Overview
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low. Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route – one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.
Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route.
African Scenery offers Umbwe as a six or seven day private climb. The seven day variation adds an acclimatization day on day three at Barranco Camp.
Altitude profile
From Umbwe Gate to Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) and back down.
6-day itinerary
Hiking times are a guide; your guide sets the pace for safe acclimatisation.
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Day 1Umbwe Gate Umbwe Camp
- Elevation
- 5,249 ft → 9,514 ft
- Hiking time
- 5-7 hours
- Distance
- 11 km | 7 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
The day begins with a 50 minute drive to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then transfer through villages and coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest. The path narrows and steepens as we climb the ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is perched between trees and thick undergrowth.
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Day 2Umbwe Camp Barranco Camp
- Elevation
- 9,514 ft → 13,044 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
The second day of the trek follows rockier terrain with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path flattens as we approach Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest.
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Day 3Barranco Camp Karanga Camp
- Elevation
- 13,044 ft → 13,106 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 5 km | 3 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
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Day 4Karanga Camp Barafu Camp
- Elevation
- 13,106 ft → 15,331 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 4 km | 2 miles
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
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Day 5Kibo Hut Uhuru Peak Horombo Hut
School Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation
- 15,430 ft → 19,341 ft
- Hiking time
- 6-8 hours
- Distance
- 6 km | 4 miles
- Habitat
- Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation
- 19,341 ft → 12,250 ft
- Hiking time
- 4-5 hours
- Distance
- 16 km | 10 miles
- Habitat
- Heath
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
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Day 6Mweka Camp Mweka Gate
- Elevation
- 10,065 ft → 5,380 ft
- Hiking time
- 3-4 hours
- Distance
- 10 km | 6 miles
- Habitat
- Rain Forest
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
What's included
Flights, tips and personal gear are not included.
- Certified mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Kilimanjaro National Park, camping or hut and rescue fees
- Quality tents, sleeping mats, mess tent and private toilet tent
- Three hot meals a day and treated drinking water on the mountain
- Transfers between your hotel and the park gate
- Daily health checks with pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
