- Kilimanjaro
- 6 Days
- Trekking: Experienced Climbers
6 Days Kilimanjaro Climb – Umbwe Route
Map
Booking Form
Description
The Umbwe Route is a challenging 6-7 day climb, known for its steep ascent and stunning scenery. It’s located on the southern side of Kilimanjaro and offers a unique perspective of the mountain. Be prepared for a rigorous climb through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. To access the trailhead, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Machame Gate to obtain your permit, then return to Moshi and drive to Umbwe Gate(1600m)
Include /Exclude
- Hotel accommodation before and after your climb
- Airport transfers
- Transfers to and from the mountai
- National Park entry, camping, climbing and rescue fees
- A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain
- A clean and private portable toilet
- High quality dining tent and sleeping tents with comfortable foam mattress
- Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
- A certificate documenting your summit ascent
- International flights and visas
- Tips for your guide and crew
- Travel insurance (you must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
- Your personal trekking gear
- Personal Snacks
- Meals and drinks not on the mountain
- Tips for the mountain crew
Treak Itinerary
Day 1 to Umbwe camp 2940m
Your adventure begins at Umbwe Gate (1,600m), where you’ll trek through a lush rainforest teeming with life. Along the way, you might spot Black and White Colobus monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and the striking Impatiens kilimanjari, an endemic flower of Kilimanjaro. The hike covers a distance of 11 km and typically takes 5 to 6 hours, including a break for lunch.
Day 2 to Baranco camp 3940m:
Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding trek as you ascend steep trails from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp. Covering a distance of 6 km, the hike takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and transitions into the stunning moorland zone.
As you approach Barranco Camp, the trail becomes less steep, and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Kibo Peak, your ultimate goal. You’ll also see numerous rift valleys and the dense forest you traversed on Day 1. Barranco Camp is a bustling site where you’ll meet climbers from the Machame, Lemosho, and Londorossi routes.
Day 3 to Karanga Camp 3995m:
This day’s trek spans 5 km and typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The highlight is crossing the famous Barranco Wall, a 300m high climb with a peak elevation of 4,200m. Although challenging, this section offers a thrilling experience with its narrow trails and the need for some hand-and-foot climbing.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the iconic “Kissing Rock,” a notable feature of the route. Before reaching Karanga Camp, you’ll cross the Karanga Valley at 3,930m, the final water source for porters to collect supplies.
Day 4 to Barafu Camp 4673m:
The journey to Barafu Camp covers a distance of 4 km and takes 2 to 3 hours. Though the trail isn’t steep, the pace is essential for acclimatization.
As you trek through the alpine desert, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kibo Peak to your left. Just before reaching Barafu Camp, you’ll pass unique sedimentary rock formations. Keep in mind that there is no water at Barafu Camp, so our team will carry water from Karanga Valley to ensure your needs are met.
Summit Night:
The final ascent begins around midnight, covering 5 km to reach Uhuru Peak. This steep and challenging climb follows a zigzag path and takes approximately 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll cross Stella Point (5,756m) at the crater rim, where you’ll join climbers from the Marangu and Rongai routes. From Stella Point, it’s an additional one-hour walk to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. This section is mostly flat, making it a welcome relief. Once at Uhuru Peak, you can capture stunning photos to commemorate your achievement.
After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend via the same path to Barafu Camp for some rest, a hearty brunch, and preparation for your descent. The journey continues down the mountain via the Mweka Route.
Day 5 to Mweka Camp 3100m:
Your descent begins at Barafu Camp, following the Mweka Route. The first leg of the journey takes you to Millennium Camp (3,797m), covering 4 km in 2 to 3 hours. This section is steep and transitions from the alpine desert to the moorland zone.From Millennium Camp, you’ll continue to Mweka Camp (3,100m), a 3.5 km hike that also takes 2 to 3 hours. This steep trail moves from the moorland into the forest zone, offering opportunities to spot unique flora such as Protea kilimandscharica and the vibrant Red Hot Poker, alongside other fascinating plant species.
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Day 6 to Mweka Gate 1640m
The final stretch of your Kilimanjaro adventure is a 10 km descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate. This steep downhill trek takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The trail winds through the rainforest, where the ground is often wet and slippery, requiring careful and deliberate steps. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to marvel at the vibrant Impatiens kilimanjari, towering trees, and possibly spot wildlife such as Blue Monkeys and Black and White Colobus Monkeys.
At Mweka Gate, you’ll celebrate the completion of your journey and receive your well-earned summit certificate.
