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6 Days Umbwe Route

Tour overview

The Umbwe Route Has been known as the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Due to the high altitude and fast ascent the route does not provide the essential stages for acclimatization. The route is never crowed compare to the other one; there is also small chances of success to reach the summit. The Umbwe Route is considered the most difficult, demanding route – The Route is recommended to the stronger hikers who have confident and experience on hiking and to quickly adapt the acclimatization altitude.

Forthcoming from the South, the route is steep and short. Once you reach Barranco Camp, you will cross under Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on trail known as The Southern Circuit, this wil be before summiting from Barafu. During the descent you will pass through the Mweka Route.

Umbwe as a six- or seven-day private climb.

Day by Day

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km | 7 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath

Early morning you will depart the hotel to the Machame Gate aprox 50-minute driving. Upon arrive at the Gate you will be doing registration formalities before starting hiking, after registration you will be transferred through Villages via coffee Farm and bananas banana plantation to Umbwe Gate. Today the paths ascend will be tight on a forestry trail due to winds up the dense rain forest. The route is narrows and steepen as the climbers the edge amongst two rivers surrounded by huge trees.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath

This day will be of the hike through rockier terrain with forest undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen when you will gain elevation. Barranco flattens path are approaching. The ridge descent to Barranco Camp weird and beautiful forest overview.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today we will start the day by descending through a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Non-technical climbing but sharp, approximately 900 ft cliff. Once we reach the top of Barranco Wall we will go through a series of hills and valleys, until descent sharply toward Karanga Valley. We will be near by the camp after one steeper climb up to be in the lead of Karanga Camp.

DAY 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours Habitat:
Alpine Desert

After a cup of coffee, you will leave Karanga and through the junction which links the Mweka Trail then we will proceed up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. Once you complete the southern Circuit you will see a lovely summit views from many different angles. We will rest at the camp and enjoy then having dinner to prepare for summit day. The View of the peaks of Mawezi and Kibo can be found from the position of Barafu camp.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak

Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest

Around midnight we will start walking to the summit. Today will be the most of mentally and physically challenging day of the trek. The weather can be wind and cold at this elevation and time day can be radical. We climb in darkness for several hours and friendly break near Stella Point – 18900 ft upon there you see a marvellous sunrise coming from Mawezi Peak. Finally, we reach the top at Uhuru Peak- Kilimanjaro the highest point and continent of Africa.

After the summit, we will descent straight to the Mweka Hut camp site then stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trails will be quite hard and very rocky. Mweka Camp is located through the upper forest and fog or rain in the late afternoon can be expected. Today will be your last day to enjoy your dinner on the Mountain and good day to sleep.

DAY 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours Habitat: Rain Forest

Today is the last day, after breakfast will start the descent to Mweka Gate and get your summit certificates. It might be wet and muddy due to lower elevations. Once you step out of the gate you will continue to Mweka Village roughly 1 hour, the vehicle will be waiting for you then drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.

With Shokishoki Safari

Plan your safari with confidence.

With Shokishoki Safari

Plan your safari with confidence.