7 Days Umbwe Route hike
The Umbwe route is a short and direct trail that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the South. It is widely considered the hardest and most challenging given its steep nature and fast ascent to higher altitudes.
This route is ideal for experienced trekkers who are well-acclimatized and are seeking a true hiking challenge. As such, good preparation and fitness levels are highly recommended to undertake this expedition.
Umbwe route covers a trekking distance of 53km and the success rate to the summit is estimated at 70%.
Highlights
Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Day 3: Acclimatization at Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 1600 m to 2900 m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hours
Distance: 11 km
Habitat: Heath
This day begins with a transfer from Moshi to Machame Park gate where you will complete registration before you are later transferred to Umbwe gate – your starting point for the hike. Hike from Umbwe gate to Umbwe Camp for about 5 to 7 hours. The trail ascends to the ridge through the rainforest between two rivers. Proceed to Umbwe Camp for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Elevation: 2900 m to 3976 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Heath
After breakfast, you will hike from Umbwe camp to Barranco camp for about 4 to 5 hours through the rocky and steep terrain past the Barranco valley and a beautiful forest. You will have a glimpse of Kilimanjaro views as you gain elevation. Proceed to Barranco camp where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Elevation: 3976 m
Habitat: Heath
This day is meant for acclimatization to improve your chances of reaching the summit. You will spend the day at one of the most scenic campsites on Mount Kilimanjaro and acclimatize.
Elevation: 3976 m to 3995 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 5 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After having breakfast, you will set off from Barranco camp to Karanga camp for about 4 to 5 hours. You will descend to the base of the Barranco wall and engage in a steep climb to the ridges and valleys to Karanga camp.
Elevation: 3995 m to 4673 m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Distance: 4 km
Habitat: Alpine Desert
You will hike from Karanga camp to Barafu camp for about 4 to 5 hours and connect to the Mweka trail on this day. You will hike through rocky terrain and also enjoy views of the Kibo peak and Mawenzi peak and proceed to the Barafu camp where you will spend the night.
Elevation: 4673m to 5895m (Barafu to Uhuru peak), 5895m to 3068 m (Uhuru peak to Mweka)
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours (Barafu to Uhuru peak), 4 to 6 hours (Uhuru peak to Mweka)
Distance: 5 km (Barafu to Uhuru Peak), 12 km (Uhuru Peak to Mweka)
Habitat: Arctic and Rainforest
This day wake up very early for the summit attempt which will start as early as midnight. You will frequently take short breaks along the way, hike up to Stella Point (5760m) and enjoy watching the sunrise at Mawenzi Peak, you will continue trekking and finally arrive at Uhuru Peak – the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa where you will enjoy taking photos and watching the sunrise.
After the summit hike, you will descend to Mweka camp until Barafu Camp where you stop for a lunch break. You will then continue hiking through forests to get to Mweka Camp where you will have your dinner and spend the night.
Elevation: 3068 m to 1640 m
Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast at Mweka camp, you will descend to Mweka gate which will take about 3 to 4 hours. You will receive your certificates at Mweka gate and proceed to your drop-off location which will bring the tour to an end.
End of hike
In case you are interested in this expedition, please contact us at info@wildlife-encounters.com for more information.