Kilimanjaro trekking on Umbwe route

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

Mount Kilimanjaro adventure climbers need a good level of fitness to climb on Umbwe route. The steep climb through the tangled forest on the first stage of the trail gains altitude quickly. The quick ascent in the first two days causes some climbers problems adjusting to the altitude.

Umbwe route climbers join the southern circuit climbers (Machame route) for the summit ascent via Barafu. An extra day camping at Baranco is built into the program to help the body acclimatizate 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 Umbwe route 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 of Umbwe route 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 Baranco 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.

Day 5: 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 on the Mweka trail is relatively easy. Hike down the rock and scree path into the moorland zone and eventually into the forest to reach Mweka gate (4 to 5hrs). Here successful climbers collect their certificates 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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Page update 06/06/2012