The Umbwe Route is renowned for being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, it offers a short, steep, and direct climb to the summit. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the Southern Circuit before continuing to the summit. The descent is made via the Mweka Route.
The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most difficult and taxing paths on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced hikers who are confident in their physical strength and ability to acclimatize to high altitudes. Due to its rapid ascent to higher elevations, this route lacks the gradual acclimatization stages found on other routes, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
The the 6-day Umbwe Route is ideal for fit and experienced trekkers who are looking for a challenging climb with limited acclimatization time, but still want a higher chance of summit success compared to the 5-day version. It combines a quicker ascent with a bit more time for your body to adjust to the high altitude.
Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate (about 1 hour). Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.
After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to Barranco Camp.
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend 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 for a short rest and will be 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 may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
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).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes).
*Actual times may vary based on traffic, your walking pace, and weather conditions and they may be adjusted based on seasons. Your guide may choose a different route based on conditions or adjust the schedule based on any altitude symptoms you are experiencing.
Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport,
2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb)
Transport to and from Moshi to the trail head
Kilimanjaro National Park permits, camping/hut fees, rescue fees and Value Added Tax (VAT)
Expert guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
Bottled oxygen, for emergency rescue only
Private toilet
Four season mountain tents,
Sleeping pad, foam, 1.5 inches thick
Mess tents, tables, chairs, lanterns
Fresh, nutritious meals on the mountain
Breakfast at hotel
Airfare
Lunch or dinner at hotel
Beverages at hotel
Personal gear and equipment
Tips
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