Route Description
- DURATION : 6 Days, 5 Nights
- DIFFICULTY: Very High
- TRAFFIC : Very Low
- SCENERY : Very Good
Route Overview
The Umbwe Route is widely regarded as the hardest trail, a tough vertical slog through the jungle, in places using the tree roots as makeshift rungs on a ladder. Because of the high risks involved with sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, all our Umbwe route hikes are re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain.
On special request, we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach/ Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Crater camp. Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplement rate will apply. The main itinerary difference between the Umbwe 6 day and 7 day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Barranco camp.
Trek Itinerary
DAY 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Upon arriving at the Umbwe Gate, we complete the registration paperwork and prepare the expedition gear. The trek beings up a gradual inclining 4WD path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail.” From here we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe Camp.
- Elevation (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
- Distance: 11 km
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
DAY 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
The trek begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here landscape changes rapidly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Kibo Peak and Moshi. Once at camp there will be some extra time to explore the area.
- Elevation (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
DAY 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Our first challenge is a climb and scramble over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.
- Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
- Distance: 5 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this site.
- Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
- Distance: 4 km
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
DAY 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight), we put on many layers of clothing and begin our climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. From Stella Point, we have just one more hour before reaching the summit.
At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch.
Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
- Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
- Distance: 17 km
- Hiking Time: 11-14 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
After breakfast we continue the descent 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 probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Tanzania In-style Safaris vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi.
- Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Trek Inquiries & Costing
Inquire about this Trek
Costing Terms
Cost Includes
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Rescue fees, entrance and Government Taxes;
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel.
Cost Does not Include
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc
- Personal expenses eg. Laundry, beverages, etc
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.