6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing Umbwe Route
Tour Highlight
The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients.
Tour Plan
The day begins with a drive of approx. 50 minutes to Machame Gate where we complete the registration formalities. After that we have a short transfer through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate, where you will meet our crew.
The steep and partly slippery trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest, followed by heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers. 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: 1,000m/3,280ft to 2,850m/9,350ft
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 11km/7 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Rainforest
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge on rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, then you will arrive at Barranco Camp which is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe route as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias
- Elevation: 2,850m/9,350ft to 3,900m/13,000ft
- Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 6km/3.7 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Habitat: Moorland
Today’s trek is somewhat shorter, so we can start a little later and enjoy the sun. First it travels through the Barranco Wall, where there is some light climbing where you must also use your hands to help. After you have reached the upper end, you can take a deep breath and once again enjoy the view of the Kibo. The next part of today‘s route will take you through small streams and the Karanga River to Karanga Camp where you will spend the night in your tent.
- Elevation: 3,900m/13,000ft to 3995m/13,106ft
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5km/3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
After a leisurely breakfast, you will set off for today’s destination, the Barafu Camp. The hike leads you through a barren landscape, and after some hours you reach the camp. For the rest of the day you can relax because tomorrow is summit day! After dinner, we will have a very early bedtime as tomorrow will be exciting, but also exhausting and very long. Try to sleep a bit!
- Elevation: 3,995m/13,106ft to 4,673m/15,223ft
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 4km/2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will be woken around midnight. To strengthen yourself, you will first have a hot coffee or tea and a small snack. Using the light of your headlight, the next few hours are steadily upwards. After approximately 5-7 hours, in the early morning light, you will reach the crater rim at the Stella Point. After a short rest you will continue for about an hour to the highest point, the Uhuru Peak. Finally, it is done, and the rewards are fantastic views in all directions. The shadow that the Kilimanjaro casts over Mount Meru in the morning is a special experience. After you have enjoyed the summit, and taken a few memorable photos, it is time for the descent. At the Barafu Camp you have a short rest, where your mountain team will greet you with a hot drink and snacks. Afterwards, you will slowly go to Millenium Camp, where you will spend the last night at the
mountain.
- Elevation: 4,673m/15,223ft to 5,895m/19,341ft, then down to 3,950m/10,170ft
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 17km/10.5 miles
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Habitat: Arctic to Rainforest
After breakfast, and strengthened by the increasingly oxygen dense air, you will begin a leisurely walk towards the Mweka Gate. The trail continues through the dense rainforest, and after about 2-3 hours you will reach the gate. At this point it will be time to say goodbye to your team. Once you arrive at the hotel, you can finally enjoy a well-deserved shower and celebrate your summit success.
- Elevation: 3,950m/10,170ft to 1,650m/5,413ft
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Distance: 10km/6.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Habitat: Rainforest
Included/Exclude
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook, summit porter& porters)
- Overnight stays in tents
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, tables, chairs, etc.)
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water, tea & coffee
- Oxygen tank and oximeters
- All national park fees
- Transfer from the hotel to the National Park gate and back
- International or Local Flights
- Optional activities
- Accommodation
- Passport and Visa fees
- Tip
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
- Travel Documents (Yellow Fever Certificate etc.)
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