UMBWE ROUTE

"Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach and it’s the most hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The Umbwe Route is the trail for trekkers looking for a true climbing challenge. It is 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 Umbwe route is a non-technical climb, it does offer steep ascents and requires trekkers to scramble over rocks and tree roots at certain points. It is the hardest and most direct route up the mountain and even 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 challenge."

The Umbwe route offers a steep and direct approach, resulting in a lower success rate compared to other routes. Trekkers are advised to be in peak physical condition to fully enjoy this challenging climb, as it involves a steady uphill ascent for the first few days, unlike other routes that allow for gradual acclimatization. However, the intense challenge is rewarded with breathtaking views, with stunning vistas on both sides of the trail. This route may be tough, but the spectacular scenery makes it all worthwhile.

You are advised to take 3 Days Mount Meru Trek before trekking the Umbwe Route,as a preparation since you will be able to acclimatise hence increasing the success rate of reaching the Uhuru peak Summit.

0 Day; Pre -Trekking Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha,Pre-trek briefing at your Arusha hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

1 Day; Umbwe gate- Umbwe Cave

"Your climb starts from Umbwe Gate and follows a path on a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense Montane Forest.

On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful and a good chance of seeing Colobus and blue monkeys calling from the branches above , it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently, It is a steep and rough walk up to Umbwe Cave, our first camp, you will be welcomed with charming faces to your tents then you will have some rest,snacks & tea while dinner is being prepared, Overnight at Umbwe Cave."

Elevation; 1651m - 2944m
Habitat; Rain Forest
Distance; 9.6 KM
Hiking Time; 6-8 hours

2 Day; Umbwe Cave - Barraco Camp

Today the first section of the trail will be steeper than on the first day. You'll start with several muddy slopes which make the ascent more difficult. As you climb higher you will enter the heather and moorland zone of the mountain, characterized by Erica tree heathers that grow up to 3 or 4 meters. You will continue on the ridge with views into the Umbwe Valley until you reach a vertical rock wall called Rope Rock. This is the steepest wall on any of this mountain’s routes. Your guide will take take your daypack and assist you to get up this rocky passage. Afterwards the gradient of the trail will ease out as you make your way to the picturesque Barranco Camp, you resting place for the night. Enjoy amazing views of Kibo and the Great Barranco Wall.

Elevation; 2944m - 3900m
Habitat; Heath & Moorland
Distance; 4.75 KM
Hiking Time; 4-6 hours

3 Day; Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp

After an early breakfast you will begin your day by tackling the famous Barranco Wall. From time to time you might need your hands to hold on tight but there are no real climbing passages, and the ascent is easier than it looks. Once you've tackled the wall, the trial will proceed in an undulating fashion towards Karanga Camp. There are great views of the southern glaciers of Kibo. Karanga Camp is situated less than 100 meters higher than your previous camp. After about 3 to 4 hours you will arrive at the camp and you can spend most of the afternoon relaxing or take further a acclimatization trip towards Barafu Camp before returning back to Karanga Camp for the night.

Elevation; 3900m - 4000m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance; 5.2KM
Hiking Time; 3 - 4 hours

4 Day; Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp

Your destination for today, Barafu Camp, should be reached after about 3 to 4 hours. For most of the route you'll be trekking through the barren and striking afro-alpine desert. This will be your last stop before the summit night. So try and get an afternoon siesta before dinner is served. After a final briefing from your guide you’re advised to get straight back into your sleeping bag as you will be woken up again around midnight to begin the summit climb

Elevation; 4000m - 4673 m
Habitat; Alpine Desert
Distance; 3.3KM
Hiking Time; 3 - 4 hours

5 Day; Barafu Camp - Summit - Mweka Camp Excitement is building as morning comes with an early start between midnight and . This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

We continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers trying to stay warm and focused on the amazing sense of accomplishment that lies ahead. With a switchback motion in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise during your short rest here. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From here on your remaining 1 hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, you are likely to encounter snow all the way.

Congratulations, one step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa!

After photos, celebrations and maybe a few tears of joy we take a few moments to enjoy this incredible accomplishment. We begin our steep descent down to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch and a very brief rest. We strongly recommend gaiters and trekking poles for uncooperative loose gravel and volcano ash terrain. Well-deserved rest awaits you to enjoy your last evening on the mountain. Overnight Mweka Camp."

Elevation; 4662m - 5895 - 3106m
Habitat; Glaciers, Snow Capped Summit
Distance; 4.86 KM up, 11.5 KM down
Hiking Time; 5 - 7 hours up, 5 - 6 hours down

6 Day; Mweka Camp - Mweka Gate

We depart after breakfast descending 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 be suitable (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy),A car will be waiting to take us back to our hotel, and a land of warm showers and cold beers. Our trek is at an end.