6 Days / 5 Nights
Kilimanjaro umbwe Route
TOUR DESTINATION
Umbwe Gate, Umbwe Camp, Mti Mkubwa Camp, Shira 1 Camp, Barranco Camp, Karanga Camp, Barafu Camp, Uhuru Peak, Mweka Camp and Mweka Gate
Safari Overview
The 6-day Umbwe Route is one of the most direct and demanding routes to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit. The Umbwe Route, with its steepness and minimal traffic, is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a more harsh and lonely experience. Starting on the mountain’s southern flank, this route soon transports you into the heart of Kilimanjaro’s rainforest, providing an immersive wilderness experience. Despite its difficult terrain, the Umbwe Route rewards hikers with breathtaking views, distinct ecosystems, and a sense of seclusion that is rare on more popular routes.
This path is ideal for individuals seeking a more tough challenge, with the added benefit of a quicker trekking time compared to other routes. While the 6-day route provides little time for acclimatisation, it is ideal for people who are confident in their physical fitness and have prior trekking experience. As you travel through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, you’ll encounter a wide range of scenery, each more magnificent than the previous. The reward for completing the Umbwe Route is the summit at Uhuru Peak, where you may enjoy panoramic views of the African continent from the world’s roof.
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
- Elevation: 1,640m to 2,850m
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Habitat: Rainforest
The tour begins at Umbwe Gate, where you will be greeted by your guide and team before heading off on the path. The first day’s journey will take you into the beautiful rainforest that covers Mount Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes. The trail is steep and hard, with little break as you ascend. The lush flora creates a distinct ambiance, with towering trees, ferns, and moss-covered rocks forming an intriguing landscape. As you travel higher, the air becomes cooler, and you’ll start to feel the elevation. By the end of the day, you will arrive to Umbwe Camp, located at 2,850 meters, where you may unwind and enjoy your first mountain camp experience.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
- Elevation: 2,850m to 3,950m
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Habitat: Rainforest, Moorland
On day two, you’ll continue your ascent by leaving the jungle and entering the moorland zone. The terrain gradually becomes more open, but the trail remains difficult due to its steepness. You’ll pass through the spectacular Barranco Valley, with its high cliffs and the Barranco Wall, a significant landmark along the way. The Barranco Wall is an exhilarating and slightly difficult section of the tour, requiring some scrambling to get to the top, but the views are worth it. After navigating the wall, you’ll arrive at Barranco Camp, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including Kilimanjaro’s spectacular peak. The camp is located at 3,950 meters, providing you with more opportunity to acclimatise.
Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
- Elevation: 3,950m to 4,035m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
- Habitat: Moorland
Day three takes you from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp. This leg of the walk features a succession of ascents and descents through the rolling hills of the moorland zone. The trail provides sweeping views of the lowlands underneath and the grandeur of Kilimanjaro’s high-altitude terrain. While the day is shorter in terms of trekking duration, it is nonetheless tough owing to continual elevation fluctuations. When you arrive at Karanga Camp, which is located at 4,035 meters, you will be surrounded by towering rock formations and have spectacular views of the surroundings. The campsite provides an excellent opportunity to rest and drink before the next day’s trek.
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
- Elevation: 4,035m to 4,640m
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
On day four, you’ll travel from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, the base camp for your summit attempt. Although this is a short walk, the steep terrain will make it difficult. As you ascend, the scenery changes to an alpine desert, with scant flora and thinner air. Barafu Camp, at 4,640 meters, is the final halt before your summit effort. After arriving at camp, you will have time to recuperate and prepare for the long day ahead. You’ll need all of your energy for the summit, so remain hydrated and eat well.
Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
- Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m to 3,100m
- Hiking Time: 12-14 hours
- Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
- Habitat: Arctic, Moorland
This is the most challenging day of the trek. You will start your summit attempt early in the morning, typically around midnight, to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and to give yourself the best chance of reaching the summit before the afternoon heat. The climb to Uhuru Peak involves steep, gradual sections, and you will pass through Stella Point (5,730m) before making the final push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.
After reaching the summit, take time to soak in the spectacular views and enjoy the sense of accomplishment. Afterward, you will begin your descent back to Barafu Camp for a short break before continuing down to Mweka Camp at 3,100 meters. This part of the descent is long and tiring, but you will be rewarded with stunning views of the lower slopes of the mountain and the rainforest below.
Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
- Elevation: 3,100m to 1,640m
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Habitat: Rainforest
On the final day of your trek, you’ll descend from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. The walk through the rainforest is lovely, with rich flora and the sounds of birds and wildlife in the air. As you descend, the temperature rises and the air becomes more humid. When you arrive at the gate, your team will congratulate you on your accomplishment before transporting you back to your hotel to relax and celebrate. This final descent marks the perfect finale to an extraordinary journey, and you’ll depart Kilimanjaro with lasting memories of the breathtaking scenery and the accomplishment of summiting Africa’s tallest peak.
BOOK THIS TOUR
Price quoted includes:
- All transport, 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for game viewing
- Hotel and lodge accommodation
- Bottled drinking water & soft drinks
- Services of various local guides
- All National Park entrance and camp site fees
- All food – breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals
- Crater floor game drive
Prices quoted exclude:
- International flights
- Travel and personal accident insurance
- Visa, passport, vaccinations, medicines
- Tips
- Expenditure on personal bar bills (including all additional drinks), souvenirs, personal items
- Optional excursions/activities not detailed in itinerary
- Any additional services requested
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