Umbwe Route

From $2150

Umbwe Route

Reputation and Challenge of the Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation for 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. As a result, hikers may experience altitude-related issues, making it even more difficult to succeed. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also reduced. Consequently, Umbwe is considered a challenging, taxing route that should only be attempted by strong hikers confident in their ability to acclimate quickly to altitude.

The Ascent and the Southern Circuit

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. From there, climbers continue toward the summit from Barafu. Finally, descent made via the Mweka route.

Conclusion: A Direct but Demanding Path

Thus, while the Umbwe route is one of the most direct paths to the summit, its difficulty and potential risks should not be underestimated.

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Tour

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival day

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, You will be met and transferred for overnight accommodation at Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat. Nestled in the picturesque town of Moshi, Tanzania, the lodge offers a serene and rejuvenating escape at the foothills of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. It is a quiet, spacious, clean, and comfortable boutique Hotel. Your head guide will meet you for your briefing and gear check and arrange for you to hire any equipment you may need.

Therefore, driving Distance is: 45 / km (40 Mins)

Accommodation:

Meal: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Umbwe Gate – Umbwe Cave: 9.6km/6mi | 6-8hrs | Moorland

Departing from Tulivu Kilimanjaro Retreat, driving to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. We will patiently wait for our permits to be issued while watching the hustle and bustle of operations as many crews prepare for the journey ahead. Enjoy the beautiful rainforest scenery and windy trails while your guide tells you about the local flora, fauna, and natural wildlife. At these lower elevations, the trail can be muddy and quite slippery. We highly recommend gaiters and trekking poles here. The path follows a ridge between two deep valleys up through the dense montane forest. The camp is perched between giant trees and thick undergrowth.

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 3: Umbwe Cave – Barranco Camp: 4.75km/3mi | 4-6hrs | Moorland

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 1042m

After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we emerge from the rainforest and continue on a steeply ascending path along the Umbwe ridge. The path descends slightly to Barranco camp in the valley, and temperatures drop.

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp: 5.2km/3mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft Altitude gained: 48m

After breakfast, we continue on a steep ridge up the adventurous Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction connecting with the Mweka Trail. This is one of the most impressive days to see your crew’s power, agility, and strength zip over this wall with what appears to be such ease. Overnight at Karanga Camp.

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 5: Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp: 3.3km /2 Mi | 3-4hrs | Alpine Desert

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 628m

We continue up toward Barafu Camp, and once you have reached it, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers a variety of breathtaking views of the summit from many different angles. We have an early dinner and rest as we prepare for summit night. Overnight at Barafu Camp.

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp To Summit, Down To Mweka Camp

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

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head northwesterly and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point, you will stop for a short rest and be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

You may encounter snow on your one-hour ascent to the summit from Stella Point. Once at Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

We descend from the summit to Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Because of the loose gravel, you may want gaiters and trekking poles. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain—an overnight stay.

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate, Drive To Moshi

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

After breakfast, we will descend 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 probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village, where you will complete the necessary formalities and receive your summit certificates.

Hence, say farewell to your mountain crew and board the waiting vehicle to transport you to your luxury accommodation at Gran Melia Hotel Arusha. Once you arrive, take a well-deserved hot shower and relax. Then, celebrate your successful climb with a delicious dinner and perhaps share stories and memories of your journey.

Also, driving Distance: 135 / km (2 Hours)

Mweka-Route-7-Days-Group-Tour-To-Trek-Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Meal: All meals included

Day 8: Departure After breakfast

Our representative will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight departure. However, take the memories, the sense of accomplishment, and the everlasting bond with the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. But if you decide to go on a Tanzania Safari, that’s a different adventure; we’ll take care of that for you!

Accommodation:

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

WHAT'S INCLUDES

Included

Excluded

FEATURED

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/ person

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$2554

/ person

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/ person

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8 Days

from

$2250

/ person

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Shira Route

8 Days

from

$2145

/ person

The Route is a little-used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route,…

Umbwe Route

From $2150

Umbwe Route

Reputation and Challenge of the Umbwe Route

The Ascent and the Southern Circuit

Conclusion: A Direct but Demanding Path

Plan My Trip

TRAVEL INFORMATION

ITINERARY

Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Elevation: 2944m/9659ft to 3986m/13,077ft Altitude gained: 1042m

Accommodation:

Elevation: 3986m/13,077ft to 4034m/13,235ft Altitude gained: 48m

Accommodation:

Elevation: 4034m/13,235ft to 4662m/15,295ft Altitude gained: 628m

Accommodation:

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

Accommodation:

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

Accommodation:

Accommodation:

WHAT'S INCLUDES

Included

Excluded

FEATURED

Lemosho Route

10 Days

from

$2890

/ person

Northern Circuit

11 Days

from

$3260

/ person

Machame Route

9 Days

from

$2554

/ person

Marangu Route

7 Days

from

$1855

/ person

Rongai Route

8 Days

from

$2250

/ person

Shira Route

8 Days

from

$2145

/ person

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