Route Info: The Umbwe route has a reputation for being the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro. And rightly so. Its the shortest and steepest of the [[Not allowed]] Kilimanjaro which is approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Elevation: 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
The day begins with 1 hour drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. Then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Campsite through the strange but beautiful Senecio Follows.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One steeper climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. In this day you will have hot lunch at Karanga Camp. After a short rest you will go for acclimatization. Walk to the scree slopes towards the Southern Ice Fields. This will increase our chance of reaching Freedom Point Uhuru Peak.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
After late breakfast we leave Karanga Camp and continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit night. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
We will wake up at midnight for hot drinks and start ascending to the summit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Elevation: 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
Early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our trekking to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. It might be wind and cold at this elevation and day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro which is the freestanding Mountain in the world.
From the summit, we now make our descent straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for hut lunch and a short rest. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Vegetation: Forest
Our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and getting the summit certificates. Here your team will be waiting you at the gate for the short celebration and singing some Kilimanjaro song plus traditionally while you are receiving the certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the camp to the gate, African traces transfer car will be at the gate piking you up to your hotel for hot shower and rest. Prepare for the safari in the next days or flying home.
