The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging and direct routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its steep ascents and rough terrain hence ideal for more experienced hikers who are seeking a strenuous challenge and a sense of adventure. This route lies in its steepness and rapid ascent with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, dramatic landscapes and an authentic wilderness experience.
Detailed Itinerary of the 6 Days Umbwe Route Hike
Day 0: Pre-trek Briefing
You arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are welcomed and picked up by our driver guide who transfers you to your hotel in Moshi. You shall go through pre trek briefing at the hotel then later relax/ rest and after have Dinner and Overnight. Hill View Garden Hotel.
Day 1: Transfer to Umbwe Gate then to Umbwe Cave Camp
Breakfast in the morning then transfer from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate for a period of an hour. On reaching here, you shall be located into groups then embark on trek through the rain forest with packed lunch for a period of 5 to 6 hours covering a distance of 11 kilometers. Dinner and Overnight at Umbwe Cave Camp.
Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
After breakfast, you shall leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp. Cover a distance of 6 kilometers for a period of 4 to 5 hours through green verdant vegetation until you reach the Barranco Camp.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast in the morning, you shall leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley. Continue till you reach the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. This hike takes you a period of 34 hours for a distance of 5 kilometers. You shall later arrive at the Karanga Camp for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Embark on a hike from the Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp. On your hike, you shall view the summit from different angles as you relax, camp, rest at the Barafu Camp. On reaching here, you shall have completed the Southern Circuit. Hiking to this point takes a period of 3 to 4 hours covering a distance of 4 kilometers. Dinner and Overnight at Barafu Camp.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Today, you get up very early in the morning at midnight to 2 am and continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. Head in the North Western direction ascending through a heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim.
This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop shortly and get rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.
From Stella Point, you shall encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit and once you reach Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Take many photos while here then later embark on descent straight downwards to the Mweka Camp.
You shall briefly stop at the Barafu Camp for lunch and relaxation. You shall get gaiters and trekking poles to walk with while following the loose gravel going down. After a while, you shall reach the Mweka Camp for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi hotel
Breakfast then proceed on descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy so we advise you use the gaiters and trekking poles. After reaching here, congratulate yourself and others then proceed on another hour to Mweka Village where you leave to go to Moshi. You can check-in lodge for Dinner and Overnight or continue to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to board flight back home.
Inclusions
- All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
- Conservation fees (part of park fees)
- Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
- Rescue fees (part of park fees)
- Sleeping Mattress
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
- Kilimanjaro summit certificate
- Quality, waterproof, four-season mountain sleeping tents (on twin sharing basis)
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides
- Clean, purified drinking water
- VAT (18% charged by the Government)
- Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
- Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
- Hotel (available as an optional addon)
- Tips and gratuities
- Transfers (available as an optional addon)
- International and domestic flights
- Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
- Tanzania Visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
