6 DAYS
Umbwe Route TrekThe Umbwe Route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the southern circuit to the summit. The descent is done via the Mweka route. Major reason that Umbwe route considered to be very difficult is its steepness in the first two days and its shrt time of acclimatization.This route is attempted by strong hikers who are also confident of their ability to acclimatize to altitude.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Camp
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast, the day begins with a 50-minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed.Then continue to drive to Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Umbwe for starting the climb. From here hike within the forest through a narrow ridge between Umbwe and Lonzo’s rivers reaching Bivouac No. 1 (known as Forest Caves at 2850m – Camp and overnight. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Day 2 – Forest Camp – Barranco Camp
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
The Path continues following the ridge, then leaving the forest through open moorlands to reach Barranco Hut at 395m. Camp and overnight.
Day 3 – Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Day 4 – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
Day 5 – Barafu – Uhuru Peak
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
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.
Day 6 – Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
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.