UMBWE ROUTE

5 or 6 days

The most difficult route up Kilimanjaro

The Umbwe route is the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent, only strong hikers who can acclimatize quickly to altitude should attempt this route.

Driving distance from Moshi to Umbwe Gate: 39 km.
Driving Time: 50 minutes

Day 1
Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave Camp

Distance: 10 km.

Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours

Elevation: 1,800 m. / 5,900 ft. to 2959 m. / 9,700 ft.

Habitat: Rainforest to Heath Moorland

After getting our permits at Machame Gate, our drive takes us through villages and coffee and banana plantations. At Umbwe Gate, we begin our trek up steep and somewhat slippery trails, climbing between two rivers surrounded by huge trees.

Day 2
Umbwe Cave Camp – Barranco Camp

Distance: 6 km.

Hiking Time: 3 ½ - 4 hrs.

Elevation: 2959 m. / 9,700 ft. to 3,975 m. / 13,044 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland

The first section of the trail is on rocky terrain with sparse undergrowth and moss-covered trees. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Camp, a particularly scenic campsite on the Umbwe route.

Day 3
Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 m.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,975 m. / 13,044 ft. to 3,995 m. / 13,106 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Alpine Desert

Our day begins with a brief descent into the Great Barranco ravine, then up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a challenging hike through narrow, rocky passages. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of Kibo. Then we descend into the Karanga Valley, in view of the Heim and Kersten glaciers and along the Karanga River. For those feeling strong, we’ll take a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4,200 m., then back to camp for the night.

Day 4
Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km. / 2.5 m.

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation: 3,995 m. / 13,106 ft to 4,673 m. / 15,331 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek to the Kibo Hut is long and challenging. The well-built trail passes the last source of water and a barren plateau with wide open views. At Kibo Hut, you enjoy an early evening meal and an early to bed. Tomorrow’s ascent starts around midnight.

Day 5
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp

Distance: 5 km. / 3.1 mi. Barafu to Uhuru – 12 km. / 7.5 mi. Uhuru to Mweka

Hiking Time: 10 - 12 hours total: 6-7 hours up to Uhuru – 2 hours down to Barafu – 2 hours down to Mweka

Elevation: 4,640 m. / 15,225 ft. to 5,895 m./ 19,341 ft. to 3,080 m./ 10,105 ft.

Habitat: Alpine Desert to Arctic Summit to Heath Moorland

We greet you at midnight with hot tea and biscuits. Today is the big day: a long, strenuous, exhilarating hike to the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220 m., the climb slowly but surely winds upwards. At sunrise, we reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 m.) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. After another 1 to 2 hours of hiking, we reach Uhuru Peak at 5895 m. We have just a few minutes to take photos and stand in awe of our surroundings. Then we return to Kibo Hut, where a warm meal awaits. After a 1- to 2-hour break, we head back down to Horombo Hut.

Day 6
Mweka Camp (3080m) – Mweka Gate (1630m)

Distance: 10 km. / 6.2 mi.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Elevation: 3,080 m./ 10,105 ft. to 1,630 m. / 5,350 ft.

Habitat: Heath Moorland to Rainforest

A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate. There we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We meet our vehicles and head back to your hotel. Enjoy a warm shower then celebrate with cold drinks. Stay overnight at your arranged hotel.