UMBWE ROUTE

Tour Highlights:

• Route: Umbwe Route, one of the shortest and steepest approaches to Kilimanjaro.
• Duration: 6 days (7 days with acclimatization day at Barranco Camp).
• Challenge: The rapid ascent leads to higher difficulty and lower success rates compared to other routes, requiring strong physical fitness and acclimatization ability.
• Descent: Via the Mweka route, known for its lush rainforest habitat.

Includes:

• Transport from/to park gate & airport transfer
• Pre & post-climb accommodation (B&B) in Moshi/Arusha
• Park, camping & rescue fees
• Tents & mattress
• Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters & cook
• Water, tea, coffee with meals
• Chemical portable toilet

Excludes:

• Flights, travel insurance, visa and passport fees
• Personal equipment (sleeping bags, etc.)
• Tips for guides, porters & cook
• Soda and alcoholic beverages

Itinerary Overview:

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

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

The adventure starts with a drive to Umbwe Gate, followed by a steep hike through dense rainforest to Umbwe Camp, nestled amidst towering trees.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

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

The trail gets rockier and the terrain becomes more rugged. You’ll ascend to Barranco Camp via the Senecio Forest, where you'll catch your first full views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

• Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
• Distance: 5 km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today is shorter and designed for acclimatization. You’ll descend into the ravine to tackle the Barranco Wall, then ascend steeply to Karanga Camp, resting before your final push to the summit.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

• Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
• Distance: 4 km
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

From Karanga Camp, you’ll ascend further to Barafu Camp, completing the Southern Circuit and getting panoramic views of the mountain's two peaks: Mawenzi and Kibo.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak & Mweka Camp

• Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft (summit) then to 10,065 ft
• Distance: 17 km (summit day)
• Time: 7-8 hours to summit, 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

Your summit attempt begins around midnight, ascending in the cold and darkness to Stella Point, where you'll witness a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. From there, a final push leads you to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrations and photos, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for rest.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

On the final day, you’ll descend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. Afterward, enjoy a drive back to your hotel in Moshi.

Summary:

The Umbwe route is a thrilling, strenuous challenge best suited for strong hikers who are ready to take on a steep, fast-paced ascent. While it offers a quieter experience compared to other routes, it also comes with increased risk due to the lack of adequate acclimatization stages. The route rewards climbers with incredible views and the sense of accomplishment from summiting Africa's highest peak.