Umbwe Route
Number of Days:
6 Days
Destinations
Umbwe Cave , Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp , Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp & Mweka gate
Tour Overview
6 Days Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route is the most arduous and challenging route up Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as one of the shortest approaches to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. This is great for trekkers looking for a serious climbing challenge. It is a quiet, little-frequented path that may be both difficult and rewarding. If you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro away from the throng seen on the more popular trails, this is the route to take.
While the Umbwe route is not technically tough, it does require trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots on occasion. It is the most challenging and direct way up the mountain, with multiple exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. Because hikers’ health and stamina may be taxed along the way, it is best suited for experienced mountain trekkers searching for a challenge.
Day to day Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival Day
When you arrive in Tanzania, whether via Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport, you will be greeted by our native professional driver guide, who will provide you with crucial information and details regarding your trip and program.
He will assist you with loading and sorting your things before transporting you to your hotel for rest, dinner, and overnight stay. Your driving guide will share the best stories and information about Tanzania and its people's culture with you on the trip to the hotel.
Day 1: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
Elevation: 1800m to 2850m
Driving from Arusha to the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park We'll wait patiently for our permits while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as several crews prepare for the road ahead. You may enjoy the gorgeous rainforest scenery and windy trails as your guide teach you about the local flora and fauna and natural species.
At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are strongly advised. Following a ridge between two deep valleys, the path ascends through dense montane forest. The camp is hidden under giant trees and dense vegetation.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 2850m to 3900m
We leave camp, and the woodland quickly ends. The cliff of the Western Breach appears and disappears as the afternoon mist rolls up the Great Barranco. We'll be camping at Barranco tonight.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3900m to 3995m
We continue over a high hill up the difficult Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the Mweka Trail junction after breakfast. One of the most remarkable days is seeing your crew's power, agility, and strength whiz over this wall with seeming ease. Enjoy a restful night's sleep at Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 3995m to 4673m
We leave the Karanga campground to join the Mweka Departure Trail. From here, we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now finished the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from several angles.
At camp, we can recover, eat dinner, and plan for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are readily visible from this vantage point.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4673m to 5895m to 3100m
You will be awakened at 23:30 with some quick tea and biscuits. Our ascent begins between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We'll travel northwest through dense volcanic scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the toughest portion of the journey, both psychologically and physically. We'll stop for a short break at Stella Point (5732 m), where we'll be greeted with the most beautiful sunrise you're likely to see.
When we reach Uhuru Peak, we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent (5895 m). It can be very cold at these elevations at night, but it will be very warm by the end of the trekking day.
For lunch, we descend from the peak to the Mweka Hut campsite via Barafu. The loose gravel descent to Mweka Camp will need the use of trekking poles (3100 m). We'll enjoy our farewell lunch on the mountain before heading down for the night later that evening.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
Elevation: 3100m to 1800m
After breakfast and a touching ceremony of thanks and team bonding with your crew, it's time to say farewell. We proceed to the Mweka Park Gate to pick up your summit certificates.
Because of the warmer weather, the terrain is damp, muddy, and steep, and we strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles. A van will be waiting for you in Mweka village to drive you back to Arusha or Moshi.
Start Plan Your Trip
5 Days Marangu Route
6 Days Rongai Route
6 Days Umbwe Route
8 Days Lemosho Route
7 Days Machame Route
9 Days Northern Circuit Route
3 Days Mount Meru Climbing
- Accommodation and meals as stipulated in the itinerary.
- Transport in a chauffeur driven Landcruiser with pop-‐‑up roof for easy game viewing & photography.
- Services of an English speaking driver-guide.
- Game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- All Government taxes and levies.
- Mineral water during game drives only.
- All meet and greet services.All arrival transfers.
- 24 hours stand-‐‑by contact number.
- Guaranteed window seat in the vehicle
- Water, Tea and coffee during game drive
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc.
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver-‐‑ guide(s)
- Alcoholic and non-‐‑alcoholic drinks.
- Any local or international flight and departure taxes.
- Laundry services.
- Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
