Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trekking

The Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route is renowned for its steepness and brevity, making it a more demanding alternative to the Machame Route. This path is perfect for adventurous hikers who seek an authentic climbing experience, providing a secluded and less-traveled route that offers significant challenges and remarkable rewards. Ideal for those looking to push their limits on Mount Kilimanjaro, this route avoids the bustling crowds of more popular trails. Advanced mountain trekking skills and endurance are essential to navigate this demanding path successfully.

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to a hotel in Moshi town. Here, you’ll meet a mountain guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and conduct an equipment check to ensure you have all the necessary gear. Any missing equipment can be rented either on this day or the next morning before departing for your Kilimanjaro Umbwe Trek.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi (Bed and Breakfast included)

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp

The journey begins with a drive from Moshi to the Umbwe Gate, approximately a one-hour drive. The climb starts through the rainforest, where you’ll enjoy a packed lunch en route and possibly spot wildlife, such as Colobus monkeys. A lunch break is taken halfway up the trail, and you will reach the Bivouac Camp (2940m) by late afternoon or early evening.

• Elevation: 1660 m / 5450 ft to 2850 m / 9350 ft
• Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

After breakfast, you leave the forest glades and ascend through open moorland to Barranco Camp. The moorland features exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. The trail offers spectacular views of Mt. Kilimanjaro before flattening and descending into the Barranco Valley, leading to Barranco Camp. Here, you’ll camp next to a stream with a stunning view of the Western Breach and the Great Barranco Wall to the east.

• Elevation: 2850 m / 9350 ft to 4000 m / 13,000 ft
• Distance: 6 km / 4 mi
• Walking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Semi-desert
• Meals: Included

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Post-breakfast, the trek continues up the steep Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction with the Mweka Trail. Altitude effects such as headaches and shortness of breath are common at this stage.

• Elevation: 4000 m / 13,000 ft to 4050 m / 13,250 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Included

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

The journey proceeds up to Barafu Camp, completing the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from various angles. Here, you’ll camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

• Elevation: 4050 m / 13,250 ft to 4700 m / 15,350 ft
• Distance: 4 km / 2 mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert
• Meals: Included

Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, Down to Mweka Camp

The summit ascent begins very early in the morning, navigating between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. The route heads northwest and ascends through heavy stone scree to Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically demanding section of the trek. A short rest at Stella Point offers a magnificent sunrise before the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and in Africa.

After reaching the summit, the descent continues straight down to Mweka Camp, with a lunch stop at Barafu. Gaiters and trekking poles are useful for the loose gravel descent. The last evening on the mountain is spent at Mweka Camp.

• Elevation: 4700 m / 15,350 ft to 5895 m / 19,340 ft, down to 3090 m / 10,150 ft
• Distance: 5 km / 3 mi up / 13 km / 8 mi down
• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: Included

Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, Drive to Moshi

After breakfast, the descent continues to the Mweka Park Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificates. Lower elevations can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. From the gate, you’ll continue another hour to Mweka Village, where a vehicle will transport you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

• Elevation: 3090 m / 10,150 ft to 1680 m / 5500 ft
• Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Forest
• Meals: Breakfast