6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking Umbwe Route

This route is the steepest, and the shortest and most direct route to the southern glaciers, the Western Rift and Uhuru Peak. It is probably the most scenic and least technical route on Kilimanjaro, but it is quite demanding and rewarding as it climbs to the highest altitude relatively quickly. It is a very steep route and is suitable for experienced hikers.

Duration: 6 – 7 days.
Difficulty: Very high
Scenery: Very good
Traffic: Very low

This route is not very popular; the Umwe route is only suitable for experienced hikers.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel 4-star B&B for your overnight stay. Your guide will meet you for a briefing, gear check and to hire any necessary equipment.

DAY 1: UMBWE GATE – UMBWE CAVE: 9.6KM/6MI | 6-8HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 1651m/5417ft to 2944m/9659ft
Elevation gain: 1293 metres

Depart Moshi and head towards the gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park. Watch the hustle and bustle of the many crew members as they prepare for the journey ahead, and wait patiently for your permit to be issued. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trail as your guide explains the local flora and fauna. At this low altitude, the trail can become muddy and somewhat slippery; gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended. The trail climbs through dense forest along a ridge between two deep valleys. The camp is nestled amongst large trees and dense bushes.

DAY 2: UMBWE CAVE – BARRANCO CAMP: 4.75KM/3MI | 4-6HRS | MOORLAND

Elevation: 2944m to 3986m.
Elevation gain: 1042 metres.

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we leave the rainforest and continue on a trail that climbs steeply along the Umbwe ridge, descending slightly to Barranco Camp, located in a valley. Temperatures begin to drop.

DAY 3: BARRANCO CAMP – KARANGA CAMP: 5.2KM/3MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft
Elevation gain: 48 metres

After breakfast, continue up the steep ridge to the Mweka Trail, an adventurous barranco wall that connects the Karanga valley to the Karanga Valley. This is one of the most impressive days to witness the strength, agility and stamina of the crew as they traverse this wall with ease. Overnight in Karanga Camp.

DAY 4: KARANGA CAMP – BARAFU CAMP: 3.3KM /2 MI | 3-4HRS | ALPINE DESERT

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft
Elevation gain: 628 metres

Continue climbing towards Barafu Camp, and upon arrival, you’ll complete the Southern Circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the summit from a variety of angles. Enjoy an early dinner and rest to prepare for your night at the summit. Overnight in Barafu Camp.

DAY 5: BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT: 4.86KM /3MI UP | 5-7HRS | – MWEKA CAMP: 11.5KM /7.1MI DOWN | 5-6HRS | GLACIERS, SNOW CAPPED SUMMIT

Altitude: 4662m/15,295ft to 5895m/19,341ft
Elevation difference: 1233 metres
Descent to 3106m/10,190ft
Altitude loss: 2789m

Summit

With an early start between midnight and 2am, the excitement builds as the morning approaches. This is the most mentally and physically demanding part of the trek.

We try to stay warm and focus on the incredible sense of achievement that awaits us as we make our way towards the summit between the Rebman and Rachel glaciers. We move backwards in a north-westerly direction and climb through heavy scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. During our brief stop, we are rewarded with a magnificent sunrise. Faster hikers can watch the sunrise from the summit. From here, it’s an hour-long climb to Uhuru Peak, and you’re likely to encounter snow along the way.

Congratulations on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire African continent, step by step!

After photos, congratulations, and tears of joy, take a moment to savour this incredible achievement. You will now begin the steep descent towards Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a short break. Due to the volcanic gravel and ash terrain, gaiters and trekking poles are strongly recommended. A well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight in Mweka Camp.

DAY 6: MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI: 9.1KM/5.7MI |3-4HRS | RAINFOREST

Elevation gain: 3106m/10,190ft to 1633m/5358ft
Altitude lost: 1473 metres

After breakfast and a heartfelt thanksgiving ceremony