Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route 6 Days

Kilimanjaro Tanzania

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Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Hiking

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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.

Tour Highlights:

Departure and Return Place: Moshi Town to Umbwe Route and then back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (Google Map)
Departure Time: Please be ready by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time: Approximately 10:30 AM on the last day.
Dress Code: Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hats, cold-weather jackets, gloves, pants, and spare clothing.
Accommodation: Two nights of accommodations based on bed and breakfast at a 3-star hotel (upgrades on request).
Customizations: Can be customized upon request to meet travelers’s needs
Extensions: Trip Extensions are available on request.
Trip Availability: All year round.

Included/Exclude

Ground transfers with pick up and drop of at Kilimanjaro airport and the base hotel in Moshi
Park entrance fees,
Camping/Hut fees
Rescue fees,
Emergency Oxygen at not extra charge
Medical / First aid Kit.
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, to measure clients oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
24 Hours standby radio Communication
3 litres of Mineral water on the first day per client
Hot meals (except first day) served in the mess tent.
4 season sleeping tents
2 inches mattress 1 per client
Professional Mountain Guide, Park Fees and Salaries
Porters,
First and last night accommodation
Flying Doctor membership cover
Forest fees for clients and crews

Personal gears
climbing equipment
sleeping bags
drinks
tipping and all other expenses of personal nature.

Tour Plan

DAY 1 – Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. 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.

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

DAY 2 – Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.

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

DAY 3 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.

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

DAY 4 – Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.

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

DAY 5 – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

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Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Arctic

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Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest

DAY 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

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

Map

Accommodations

Two Nights Hotel Accommodations
One before and after the Kilimanjaro hiking adventure. Our recommended options include:
1. Keys Hotel: Comfortable and contemporary stay.
2. Ameg Lodge: Tranquil retreat amidst picturesque landscapes.
3. Lindrin Lodge: Charming and rustic ambience.
4. Parkview Inn: Convenient location with well-appointed rooms.
5. Chanya Lodge: Exceptional service and warm hospitality.