6 Days Umbwe Hike
Highlight of the hike
Umbwe route is the shortest and most direct route to Uhuru peak and also happens to be the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro due to its steepness.
This is a perfect route for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge a quiet, seldom-used path that can be very difficult, yet very rewarding at the same time. This is the route to choose if you want to test yourself on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, far from the crowds that are found on the more common trails.
While the Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it offers steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points.
The tour features several exposed ridges that are not for the faint of heart. The fitness and stamina of hikers may be tested along the way and it is best for experienced mountain trekkers who are looking for a Unique Challenge.
Why choose
The Umbwe route
The most challenging route on Kilimanjaro. It offers a true rewarding climbing experience. Usually done in 6 days and along the way you will join those who took the Machame and Lemosho routes.
The pros of this route
- Attractive scenery
- A real climbing challenge
- Acclimitization is possible
The Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,800m/5,905ft)– Umbwe Cave
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Umbwe gate to kick off Day 1 of your 6-day adventure on Kilimanjaro. After a drive through farmland and plantations, we reach the Umbwe Gate on the south-eastern side of Kilimanjaro. We will climb steadily through the forests through a steep, and sometimes muddy and slippery terrain, enjoying our packed lunch on the way before reaching Umbwe cave (2880m). Porters will assist throughout the trek carrying your main bag.
Night Camp: Umbwe Cave (2,880m/ 9,449ft).
- Altitude Change: ↑1,080 m/ 3,543ft
Trekking Distance/ Time: 12 km/ 7.4 miles (6-7hr)
Day 2: Umbwe Cave (2,880m/ 9,449 ft) – Barranco Camp
Today we ascend from the forest zone into the heath zone walking through some very steep sections. Keeping a slow pace is very essential to give time for your body to acclimatize. A picnic lunch is taken midday and then in the afternoon, we arrive at Barranco camp in time to relax for a while before dinner. The views of the Barranco wall and Western Breach pertain to events some 60,000 years ago when this whole part of the mountain collapsed!
Night Camp: BarrancoCamp (3,960m/ 12,992 ft)
- Altitude Change: ↑1,080 m/ 3,543ft
Trekking Distance/ Time: 7 km/ 4.3 miles (5-6hr)
Day 3: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp
We set off to conquer what the locals call the ‘breakfast wall’ – the Great Barranco Wall! It is a scramble using our hands and feet, (not technical like rock climbing) but certainly adds to our adventure. Once we take in our achievements at the top, we will
be able to witness stunning views across the mountain towards the Barranco Valley and will be able to spot our previous night’s campsite. We continue undulating through the green valley until we reach our camp at Karanga Valley.
Night Camp: Karanga Camp (4,035m/ 13,944 ft)
- Altitude Change: ↑ ↓500 m/ 1,640 ft
Trekking Distance/ Time: 6km/ 3.7 miles (4-5 hr)
Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We push on with our challenge and start with a short, but steep ascent across the barren landscape but will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Decken Glaciers.
We will be keeping our pace to a slow rhythm as we need to conserve as much energy as we can for the summit attempt later this evening. We reach our camp then it’s an early dinner before getting our heads down, as we will be woken at 11 pm for our summit attempt!
Night Camp: Barafu camp (4,640m/ 15,223 ft)
- Altitude Change: ↑605 m/ 1,985 ft
Trekking Distance/ Time: 4km/2.5 miles (3-4 hr)
Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak & Then Back to Mweka Camp
We aim to leave camp at 12 am using our head torches to light the way. The next 4 hours are spent trekking to Stella Point (5,750m) over scree and rock, where we will be rewarded with magnificent and spectacular views of the ice cliffs which surround us, and the majestic views to the Mawenzi Peaks – trekking just does not get any better than this!
We now make regular rest stops every 15 minutes or so, to aid our chances of reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m/ 19,341 ft.
We push on to the summit with the sun rising over the stunning Mawenzi Peaks and aim to reach the summit by about 6 or 7 am.
We then start our long descent via Stella Point and back to Barafu Camp, where we will enjoy some lunch and a good rest. Our descent then continues down to Millennium or Mweka Camp (3,730m) – today is a very long, emotional day, but at the same time, so memorable and exhilarating.
Night Camp: *Mweka Camp (3,080m/ 10,105ft).
- Altitude Change: ↑1,255 m & Then, ↓ 2,815 m
- Trekking Distance/ Time: 19 km/ 12 miles (12-14 hr)
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Moshi
Our final descent starts with a nice breakfast followed by a tipping ceremony; then we continue trekking for about 4 hours to make the 1,880 meters descent back to Mweka gate (1,680m/ 5,512 ft).
Lunch will be served either at Mweka gate or at your hotel in Moshi. We take the vehicle transfer back to our Lodge in Moshi for a well-deserved hot shower or cool soak in the pool! This evening, we meet as a group to contemplate our achievements with a great
Dinner at your Lodge.
- Altitude Change: ↓1,400m/ 4,593 ft
- Trekking Distance/ Time: 10 km/ 6.2 miles (3-4 hr)
Price : Starting from US$ 1840 per person
Price Includes
- Hotel accommodation the night before and after the climb, with dinner and breakfast included
- Transfer from your hotel to starting point for your climb, and return to your hotel after your climb
- All Kilimanjaro National Park gate fees, camping fees and climbing permits.
- Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees (Kilimanjaro Rescue Team)
- Supplemental Oxygen & Pulse Oximeter
- Basic first aid kit (for use in emergencies only)
- Qualified mountain guide, assistant guides, porters, and cook
- Salaries for the mountain crew as per guidelines set by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as hot drinks while on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, camp chairs, tables & sleeping mattress
- Return transfers Kilimanjaro airport to Arusha and Arusha to Kilimanjaro airport
Pre & Post Hike Accommodation Options
Accommodations in Arusha.
Why book with Amet Adventures
· Firsthand experience from a group of native tourism experts Means up-to-date information on the best places to visit all year round.
· A diverse mix of tours within East Africa for a chance to experience different cultures and wildlife in the region
· Best value experiences with all safety protocols implemented.
· Make a positive impact on the local community and Land.