logo
placeholder
placeholder placeholder

7 Days Umbwe Route

Overview

The Umbwe route is a quick inclined line, and straight. It is the most demanding route up Mount Kilimanjaro and is said to be exceedingly tough. Umbwe does not provide the requisite steps for acclimation to altitude because of the fast climb. Although there is extremely little traffic on this route, the likelihood of success is also quite low. This trail is available for a minimum of six days, although it is advised to undertake it for seven days. Only very fit hikers who are certain of their abilities to acclimatise should try the Umbwe route. The Umbwe route is generally not advised, and we advise against using it for our customers.
  • 7 Days / 6 Nights
  • Max People : 14
  • Kilimanjaro
  • Price Includes
    • Meals and drinks according to the itinerary
    • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
    • Professional, English-speaking guide
    • Mountain crew (cooks and porters)
    • Pre and Post Trek accommodation
    • All government taxes
    • Emergency Evacuation Cover
    • Overnight stays mountain huts
  • Price Excludes
    • Flights
    • Sleeping bag
    • Alcoholic and soft drinks
    • Visa fees
    • Meals not mentioned above
    • Personal expenses
    • Gratuities or tips for safari mountain crew
    • Travel insurance
    • Optional tours

Tour Plan

01
Day 01 : Umbwe gate to Cave bivouac

Get up early and go out of your Moshi hotel for Umbwe Gate, where you’ll meet the guides, porters, and chefs who will be with you for the next six days as you climb to the summit of Africa, Uhuru Peak. Please wait at the gate while we record your ascent and the guides and porters finish up. About 6 hours after leaving the gate, you will arrive at Cave Bivouac Camp, your first night’s lodging. Several spots along the path are particularly treacherous due to their steepness and/or slickness.

Trek into the Kilimanjaro cloud forest, where the trees are coated with moss. Later in the trek, the woodland will thin, and you’ll be able to see heathers, long grasses, and wildflowers. The camp will be ready for your arrival thanks to the forward march of porters and chefs.

  • Elevation: 1,800 m to 2,850 m
  • Distance: 10km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Health
02
Day 02: Cave bivouac to Barranco camp

The trail becomes rockier and more overgrown with mossy, scraggly trees on the second day of the hike. More of Kilimanjaro becomes visible as we climb higher. As we reach Barranco Valley, the terrain levels out. You may get to Barranco Camp from Umbwe Ridge by descending through the peculiar but lovely Senecio Forest.

  • Elevation: 2,850 m to 3,950 m
  • Distance: 7km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Health
03
Day 03: Barranco camp to Karanga camp

The day begins with a descent down a valley to the foot of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we scale a non-technical yet steep 900-foot cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we drop rapidly into Karanga Valley over a succession of peaks and valleys. Karanga Camp is reached after another tough climb. This is a shorter day designed to help with acclimatisation.

  • Elevation: 3,950 m to 4,200 m
  • Distance: 4km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert
04
Day 04: Karanga camp to Barafu camp

Begin the hike to Barafu Camp after breakfast. View multitude Kibo’s glaciers as well as the intersection that joins the descending trail, Mweka, with the Machame trail on the way to Barafu. Hike by the Heim, Kersten, and Decken Glaciers on day four. Although the road to Barafu runs through an alpine desert with minimal flora, the views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks from Barafu Camp are spectacular. Try to sleep after supper since you will need to get up before midnight for your summit trek.

  • Elevation: 4,200 m to 4,600 m
  • Distance: 4km
  • Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine desert
05
Day 05: Barafu camp to Uhuru peak and back to Mweka camp

We start our ascent at the crack of dawn (about midnight). This section of the journey presents the greatest test to your willpower and stamina. At this altitude and time of day, the wind and cold may be rather severe. Between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers, we continue our ascent to the peak, layering up against the cold and visualising the incredible feeling of achievement that awaits us at the top. For many hours, we climb throughout the night, pausing often for brief rests. The dawn above Mawenzi Peak from near Stella Point (18,900 ft) is among the most spectacular sights you’ll ever witness. Early risers on the trail can be rewarded with a sunrise atop the mountain. We’ve reached the summit of Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak.

  • Elevation: 4,600 m to 5,895 m to 3,100 m
  • Distance: 5km
  • Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
  • Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

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

We break for lunch at Barafu, and then continue our trek straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite. The terrain is quite rough and may be difficult on the knees; bring walking poles. Due to its location in the higher forest, Mweka Camp often experiences mist or light rain in the late afternoon. When night falls, we have our final meal on the mountain and turn in for a restful night’s sleep.

06
Day 06: Mweka camp to Mweka gate and back to hotel

It’s time to part ways with the group after a touching farewell meal and a ceremony of thanks and team building. Since you are departing today, it is important to leave gratuities for your guides, chefs, and porters. Next, we’ll go back down to Mweka Gate to pick up your summit certificates. Gaiters and trekking poles are essential due to the slick, muddy, and steep terrain caused by the recent weather change. Once we get through the gate, we’ll travel for another hour before reaching Mweka Village. You will be met in Mweka Village by a vehicle that will take you to your Moshi, Tanzania, accommodation. Take that nice shower, eat that delicious meal, and celebrate like it’s been ages! The following day, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

  • Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
  • Distance: 10 km
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Location

Book Safari Package

Enquire Now

Popular Routes

Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages

Other names for the Marangu Route include the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.”

Explore Now

Compared to the Marangu route, the Machame route, sometimes known as the “Whisky route,”

Explore Now

Other names for the Marangu Route include the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route.”

Explore Now

The journey starts at Machame Gate in the mountain’s southwest region.

Explore Now

The Shira Gate is the starting point for the challenging Shira Route, which can be found

Explore Now

The Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro is clearly the most picturesque and pristine path that

Explore Now

The ascent of Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro has caught the interest of many mountaineers worldwide.

Explore Now

The sole route that reaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border, is the Rongai trail.

Explore Now

The sole route that reaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border, is the Rongai trail

Explore Now

The Umbwe route is a quick inclined line, and straight. It is the most demanding route

Explore Now

The Northern Circuit is the most recent and extensive trail on Kilimanjaro.

Explore Now
View More Packages
placeholder

Design The
Custom African Climbing Experiences

Customize your Climbing expedition to include special amenities, such as luxury camping options, gourmet meals, and additional acclimatization days, creating a truly personalized climbing experience.

Customize Your Trip
Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

“Thank you Halisia Africa. Our 14 days honeymoon vacations was so wonderful. The whole trip was luxury staying in wonderful lodges and 5 star hotel in Zanzibar.”

Jack & Mitch (UK)
revierer

“This being our first trip to Africa, we knew we needed to work with a reputable firm that could take the pressure off of us. We spent some time deliberating before deciding on Halisia Africa ”

Mary Roy (USA)
revierer

“As a lone traveller, I needed a reliable and safe travel service to help me plan my journey. I found Halisia Africa online, and they immediately demonstrated their credibility.”

Linda Mikel (USA)
revierer

“Tanzania was the perfect combination of safari and beach for our family. Much appreciation to Halisia Africa. ”

John Mac
revierer