UMBWE ROUTE 6 or 7 Days
The Umbwe route, often described as short, steep, and direct, is widely recognized as the most challenging path up Mount Kilimanjaro. Its rapid ascent does not offer the necessary stages for proper altitude acclimatization, making it extremely difficult. Despite the low traffic on this route, the chances of reaching the summit are relatively low.
While the route can be completed in a minimum of six days, a seven-day journey is advised for those daring to attempt it. The Umbwe route is strictly for seasoned hikers confident in their acclimatization abilities. However, due to its high difficulty level, we generally advise against this route and discourage our clients from choosing it. This path is a test of true endurance and should only be undertaken by those who are thoroughly prepared.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your pre-arranged hotel in Moshi/Arusha town. Here, you will meet your guide who will brief you about the exciting trek ahead and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
Embark on an exciting journey from Moshi at 8 a.m. towards Umbwe Gate. Here, you’ll meet our dedicated team of porters, guides, and cooks who will accompany you on the six-day trek to Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Africa. While we register your climb and our team finalizes preparations, take in the surroundings at the gate. Your destination for the first day is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. Traverse through Kilimanjaro’s enchanting cloud forest adorned with moss-covered trees. As you progress, the forest gives way to heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers. Our team will precede you to set up camp for your arrival.
- Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters, 3,445 feet
- Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
The initial part of the trail follows a ridge and continues through open moorlands after leaving the forest until you reach Barranco Camp. Nestled amidst giant senecios and lobelias, Barranco is often considered the most picturesque campsite on the Umbwe Trail. As Barranco is situated in a valley, it experiences later sunrises compared to other camps.
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters, 3,610 feet
- Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
After breakfast at Barranco Camp, set off for Karanga Valley. The day commences with a challenging 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the most strenuous part of the day and may require using your hands for support in some areas. Once you’ve reached the top, hike through relatively flat terrain before making a brief but steep descent into the verdant Karanga River Valley.
- Elevation Gain: 250 meters, 820 feet
- Distance: 7 Kilometers
- Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Post breakfast, commence your hike towards Barafu Camp. En route to Barafu, marvel at several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route – Mweka with the Machame trail. During day four of your trekking adventure, pass by the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. Although the trail to Barafu traverses through an alpine desert with sparse vegetation, Barafu Camp offers awe-inspiring views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After dinner at camp try to get some sleep as you will be waking up before midnight for your summit hike.
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters, 1,320 feet
- Hiking time: 3 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Begin your final ascent towards Uhuru Peak around midnight. Illuminate your path with your headlamp for the next six hours. The climb to the crater rim is arguably the most challenging part of the entire trek due to its steepness until you reach Stella Point.
The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and not particularly difficult in terms of hiking but can be long and tiring due to altitude. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak capture memories with photos of your guide and group before starting your descent towards Mweka Camp. Enjoy stunning views of the mountain range along with its crater and glaciers on your way down from Uhuru.
At Barafu Camp enjoy breakfast and take a short break before continuing your descent towards Mweka Camp which is another three to five hours away.
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters or 4,240 feet
- Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters or 9,170 feet
- Hiking time: Approximately 6 hours to reach rim; an hour’s hike to Uhuru; about 3-4 hours back to Barafu; and finally, 4 hours to reach Mweka
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Post breakfast, conclude your trek with a scenic hike through the lush forest towards Mweka Gate. Be cautious as the trail might be slippery if it has rained. Upon reaching the lower station of Mweka Gate, our vehicles will be ready to transport you back to Moshi. This marks the end of your memorable journey.
The day is left free for you to relax after your trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could explore Moshi town and pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your pre-arranged hotel in Moshi/Arusha town. Here, you will meet your guide who will brief you about the exciting trek ahead and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing gear can be rented on this day.
Hotel: Bed & Breakfast
Depart from Moshi at 8 a.m. and head towards Umbwe Gate, where your six-day journey to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, begins. Upon arrival, we’ll handle your registration while our team, including porters, guides, and cooks, prepares for the trek. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail may be challenging with steep and slippery sections, winding through Kilimanjaro’s captivating cloud forest adorned with moss-covered trees. As you ascend, the landscape transitions from forested areas to heathers, tall grasses, and colorful wildflowers. Our team will arrive ahead to set up camp before your arrival.
Elevation Gain: 1,050 meters (3,445 feet)
Hiking Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The initial segment of the trail traces along the ridge and proceeds across expansive moorlands once beyond the forest, culminating at Barranco Camp. Encircled by towering senecios and lobelias, Barranco is renowned for its scenic beauty along the Umbwe Trail. Situated in a valley, Barranco experiences a sunrise slightly later than other camps.
Total Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,610 feet)
Hiking Duration: 5 to 7 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Allocate an additional day at Barranco Camp for acclimatization. This extra day will help reduce exertion and improve acclimatization.
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast and head towards Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour ascent of the Barranco Wall, the most challenging section where some hand support may be necessary in certain spots. Once atop the wall, traverse relatively flat terrain before descending briefly but steeply into the lush Karanga River Valley.
Elevation Gain: 250 meters (820 feet)
Distance: 7 kilometers
Hiking Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin your hike to Barafu Camp. Along the way, take in the sight of several of Kibo’s glaciers and the junction that links the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. Today’s trek provides views of Heim’s, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers. While the trail to Barafu cuts through an alpine desert with sparse vegetation, Barafu Camp itself offers breathtaking vistas of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. It’s advised to rest after dinner as you’ll rise before midnight for your summit hike.
Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1,320 feet)
Hiking Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Around midnight, embark on your final ascent towards Uhuru Peak. Hike illuminated by your headlamp for approximately six hours. The climb to the crater rim is widely considered the most demanding segment of the entire trek, featuring a steep trail until you reach Stella Point on the crater rim.
From Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, the hike is a gradual ascent and, while lengthy and exhausting due to altitude, it is not particularly strenuous. The journey along the crater rim takes about one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, capture photos of your guide and group at the summit before commencing your descent towards Mweka Camp. During your descent from Uhuru Peak, savor views of the mountain’s crater, clouds, and glaciers.
At Barafu Camp, enjoy breakfast and take a brief rest before continuing your descent towards Mweka Camp, which lies another three to five hours away.
Elevation Gain: 1,295 meters (4,240 feet)
Elevation Loss: 2,795 meters (9,170 feet)
Hiking Duration: 6 hours to the rim, 1 hour to Uhuru, 3 to 4 hours back to Barafu, 4 hours to Mweka
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, wrap up your trek with a hike through the forest towards Mweka Gate. Exercise caution as the trail may be slippery, especially if it has rained. Our vehicles will be waiting for you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to transport you back to Moshi.
Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,250 feet)
Hiking Duration: 4 hours
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You have the entire day to relax after your trek before your flight home. Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to explore Moshi town and perhaps pick up some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- All Park fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Arrival and Departure transfers
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Flying Doctors insurance (AMREF)
PRICE EXCLUDES
- International Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks not included
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
