6 Days Umbwe
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
This is the most spectacular and direct of all routes. It is short, steep and direct which makes it the most difficult of the entire mountain routes and before Baranco junction.
From Baranco the route is connected back to the southern circuit before summiting from Barafu Camp.
The Umbwe Route is a trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is a quiet, seldom used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails. The Umbwe route is approximately 53km/33miles from starting point to the finishing point which require 6 good days of hiking.
Day 1
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
| From Umbwe Gate | To Umbwe Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 1600m = 5,249ft |
2,900m = 9,514 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
11 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5- 7 hour |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 2
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro
can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe
ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful
Senecio Forest.
| From Umbwe Camp | To Horombo Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,900m = 9,514ft |
3,976m = 13,044 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 6 Hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a into series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
| From Barranco Camp | Karanga Camp |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,976m = 13,044ft |
3,995m = 13,106 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 4
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
| From Karanga Camp | To Kibo Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,995m = 13,106 |
4,673m = 15,331 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
4 km = 2 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4 – 5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
| From Barafu Camp | To Uhuru Peak | Mweka Camp |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation4,673m = 15,331ft |
5,895m = 19,341 ft |
3,068m = 10,065 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
7 – 8 hours |
4-6 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Rain Forest |
Day 6
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
| From Mweka Camp | To Marangu Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,068m = 10,065ft |
1,640m = 5,380 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km = 6 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
3 – 4 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.