6-day Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is a short, steep, and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize.

DAY 1 – Umbwe Gate to Cave Bivouac Camp

Elevation: 5,905 to 9,350ft (1800 to 2850m)
Distance: 6.8 mi (11 km)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

At 8 am, leave Moshi for Umbwe Gate where you will meet our porters, guides, and cooks who will spend the next six days trekking with you to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa.  After arriving, wait at the gate while we register your climb and the porters and guides make final preparations. Your first day’s destination is Cave Bivouac Camp, approximately 6 hours from the gate. The trail is steep and can be slippery in some places. Hike through the moss-covered trees of Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. The forest will thin later in the hike, and heathers, tall grasses, and wildflowers will come into view. Porters and cooks will walk ahead to set up the camp in time for your arrival.

DAY 2 – Cave Bivouac Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 9,350 to 12,960ft (2850 to 3950m)
Distance: 3.7 mi (6 km)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

The first section of the trail continues following the ridge.  After leaving the forest, continue through open moorlands until reaching Barranco Camp.  Barranco is generally regarded as the most scenic campsite on the Umbwe Trail as it’s surrounded by giant senecios and lobelias.  As Barranco is in a valley, the sun rises later than at the other camps.

DAY 3 – Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

Elevation: 12,690 to 13,780ft (3950 to 4200m)
Distance: 4.3 mi (7 km)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Leave Barranco Camp after breakfast for Karanga Valley. The day begins with a 1.5-hour scramble up the Barranco Wall. This is the hardest part of the day and in some places, you may have to use your hands to aid your climb. After reaching the top, hike through fairly level terrain before making a short but steep descent into the green Karanga River Valley.

DAY 4 – Karanga Valley to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 13,780 to 15,100ft (4200 to 4600m)
Distance: 3.7 mi (6 km)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

After breakfast, begin the hike to Barafu Camp. On the way to Barafu, view several of Kibo’s glaciers as well as the junction that connects the descent route, Mweka, with the Machame trail. During day four, hike by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers.  Although the trail to Barafu passes through an alpine desert with little vegetation, Barafu Camp offers stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Try to sleep after finishing dinner, as you will wake before midnight for your summit hike.

DAY 5 – Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Camp

Elevation: 15,100 to 19,345ft; down to 10,170ft (4600 to 5,896m; down to 3100m)
Distance: 4.3 mi ascent / 14.3 mi descent (7 km ascent / 23 km descent)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Around midnight, begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Hike by the light of your headlamp for the next six hours. The ascent to the crater rim is the most challenging part of the entire trek. The trail is very steep until you reach the crater rim at Stella Point. The hike from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak is a gradual climb and, as far as hikes go, not very difficult. The altitude, however, makes the hike long and tiring. The crater rim hike takes approximately one hour. Upon reaching Uhuru, take photos with your guide and group at the peak before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. On the way down from Uhuru, enjoy views of the mountain, crater, clouds, and glaciers. At Barafu Camp, eat breakfast and take a short break. You still have another three to five hours to go before reaching Mweka Camp.

DAY 6 – Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Elevation: 10,170 to 4,920ft (3100 to 1500m)
Distance: 5 mi
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

After breakfast, finish the trek with a hike through the forest to Mweka Gate. The trail may be slippery following rain. Our vehicles will meet you at the lower station of Mweka Gate to take you back to Moshi.

DAY 7 – Departure

If your time in Africa ends today, our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked a safari with us, or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.