6 Days Trekking via Umbwe Route

Route Overview

Conquer Kilimanjaro’s Steepest and Most Challenging Route

The Umbwe Route is known as the most direct and physically demanding path to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. With steep ascents through dense forests and rugged terrain, this route offers breathtaking views and an adventurous trekking experience. It is best suited for experienced climbers or those seeking a challenge. Despite its difficulty, the reward of standing on Africa’s highest peak is well worth the effort.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

The journey kicks off with a 1-hour drive to Machame Gate, where registration procedures await completion. From there, we proceed through villages, passing by coffee and banana plantations until we reach Umbwe Gate. The trail takes a steep ascent along a forestry track, winding through the dense rainforest. As we climb the ridge nestled between two rivers, towering trees envelop us. The path becomes narrower and steeper, leading us to Umbwe Camp, nestled amidst trees and lush undergrowth.

Overnight: Umbwe Camp

Meals: Lunch & Dinner included

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

On the second day of the trek, we traverse rougher terrain characterized by scattered vegetation and scattered, moss-draped trees. As we ascend, occasional views of Kilimanjaro emerge. The trail levels out as we near Barranco Valley. Descending from the Umbwe ridge, we enter Barranco Camp via the peculiar yet stunning Senecio Forest.

Overnight: Barranco Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Our day starts with a descent into a ravine towards the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. Subsequently, we ascend the nearly 900-ft cliff, which, though non-technical, is steep. After conquering the Barranco Wall, we traverse a sequence of hills and valleys until we sharply descend into Karanga Valley. Another steep ascent brings us to Karanga Camp. Designed for acclimatization, this is a shorter day's journey.

Overnight: Karanga Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Departing from Karanga, we reach the intersection linking to the Mweka Trail. Proceeding onwards, we ascend through the rocky terrain toward Barafu Hut. Upon reaching this juncture, you've traversed the Southern Circuit, providing panoramic views of the summit from various perspectives. Here, we establish camp, rejuvenate, and partake in an early dinner in readiness for summit day. The towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this vantage point.

Overnight: Barafu Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit Then, descending to Mweka Camp

In the wee hours of the morning, just around midnight, our journey to the summit commences. This leg of the trek proves to be the ultimate test, both mentally and physically. The biting wind and piercing cold at this altitude and hour can be formidable. We steadily climb through the darkness, pausing briefly for short breaks along the way. As we near Stella Point (18,900 ft), a breathtaking sunrise unfolds, casting its brilliance over Mawenzi Peak.

Our destination, Uhuru Peak, awaits us - the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa itself. From the summit, we embark on our descent, heading straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, with a pit stop at Barafu for lunch. The path is strewn with rocks and can be taxing on the knees, making trekking poles invaluable. Nestled in the upper forest, Mweka Camp often sees mist or rain in the late afternoon. As evening falls, we savor our final dinner on the mountain before retiring for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight: Mweka Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Arusha

On our final day, we proceed with the descent towards Mweka Gate to retrieve our summit certificates. As we descend to lower elevations, the terrain may become wet and muddy. Upon reaching the gate, we trek for another hour to reach Mweka Village. A vehicle will be waiting for us at Mweka Village to transport us back to the hotel in Arusha.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included

These inclusions and exclusions provide a comprehensive overview of what’s covered and what’s not in a trekking package.