Umbwe Route 6-Days Trek
Umbwe Route -6 Days trek
For daring and experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge, the Umbwe route offers a unique experience on Mount Kilimanjaro. This route features a steep ascent that traverses all climate zones, from the lush tropical rainforest to the icy summit. Climbing Umbwe will truly test your strength and endurance, providing a deep sense of achievement for those who reach the top.
Your journey begins at Umbwe Gate, where you’ll embark on a lengthy trek to your first stop, Umbwe Camp. While this route is challenging, the strategically placed camps aid in proper acclimatization, helping you adjust to the changing altitude.
Twiga Hiking Travel offers an exciting 6-day tour on this remarkable route, ensuring you have the support and guidance needed for a successful summit attempt.
REQUEST UMBWE ROUTE
ITINERARY
DAY 1 : Umbwe Gate - Umbwe Camp
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
Habitat: Heath
On the first day of our trek, we’ll set off through rocky terrain characterized by sparse undergrowth and gnarled, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro will start to appear, fueling our excitement. The path eventually flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. We’ll descend from Umbwe Ridge to Barranco Camp, enjoying the unique beauty of the Senecio Forest along the way.
DAY 2 : Umbwe Camp - Barranco Camp
Elevation: 9,498 ft to 11,500 ft
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
Habitat: Heath
On our second day, we’ll venture out of the rainforest and into a striking savannah, where tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen create a unique landscape. As we climb through the lush rolling hills, we’ll cross several streams, immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of the area. Our journey takes us to Shira Ridge, where we’ll then make a gentle descent to Shira 1 Camp. Here, we’ll be rewarded with our first breathtaking view of Kibo across the expansive plateau.
DAY 3 : Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We kick off the day by descending into a ravine at the base of the Great Barranco Wall. From there, we tackle the non-technical yet steep ascent of the nearly 900 ft cliff. Once we reach the top of Barranco Wall, we’ll traverse a series of hills and valleys before making a sharp descent into Karanga Valley. After one final steep climb, we’ll arrive at Karanga Camp. This shorter day is designed to aid in acclimatization as we prepare for the next stages of our trek.
DAY 4 : Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 4 km | 2 miles
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Leaving Karanga, we head to the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. Our path then takes us through a rocky section up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we’ll have completed the Southern Circuit, which provides stunning views of the summit from various angles. Once we arrive at camp, we’ll take time to rest and enjoy an early dinner in preparation for the summit day ahead. From this vantage point, both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible, adding to the beauty of our surroundings.
DAY 5 : Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak - Mweka Camp
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft | Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 5 km | 3 miles | Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft | Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 12 km | 7 miles | Habitat: Rain Forest
We start our ascent to the summit very early in the morning, around midnight. This stretch of the trek is the most demanding both mentally and physically. The wind and cold at this elevation can be intense. We hike in darkness for several hours, taking frequent short breaks along the way. As we approach Stella Point at 18,900 ft, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa.
After celebrating our achievement, we begin our descent to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is rocky and can be tough on the knees, so trekking poles are beneficial. Mweka Camp, located in the upper forest, may see mist or rain in the late afternoon.
Later that evening, we’ll enjoy our final dinner on the mountain and settle in for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 6 : Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our final day, we begin our descent to Mweka Gate, where we’ll collect our summit certificates. As we move to lower elevations, the trail may become wet and muddy. After reaching the gate, we’ll continue for another hour to Mweka Village. There, a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to our hotel in Moshi, wrapping up our incredible adventure on Kilimanjaro.
INCLUDE
- All taxes paid by the government, including 18% VAT
- Transfer to Moshi or Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
- Transfers to and from the entry gate of Kilimanjaro
- English-speaking, qualified, and experienced guides
- Pay for cooks, porters, and guides
- Every meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the mountain
- Water that has been filtered throughout the hike
- Mountain equipment and gear – tents, Sleeping Mats, mess tent, table and chairs
EXCLUDE
- Insuarance
- Tips for the Team
- Personal Expenses
- Personal Gear
- Private Toilet
- Visa Fee
- Pre and Post Accomodation