Kilimanjaro: Umbwe Route

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Detailed Trip Description

The Umbwe Route is steeper and shorter than the Machame Route. Once at the Barranco Hut, you continue on with the other Machame hikers. The descent is down the Mweka trail.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Tanzania

 
Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp.
Hotel

Book into your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for overnight and briefing by your guide.

Tanzania Hotel picture
Hiking

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp.

1800m to 2800m.

5900ft to 9200ft.

Hiking Time: 5-6 hours.

Habitat: Montane Forest.



Drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate. Commence the climb through the rain forest with packed lunch on route.

Camping

Dinner and overnight at the first encampment at 2800 meters (9186 ft).


Day 2 - Tanzania

 
Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp.
Hiking

Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp.

2800m to 3900m.

9200ft to 12,800ft.

Walking Time: 4-5 hours.

Habitat: Semi-desert.



After breakfast, we leave the glades of the forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorland to the Barranco Hut located at 3900 meters (12,795 ft).

Camping

Dinner and overnight at the campsite.


Day 3 - Tanzania

 
Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Hiking

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
3860m to 4200m.

12,700ft to 13,800ft.

Distance: 7 km.

Hiking Time: 4 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.



After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite.


Day 4 - Tanzania

 
Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.
Hiking

Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp.

3860m to 4600m.

12,700ft to 15,100ft.

Distance: 13km.

Hiking Time: 8 hours.

Habitat: Alpine Desert.



After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200m / 13,770 ft), and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Camping

We continue to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.


Day 5 - Tanzania

 
Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut.
Hiking

Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut.

4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m).

15,100ft to 19,300ft (and down to 10,200ft).

Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent.

Hiking Time: 6- 8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent.

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped.



Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am),, we continue our way to the summit. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point (5685m / 18,652 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting).



From Stella Point, you will encounter snow all they way on your 2-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.



It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.



From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down.

Camping

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. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut -- the only location on this route.


Day 6 - Arusha

 
Mweka Camp to Moshi.
Hiking

Mweka Camp to Moshi.

3100m to 1830m.

10,200ft to 6000ft.

Distance: 15 km.

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours.

Habitat: Forest.



After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).



From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village.

Private Car Service

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi. Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!


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