Umbwe Route
Duration: 6 days
Trails: T4 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km / 9 - 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m / 1640 - 3281 ft 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 / 5.7 mi
Ascent: 1260 m / 4134 ft
Descent: 100 m / 328 ft
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 / 3.1 mi
Ascent: 1110 m / 3642 ft
Descent: 10 m / 33 ft
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 / 2.8 mi
Ascent: 350 m / 1148 ft
Descent: 270 m / 886 ft
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
Day
4
Karanga Camp (3,930m) to Barafu Camp (4,700m)
Duration: 02:25 h
Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi
Ascent: 570 m / 1870 ft
Another day unfolds on the captivating slopes of Kilimanjaro. The meticulous acclimatization efforts you've undertaken are paying off. By maintaining a steady "pole pole" pace, the summit will draw near sooner than you realize. Today's journey leads you through arid desert terrain, with the imposing presence of Kibo on your left side.
Although the distance covered is short, the altitude's effects will be noticeable, adding to the challenge. Embrace the gradual approach and heed the guidance of your knowledgeable guide(s). As this day concludes, anticipation builds for the significant day that lies ahead – an early night awaits for the journey that unfolds tomorrow.
Barafu Camp
Day
5
Barafu Camp (4,700m) to Summit (5,895m) (midnight start) descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m)
Duration: 10:50 h
Distance: 16.6 km / 10.3 mi
Ascent: 1220 m / 4003 ft
Descent: 2790 m / 9154 ft
Your guide will wake you up in the middle of the night. There will be a light breakfast and a warm beverage ready for you. How do you feel? Chances are, you are not feeling that great. The altitude does funny things but food and water will help you get ready. The moon and your headlamps will be your only source of light as you make your way up to Stella Point, reaching the crater rim in about 5 – 7 hours. From Stella Point, it’s another deceiving 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak. Depending on how you feel, this is not easy. But you’ve made it. You are at the highest point. on one of the Seven Summits. Enjoy the sun rising over Africa.
After capturing this incredible view and achievement on film, you will start your descent along the same route back to Barafu Camp, where your team awaits you with some snacks and refreshments. Rested and relaxed you will make your way to Mweka Camp for your last night on the highest mountain in Africa. A massive day, but it all went so quickly. From camp you look up to Kibo and you start to realize that you were up there that same morning. Incredible. One more wishy washy, one last dinner on the mountain.
And, most likely, the tipping ceremony. This is the moment to thank your guides and porters for their share in successfully summiting Kilimanjaro. There’s no need to give cash now, but it is a good moment to let your guide know how much the staff can expect. Get in touch with our Kilimanjaro expert to learn more about tipping and receive a guideline for fair tipping.
Mweka Camp
Day
6
Mweka Camp (3,100m) to Mweka Gate (1,800m) to Moshi
Duration: 03:40 h
Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 mi
Descent: 1420 m / 4659 ft
The more you descend, the better your oxygen intake. The better your oxygen intake, the better your body and mind work. It’s all sinking now. You’ve ascended Kilimanjaro. You will once more trek through the rainforest, giving you another opportunity to spot the cheeky colobus monkeys, finally reaching the Mweka gate in about 2 – 3 hours. In Mweka, after some paperwork, another meal awaits you. You may as well add a Kilimanjaro beer to that. While you’re at it, your guide will present you with your climbing certificate. Well done!
After some good food and a celebration, you will be taken back to your hotel. It’s time to rest those legs. Jump in the pool, eat, drink and sleep.
Included
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FAQ
How Hard is the Umbwe Route?
The Barranco Wall on the Umbwe Route
Best Season for the Umbwe Route
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Sierd van der Bij
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