6 Days Umbwe Route

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Itinerary Overview

Day 0: Arrival Day and Pre-Trek Briefing

DAY 1 : Umbwe Gate To Umbwe Camp

DAY 2 Umbwe Camp To Barranco Camp

DAY 3 : Barranco Camp To Karanga Camp

DAY 4 : Karanga Camp To Barafu Camp

DAY 5 : Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak

DAY 6 : Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate

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6 Days Umbwe Route

Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct route based in the south and is said to be the most scenic and difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The main reason that the Umbwe route is considered to be very hard is its steepness the first two days with extremely muddy. Although the traffic on this route is low, the chances of success are also low. This route is only recommended for experienced and well-trained climbers. It's a short time of acclimatization within a 6-day/5-night tour."


Tour Itinerary

0

Day 0: Arrival Day and Pre-Trek Briefing

Arrival: Optional airport transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport to your hotel in Moshi.
Activity: Pre-trek briefing at your hotel. Arrive at least one day before the trek starts to review your equipment and rent any necessary gear.

01

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
  • Distance: 11 km
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

02

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
  • Distance: 6 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

03

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
  • Distance: 5 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

04

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
  • Distance: 4 km
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert

05

DAY 5 : Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak

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

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

06

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. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. 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
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest



REQUEST THIS TRIP

Tour Include

  • All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
  • Professional, experienced, mountain guides
  • Guides, Porters, Cook salaries, and park fees
  • Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on a sharing basis)
  • Sleeping Mattress
  • Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
  • All meals while on the Mountain
  • Quality Mess tents with tables and chairs
  • Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
  • Clean, purified drinking water
  • Conservation fees (part of park fees)
  • Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
  • Rescue fees (part of park fees)
  • VAT (18% charged by the Government)
  • Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Tour Excludes

  • Tanzania Visa
  • International and domestic flights
  • Hotel (available as an optional addon)
  • Transfers (available as an optional addon)
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
  • Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)