Kilimanjaro trekking on Umbwe route

Umbwe is a challenging, spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views.

Climbers need a good level of fitness as some stages of the ascent involves tough scrambling. The climb ascends quickly in the first two days, which causes some climbers problems adjusting to the altitude. An extra day camping at Baranco is built into the program to help with acclimatization and to rest.

Descent is via Mweka route.

Umbwe route: 8 days / 7 nights (6 mountain days)

Tour Ref: CP 4

Day 1: Arrive in Kilimanjaro for overnight. Hotel, bed and breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Umbwe gate (1,800m) for registration before starting the hike on steep winding forest trails. The path narrows and becomes steeper between the Linzo and Umbwe rivers. Following a ridge path you reach Umbwe Caves Camp (2,850m. 5 to 6 hrs) for dinner and overnight camping.

Day 3: Leaving behind the forest, the rocky path follows a narrow and spectacular ridge then flattens on the approach to Baranco Valley. Baranco campsite (3,950m. 6 to 7 hrs) lies below the Western Breach and the Great Barraco Wall.

Day 4: On this day your base will be Barranco camp. This an acclimatization day to prepare you for climbing to the higher altitude. You can spend the day resting or explore the surrounding area and take in sights of the magnificent Scenecio's.

Day5: The day starts with a short hard climb to the top of Great Baranco Wall (the local name of the rocky vertical path is 'Breakfast'). Descend through the scree and ridges to Karanga Valley for a rest before climbing over another ridge to reach Barafu Hut (4,600m. 8 to 9 hrs) for a pre-dinner briefing and rest.

Day 6: After a few hours rest you will begin climbing around midnight. You are aiming to reach Stella Point on the crater rim to watch the sunrise. After a short rest (it is too cold to spend time here) you continue on a less steep path which takes you between rocky outcrops and glaciers to reach the summit of kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (5,895m. 8 to 9hrs). Memorable picture taking needs to be quick. Descend to Barafu for a late breakfast and short rest before starting the descent to Mweka Hut (3,100m) for dinner and overnight camping.

Day 7: The return route is not difficult and takes you down a rock and scree path into the moorland zone and eventually into the forest to reach Mweka gate (4 to 5hrs). Here you will collect your certificate before transferring to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included).

Day 8: Departure

Take a look at our kili trekking Services before using the Enquiry Form to request a quotation for your climb on Umbwe route.

To help you climb Mt Kilimanjaro successfully, consider a Fitness Preparation regime

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