The Umbwe route has its own reputation for being the most challenging and exciting route on Kilimanjaro. And exactly so. It is the shortest and steepest of the Kilimanjaro routes. This route approaches from the south and camping is the available option. Pre-acclimatisation is recommended for the ones who do choose this route.
- The Umbwe route is our least favorite of the Kilimanjaro climb routes. Only because of its steep ascent profile it has a much lower success rate with little acclimatization chances.
- This route has some wonderful scenic beauty with rain forest. Moorlands, high altitude desert, and glacial zones.
- The success rate of the summit through the Umbwe route is 50%, which is too low. But this route can direct you towards the mountain with the shortest path.
- The Umbwe route only provides camping accommodation. So, you need to carry your belongings, and equipment with you.
- This route can be completed in 5-7 days. If you are to choose this route, most of the climbers would recommend the 6 or 7-day itinerary because of the extra time needed to acclimatize.
- Here, the landscape changes quickly from rainforest to moorland, with rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation. The path trails the narrow Umbwe Route ridge until it begins to flatten close to the Barranco Valley.
- The Barranco Camp sits in the valley under the shadow of the Great Barranco Wall with Kibo visible in the distance. You will notice the camp is pretty busy. The reason is you will be joining hikers from the Machame, Lemosho and Shira Route here.
Umbwe needs your time to observe its beautiful landscape and explore your journey the fullest.
Day 1
Umbwe Gate to UmbweCaves Camp
An hour drives to Machame Gate for registration formalities then through villages, coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. Sharp ascend trails on a forest track land up thick rain forest
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp, The Victoria Falls Hotel, Tulia Hotel
Day 2
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Trek on rockier terrain, past waterfalls and straggly, giant moss-covered trees. A glimpse of Kilimanjaro can be seen on a clear day.
Overnight: Barranco Camp (13,004 ft)
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Victoria Falls Hotel, Tulia Hotel
Day 3
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Most of this day will be spent on acclimatization. Departing from the Barranco wall, we will cross string of ridges and valleys then carefully descending intoKaranga Valley. One steeper climb up will lead us to Karanga Camp.
Overnight:Karanga Camp(13,221ft)
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 4
Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Trek through rocky Barafu to southern part where you will enjoy magnificient view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Summit preparation will be started at this point.
Overnight: Barafu Camp (15,331 ft)
Trekking time: 4-5 hours
Day 5
Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK(19,341 ft)
Barafu Camp to UHURU PEAK(19,341 ft)
Trekking time: 7-8 hours
Day 6
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp (12,500 ft)
Your bid for summit will begin at midnight; it’s the most challenging part of trek. With headlights you will ascend in the darkness to the magical sunrise over Mawenzi peak then to Kibo peak (the highest point in Africa). Capture the moment; take time to feel the summit the descent back to Mweka Camp for brunch and an afternoon rest. This will be your last night on the mountain
Overnight: Mweka Camp
Trekking time: 4-6 hours
Day 7
Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
On the last day, you will trek through mud, dense rainforest on your way to Mweka Gate. Our driver will be waiting for you at the gate. Drive to the lodge for shower and well-earned rest
Trekking time: 3-4 hours
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