Umbwe Route 6 Days

Code: BAA012
6 DAYS
Category:
  • mount-kilimanjaro-climbing
  • kilimanjaro-climbing
  • kilimanjaro-climb
  • hiking-kilimanjaro
  • climb-kilimanjaro
  • climbing-kilimanjaro

NOTE: This Itinerary can be customized

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA (JRO)
DEPARTURE TIME/DATE We have a daily departure.
INCLUDED
Transport with Safari Jeep 4X4
Accommodations
Park fees
Government Fees & Tax
Mineral Water
Meals
Professional guide
Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
NOT INCLUDED
Tips or Guide gratuity
International Flights
Any item of personal nature

Customize Your Safari Experiences

Get in touch and share your idea of a wild adventure. Let us do what we do best and help turn your vision into reality. Whether you want to add more time in the endless plains of The Serengeti or spend relaxing days soaking up the sun on the white sands of Zanzibar, you can combine any of our itineraries or adjust them to suit your needs.

You may have thought of something completely different and want our advice on how to make your ideas come to life. Our experienced and passionate team is always excited to showcase our beautiful country in the perfect way for you, and are on hand to help you plan this amazing adventure.

UMBWE ROUTE

Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and it’s the most hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom-used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.

While the Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points. It is the hardest and most direct route up the mountain and even features several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a challenge.

DAY 1:  UMBWE GATE TO UMBWE CAVE CAMP

Elevation (m): 1600m to 2900m, Distance: 11km, Time: 6 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.

We will register at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through the rainforest and along the Umbwe river. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,900m altitude.

DAY 2:  UMBWE CAMP TO BARRANCO CAMP

Elevation (m): 2940m to 3970m, Distance: 6km, Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.

We leave camp and shortly afterward the forest ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco camp tonight.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP 

Elevation (m): 3950m to 3930m, Distance: 7 km, Hiking Time: 4 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Today starts with a short, but fun, scramble, to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers.  We will stay overnight at the Karanga campsite.

DAY 4:  KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP 

Elevation (m): 3930m to 4600m, Distance: 6kms, Hiking Time: 3 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert.

We leave the Karanga campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA HUT 

Elevation (m): 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m), Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent, Time:6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent, Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

You will be woken at 23:30 with some quick tea and biscuits. We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Mweka Hut camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 6:  MWEKA CAMP TO HOTEL

Elevation (m): 3100m to 1800m, Distance: 8 km, Time: 3-4 hours, Habitat: Montane Forest.

We depart after breakfast descending down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

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