Services included:

• Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
• Professional, English-speaking guide
• Mountain crew (cook & porters)
• Overnight stays in tents
• Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.)
• Meals according to the itinerary
• Drinking water, tea & coffee
• All national park fees
• Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back

Not included services:

• Alcohol and soft drinks
• Sleeping bag
• Flights
• Visa fees
• Tips
• Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
• Travel insurance