---

---

Overview

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. This route is usually chosen by those well experienced with high altitude treks looking for the biggest challenge possible. This route is typically done as a 6 or 7 days itinerary with the shorter itinerary more commonly chosen to further increase the difficulty.

Umbwe Route Itinerary

Duration: 5 nights/6 days Climb

Arrival Day

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) you will see our driver waiting for you just outside the secured customs area - with a Kilifortune Expeditions sign with your name on it. From there you will be driven to your hotel in Moshi. After allowing some time to settle in, there will be a climb briefing with your guide. Here all questions will be answered. There will also be an equipment check. If you are lacking any items, they can be rented locally of good quality at a reasonable price. If you have a nighttime arrival, these things can be done early the next morning.

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive you for registration at Umbwe Park Gate before starting our trek. The small winding path leads us up through rainforest and along the Umbwe River. The first night’s camp is at Umbwe Cave Camp, at about 2,850M altitude.

• Hiking hours: 6 hours
• Distance: 11km
• Overnight Altitude: 1,600M to 2,850M
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

We leave camp and shortly afterwards the forest ends. We can see the sheer wall of the Western Breach appearing and disappearing as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. We will camp at Barranco Camp tonight.

• Hiking hours: 4 hours
• Distance: 6km
• Overnight Altitude: 3,900M
• Habitat: Moorland

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Today starts with a short, but fun, scramble, to the top of the Great Barranco Wall. We then traverse over scree to the Karanga Valley (3930m) beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. We will stay overnight at Karanga Campsite.

• Hiking hours: 4 hours
• Distance: 6km
• Overnight Altitude: 3,995M
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We leave Karanga Campsite behind to meet the junction connecting with the Mweka descent Trail. From here we continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have now completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. At camp, we can rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be clearly seen from this position.

• Hiking hours: 4 hours
• Distance: 4km
• Overnight Altitude: 4,673M
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

You will be woken at 23:30 with some tea and biscuits. We start our trek to the summit between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. At Stella Point (5732m), we will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). At Uhuru Peak (5895m), we will have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. From the summit, we descend down to the Mweka Hut Camp, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose gravel going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

• Hiking hours: 7 hours
• Distance: 5km
• Overnight Altitude: 5,895M
• Habitat: Alpine desert

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Hotel

We depart after breakfast descending 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 be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). At the gate our vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Moshi where you will say farewell to your mountain crew before heading for a good shower, relaxation, recovery, and celebration.

• Hiking hours: 3 hours
• Distance: 10km
• Overnight Altitude: 1,640M
• Habitat: Montane Forest

Departure Day

Breakfast at the hotel is included in your climb package. If you have booked a safari we will leave after breakfast. Otherwise, our driver will be available to take you to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) at any time necessary for your flight. Hotel checkout is at 10am. If you have a flight leaving later in the day, we can try to arrange a late checkout or a day room (there would be an extra charge for a dayroom).