6 Days Umbwe Route
Trip Overview
The most difficult and demanding path up Mount Kilimanjaro is the Umbwe route, which is also one of the quickest ways to reach the Western Breach and the Southern Glaciers. For hikers looking for a real climbing challenge, this is perfect. It’s a peaceful, seldom-taken trail that can be rewarding and demanding at the same time.
If you want to put yourself to the test on Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes away from the throng on the more well-traveled trails, this is the route to go. Although the Umbwe route is not technically challenging, there are a few steep ascents and there are moments when hikers must scramble over rocks and tree roots.
The most challenging and direct path up the mountain is the Umbwe path, which has multiple exposed ridges that are not recommended for those with weak heart. Because hikers’ fitness and endurance may be put to the test along the way, it is best suited for seasoned mountain trekkers seeking a challenge.
- Place to Visit Day by Day
- Day 1: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
- Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
- Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
Trip Inclusion
- All excursions, transfers,
- Entrance fees,
- Camping fees
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking professional guides
- Good quality accommodation
Trip Exclusion
- All meals not specified in the itineraries Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities not previously reserved with prior payment.
- Booking Information & Conditions
- For a reservation to be held on any itinerary, a deposit of 30% per person per itinerary is required.
- The balances of payments are due 60 days prior to arrival in Tanzania.
- All travelers receive pre-trip information, complete itinerary and on- demand pre-travel advice, via email directly with our offices for any last minute or personal queries.
- In the event of a particular accommodation being unavailable upon booking, accommodation of a similar or higher standard will be substituted
Other Related Trekking Itineraries
Day 1: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
Travelling by car to the entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park from Arusha. As numerous crews get ready for the journey ahead, we will watch the hustle and bustle of activities and wait patiently for the issue of our licences. You may take in the breathtaking rainforest landscape and winding trails while your guide teaches you about the area flora, fauna, and wildlife.
At these lower elevations, the trail can become muddy and treacherous. It is strongly advised to bring hiking poles and gaiters here. The trail follows a ridge between two deep valleys as it climbs through the dense montane forest. The site is tucked away amid enormous trees and thick brush.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave to Barranco Camp
Before long, the woodland ends and we depart from our camp. The steep cliff of the Western Breach appears and disappears as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We are going to camp at Barranco tonight.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Following breakfast, we continue up the thrilling Barranco Wall on a steep ridge to reach the Mweka Trail intersection and the Karanga Valley. One of the most amazing days is watching your crew’s strength, power, and agility seeming to glide over this wall with apparent ease. Spend a restful night at Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We depart from the Karanga campsite in order to get at the Mweka Descent Trail intersection. From here, we head up to the Barafu Hut. Now that you’ve finished the Southern Circuit, you may see the top from several angles.
At camp, we can relax, have dinner, and get ready for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are well visible from this viewpoint.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
At 23:30, you will be awakened with some quick tea and biscuits. We begin our ascent between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We’ll head north-west and ascend through a dense volcanic scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This is the most difficult part of the journey, both mentally and physically. We’ll take a short break at Stella Point (5732m) and be rewarded with the most spectacular sunrise you’re ever likely to see.
We will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent when we reach Uhuru Peak (5895m).
At these elevations, it can be very cold at night, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. We descend from the summit to the Mweka Hut camp site via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be required for the loose gravel descent to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later that evening, we’ll have our final meal on the mountain before stepping down for the night.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka gate
After breakfast and a moving ritual of gratitude and team building with your staff, it’s time to say farewell. We proceed to the Mweka Park Gate in order to retrieve your summit certifications.
Because of the warmer weather, the terrain is hilly, muddy, and rainy; gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. You will be picked up at Mweka village and driven back to Arusha/Moshi by a car
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Create Your Own Adventure
Tanzania is a truly amazing destination. Along with gorgeous beaches and oceans, intriguing civilizations, and an endless array of options, there is nature, wildlife, and adventure.
Tanzania, in my opinion, has something to offer everyone. No matter what kind of vacation you enjoy, you can find it here.
