Umbwe Route at Mount Kilimanjaro – 6 Days Safari Itinerary

Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania elevates to 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) making it Africa’s highest point. Travelers looking for a thrilling and challenging hike to Mount Kilimanjaro‘s Uhuru peak, should take on the Umbwe Route.

The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most difficult and steepest routes on Kilimanjaro, making it ideal for seasoned trekkers looking for a challenging ascent. you follow through beautiful rugged terrain landscapes.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route begins from the southern side of Kilimanjaro, and it is considered one of the most direct but difficult routes to the summit. The trail takes climbers through dense tropical rainforests, steep ridgelines, and high-altitude deserts, offering incredible views and a real challenge for those seeking adventure. Due to its steep and demanding nature, the Umbwe Route is often recommended for experienced climbers or those who are well-prepared physically.

• Distance: Approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) round trip
• Duration: 6 to 7 days
• Difficulty: Difficult to Very Challenging (due to the steep ascent and shorter trek duration)
• Accommodation: Camping (except for summit night)
• Route Description: The Umbwe Route is steep, and hikers face significant altitude gain early in the climb. It is shorter than many other routes, so the days are intense, but climbers are rewarded with exceptional views, especially at higher altitudes. The Umbwe Route converges with the Machame Route at the Barranco Camp, after which the climbers take the same path to the summit.

Why Choose the Umbwe Route?

While the Umbwe Route is considered challenging, there are several reasons why climbers opt for this path:

• Steep and Direct Ascent: The Umbwe Route is a more direct and steeper climb compared to other routes. This is perfect for those who are experienced and looking for a physically demanding trek. Its steepness makes the ascent more intense but offers a more immersive Kilimanjaro experience.

• Less Crowded: One of the biggest advantages of the Umbwe Route is its relative solitude. Compared to other popular routes like the Machame or Marangu, the Umbwe Route sees fewer climbers, making it a more peaceful and intimate way to experience Kilimanjaro.

• Scenic Beauty: The route takes climbers through a variety of stunning ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. The views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, valleys, and ridgelines are breathtaking, especially at higher altitudes.

• Adventure and Challenge: For seasoned climbers or those looking for an exciting challenge, the Umbwe Route offers a thrilling and adventurous experience. The steep and direct ascent will push climbers both mentally and physically.

• Better Acclimatization: Although the Umbwe Route is steep, it generally takes about 6 to 7 days to reach the summit, allowing climbers to acclimatize reasonably well (especially when considering the rest day at Barranco Camp). Acclimatization is essential to successfully summit Kilimanjaro.

The Umbwe Route Trek: (Day-by-Day)

The Umbwe Route typically spans 6 to 7 days, depending on the pace and specific itinerary. Due to the steep ascent, it is essential to take the time to acclimatize, which is why the trek is usually not rushed. Below is a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the trek:

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp 

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Duration: 5-6 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)

The trek begins at the Umbwe Gate (at 1,600 meters), which is the starting point for the Umbwe Route. The first day involves a steep ascent through tropical rainforest, with the trail winding through dense vegetation. The steep gradient and thick canopy will make the first day challenging, but the forest is teeming with wildlife and lush greenery, making the climb more enjoyable.

• Trail Conditions: The path is narrow, muddy, and steep, which makes it a bit challenging for first-timers. The dense forest provides cool shade, but the steep incline can make the trek physically demanding.
• Accommodation: You’ll spend the night at Umbwe Camp, located at 2,850 meters. The camp is surrounded by towering trees and offers a peaceful, isolated setting.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp 

• Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
• Duration: 6-7 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,100 meters (3,609 feet)

On Day 2, the trek continues through the moorland zone with a steep climb. The vegetation becomes less dense, and you begin to encounter open fields and alpine grasses. The trail becomes rockier, and the hike feels more exposed. The goal for the day is to reach Barranco Camp, which sits at 3,950 meters and is known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.

• Trail Conditions: The climb is still steep, but the landscape changes as you pass through moorland and alpine desert. The path can be rocky and uneven in sections.
• Accommodation: Barranco Camp is a popular stop where you will meet climbers from the Machame Route. The camp provides incredible views of the Barranco Wall, a massive rock face that you’ll tackle the next day.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp 

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 300 meters (984 feet)

Day 3 is an important day for acclimatization as the route ascends to Karanga Camp. However, the first challenge is the famous Barranco Wall, a steep climb that involves some scrambling. After conquering the Barranco Wall, the trail levels out as you hike through the alpine desert. The landscape becomes more barren and rocky, but the views continue to be spectacular.

• Trail Conditions: The Barranco Wall is the most challenging section of this day. It involves light rock scrambling but is not technically difficult. The rest of the climb to Karanga Camp is relatively moderate.
• Accommodation: Karanga Camp sits at 4,035 meters. It’s a quiet, beautiful campsite with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp 

• Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Elevation Gain: 640 meters (2,100 feet)

On Day 4, climbers ascend further into the alpine desert, reaching Barafu Camp. This camp is exposed and sits on the edge of a plateau, providing breathtaking views of the mountain. The climb is shorter but steeper, and the environment becomes more arid and barren. Barafu Camp is an essential stop before the final push to the summit.

• Trail Conditions: Expect rocky terrain and cold, windy conditions as you near the higher altitudes. The final stretch to Barafu Camp is challenging due to the thin air and steep gradient.
• Accommodation: Barafu Camp is the final camp before the summit. It is a basic camp where climbers prepare for their summit push.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit (Uhuru Peak) and Descent to Mweka Camp 

• Distance: 16 km (9.9 miles)
• Duration: 12-16 hours
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) to Uhuru Peak, followed by descent

Summit day is the most difficult and mentally taxing part of the trek. Climbers will start around midnight or 1 a.m. from Barafu Camp to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The climb is long, steep, and exhausting as climbers ascend through the cold, high-altitude environment. Once at the summit, climbers can celebrate their achievement before descending to Mweka Camp.

• Trail Conditions: The climb to the summit is steep and exhausting. The final push involves a rocky and icy terrain with a significant elevation gain.
• Accommodation: After summiting, climbers descend to Mweka Camp (3,080 meters), a peaceful and sheltered campsite in the rainforest zone.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

• Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Elevation Loss: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet)

On the final day of the trek, climbers descend through the dense rainforest back to the Mweka Gate, where they are congratulated and receive their summit certificates.

• Trail Conditions: The descent is much easier than the ascent, though it can be tough on the knees. The forest trail offers beautiful views and a chance to reflect on your incredible journey.