6-Day Kilimanjaro — Umbwe Route
Overview
Umbwe Route is perhaps the least patronized on Kilimanjaro. Beginning at the tropical forest it goes between Machame Route, then meets it at Barranco Camp (3,900 m). The shortest of the routes, Umbwe — with its sharp climb and some acclimatization time — is one of the toughest on Mt. Kilimanjaro, while still showcasing the natures of the mountain with its different environment zones and open views. Earlier climbing experience is suggested for trekkers choosing Umbwe Route on the way to the rooftop of Africa.
Highlights
Image Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
The Top Kilimanjaro team headed by mountain guides will meet you at your hotel for a short briefing and equipment check. Drive to Umbwe Gate (1,640 m) of Kilimanjaro National Park. The head-guide will confirm the permits and registration. Begin hiking uphill through tropical forest — a long pull with a significant increase in altitude. Find the right pace and stick with it. Because this part of the Umbwe route goes over tropical forest with its chance of rain, keep your raincoat handy. Arrive at Umbwe Camp (2,930 m) for your first overnight on Kilimanjaro.
Accommodation Options
Umbwe Camp - Premium Camp
Umbwe Camp - Quality Tents
Umbwe Camp - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Early morning wakeup by guides. After breakfast, begin climbing toward Barranco Camp. The tropical forest will quickly give way to heath and moorland, and if it is not too cloudy you might see Mount Meru volcano for the first time. The distance is restrained — by lunchtime you should arrive at Barranco Camp (3,900 m), settled inside a huge volcanic burden. Lunch will be offered here and you have the chance to relax for the rest of the day, which meaningfully facilitates the adaptation process.
Accommodation Options
Barranco Camp - Premium Camp
Barranco Camp - Quality Tents
Barranco Camp - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After early breakfast, begin summiting the Barranco Wall — best to leave camp early to avoid the masses of other climber groups. Climbing up the gorge wall takes about 1 hour. After the climb, have a rest and capture photos in front of Kibo volcano. Then continue the hike to Karanga Camp, which involves several climbs and descents on the route. Once at camp, enjoy a warm lunch. In the afternoon, complete an acclimatization climb in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 200 m increase in altitude, then hike back down to Karanga Camp (3,995 m).
Accommodation Options
Karanga Camp - Premium Camp
Karanga Camp - Quality Tents
Karanga Camp - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 — Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
After breakfast, start the climb to Barafu Base Camp (4,673 m), the preliminary point for the night summiting of Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The crew will set up camp so you can relax and rest waiting for summiting night. After conserving strength, complete an acclimatization climb towards the middle Kosovo Summit Camp (4,800 m), then return to Barafu where a hot dinner will be served. Spend the rest of the day resting and sleep before the night summit push.
Accommodation Options
Barafu Camp - Premium Camp
Barafu Camp - Quality Tents
Barafu Camp - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 — Summit Day: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, down to Mweka Camp
This is the memorable day. Depart Barafu Camp at midnight (4,673 m) and climb to 5,895 m — the highest point of Africa, Uhuru Peak. The altitude poses a challenge on this hike. Every two trekkers are accompanied by a mountain guide who constantly monitors their fitness. Upon arriving at Uhuru Peak, you can take in the views of Kilimanjaro's glaciers. After celebrating at the summit, descend to Barafu Camp for a 2-hour rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp (3,100 m). Take care while descending — mind your step, as most accidents occur on the descent.
Accommodation Options
Mweka Camp - Premium Camp
Mweka Camp - Quality Tents
Mweka Camp - Standard Tents
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 — Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
Mweka Camp is seated among the rainforest. Lower altitude and the relief from effects of altitude sickness, along with the recognition of having achieved your goal, make for a good night's sleep. After breakfast, set out on the last leg of the trek to Mweka Gate Park exit (1,650 m). This is your last opportunity to share memories of the climb with your guides and support crew. Receive your certificates of achievement at the gate before being driven back to your hotel or airport.
What's Included
- Park fees, camping fees & rescue fees
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Portable flush toilet with toilet tent
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Supplemental oxygen & pulse oximeter
- Katadyn filtered water throughout the trek
- Post-trek accommodation on bed & breakfast basis
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by KINAPA and KIATO
What's Excluded
- Flights
- Visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips to mountain crew
- Personal gear rental
- Laundry services
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