Umbwe route
The shortest route
It is considered the hardest of all the routes because of its steep slope on day 1 and day 2. It is the shortest as by day 2 you are already at Barranco camp. This route is normally done in 6 days. But you can customize it to do it for more days, for example instead of taking the southern slopes, you may head to the northern circuit hence you will require more days to complete.
Highlights of Umbwe route
Steep slope
Day 1 and day 2 will present steep and challenging climb before reaching Barranco camp at the end of day 2.
Minimum trekking days
You can do it in 6 days. We customize this with more days and alternative trails for acclimatization.
Barranco Wall
This is a 257 meters rock wall that you scramble to climb it. It is one of the best experience on Kilimanjaro.
Caution when you choose
Umbwe is suitable for those who are are experienced trekker or have strong physical stamina.
Why Trek with Kili Quests
Your success on climbing Kilimanjaro largely depend on your mental strength and physical stamina. Equally important is the crew that will take you there. That’s why you need to choose Kili Quests:
- We've experience of over 25 years
- Our guides are medically trained
- Attention to details and you have ability to customize your trek
What You Get
Your trek package includes the following:
- Wages of all mountain crew members
- Tents, foam mattress, tables and chairs
- All park fees, meals, rescue fee and bottled oxygen
- Oximeter, airport transfers and transport to and from Kilimanjaro gates.
- Pre and post climb accommodation (Two nights total)
THE ITINERARY
A NOTE ON THE FLEXIBILITY OF THIS ITINERARY
- Please note that our itineraries are flexible and we customize them according to your needs.
- Airport pick up and drop off are optional, meaning if you are already in Moshi or Arusha or you can arrange your own airport transfers, we can take them out of the price for this tour.
- Pre and post trek accommodations are optional.
- This is a 7 days Itinerary. The 6 days is the same with the exception that on day 4 you will skip Karanga camp and go straight to Barafu camp.
The day starts with a drive to Umbwe gate for registration and all required procedure.| Trekking start from the rain forest presence. Expect the trail to be mud & wet.
Umbwe route was traditionally a route utilized by those who took the steep western breach and Arrow’s glacier approach to the summit.
Distance: 11km
Trekking time: 6-7 hours
Zone: Montane Rainforest
Altitude gain: 1050 meters
After breakfast and check up at the campsite the trek will begin by finalizing part of the rain forest. Multiple colors of trees will create nice scenery and view which will attract visitors. Expect a very challenging hike on this day up to Barannco campsite. We will pass through the moorland and heath zone and you will be enjoying some wonderful views of Barannco valleys and ice cap on top of the mountain.
Distance: 6km
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Zone: Rainforest
Altitude gain: 1050 meters
Altitude gain: 95 meters
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 series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. Once more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization. Baranco is among most of climber’s memorable area.
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp -Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles -Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga Camp and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka descending Route. 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 camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are well viewable from this position.
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp -Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km/2 miles -Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenger 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 (Independence Peak) – the Africa’s highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. People will be taking photos for memories here and shout of joy for accomplishment.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak -Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles -Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
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.
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp -Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft Descending..
Distance: 12 km/7 miles -Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent,at lower elevations it can be wet and muddy to Mweka Gate, The summit certificates will be awarded for our summit conquers upon the Gate.
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate -Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles – Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
From the gate, we continue for about another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to your hotel in Moshi Town.
Inquire Umbwe route trek
Our Umbwe treks start at $2400 per person. Inquire for a quote below.
