English EUR €
English 
Umbwe Route
Duration: 6 days
Trails: T4 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Are you Umbwe enough?
> Toughest route in 6 days
> Guaranteed departure for every date in the calendar
What sets the Umbwe Route apart in terms of difficulty is its steep and relentless ascents, coupled with demanding descents, presenting trekkers with a physically taxing ascent. The challenging nature of the Umbwe Route, however, attracts climbers looking for a more demanding and less crowded experience on Kilimanjaro. If you make it past Karanga Camp without any acclimatization issues, you will have a very fair chance of making it to Uhuru Peak.
Are you Umbwe enough? Make it even harder and do the toughest route on Kilimanjaro in just 6 days. This route skips an acclimatisation day. As with all Bookatrekking. com offers, the 6-day Umbwe route also includes transfers to and from the airport, the guide(s), porters, meals and accommodation in tents. A detailed list of included services can be found below.
Why choose Bookatrekking.com?
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
At Bookatrekking.com we care for our staff, we think and act local, and we make sure that everyone makes it home safe. We only make use of certified local guides and porters, we don't do nonsense, we eat well, and we don't like hidden costs. Uhuru is Swahili for Freedom. We like Freedom.
Itinerary
Day
1
Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Cave Bivouac Camp (2,850m/9,350ft)
Duration: 05:50 h
Distance: 9.1 km
Ascent: 1260 m
Descent: 100 m
At 8am leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the roof of Africa. After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places.
Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike and heathers, tall grasses and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.
Cave Bivouac Camp
Day
2
Cave Bivouac (2,850m/9,350ft) to Barranco Camp (3,950m/12,960ft)
Duration: 04:05 h
Distance: 4.92 km
Ascent: 1110 m
Descent: 10 m
The first section of the trail continues following the ridge. After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp. Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias. As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.
Barranco Camp
Day
3
Barranco Camp (3,950m) to Karanga Camp (3,930m)
Duration: 02:40 h
Distance: 4.45 km
Ascent: 350 m
Descent: 270 m
Today, you face the challenge of conquering the Barranco Wall. While certain sections may demand the use of your hands for improved grip, actual climbing is not required. Your guide will be right alongside you, offering assistance every step of the way. Our video demonstrates that the experience isn't as daunting as some blog posts might suggest.
The route's series of ascents and descents serve as a valuable acclimatization opportunity before reaching the mountain ridge. Walking along this ridge allows you to absorb the stunning landscape, characterized by captivating contrasts between desert and vegetation. Eventually, you'll arrive at the mist-shrouded Karanga Camp, positioned at 4,035 meters (13,240 ft). Even through the clouds, Kibo remains visible, while the call of Uhuru Peak beckons.
Karanga Camp
Included
Excluded
FAQ
How Hard is the Umbwe Route?
The Barranco Wall on the Umbwe Route
Best Season for the Umbwe Route
How to Book
Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy
Book Now
Contact our Trekking Expert
Sierd van der Bij
This trek is operated by
Just for You
