6 Days 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Umbwe Gate, Hike to Umbwe Cave Camp (LD)
The day begins with a drive from Moshi town to Machame Gate where registration formalities will be completed. We then go through the village’s coffee and banana plantations to Umbwe Gate. The trail ascends sharply on a forestry track which winds up the dense rain forest this is where we start our journey up the mountain. The path then narrows and steepens as we gain elevation through a ridge between two rivers surrounded by huge trees. Umbwe Camp is settled between trees and thick undergrowth.
— Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
— Distance: 11km/7mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Umbwe Cave Camp
DAY 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (BLD)
On the second day of the climb follows a rockier landscape with sparse undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. As we gain elevation, glimpses of Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen. The path levels as we get near Barranco Valley. From Umbwe ridge, the route descends to Barranco Camp through the strange but mervelous Senecio Forest.
— Elevation: 1660m/5450ft to 2850m/9350ft
— Distance: 11km/7mi
— Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
— Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barranco Camp
DAY 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (BLD)
We resume the day by heading down into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep terrain, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall, we walk through a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. Then one more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
— Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
— Distance: 5km/3mi
— Hiking Time: 34 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Karanga Camp
DAY 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (BLD)
We leave Karanga and hit the intersection which connects with the Mweka Trail. We proceed up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which also offers the views of the summit from different angles. Here we then make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi, and Kibo are viewable from this position.
— Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
— Distance: 4km/2mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Barafu Camp
DAY 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp (BLD)
Very early in the morning at around midnight, we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically tough portion of the climb. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of night can be extreme. We then continue to climb up the mountain taking several frequent but short rests in the darkness. Near Stella Point, at around 18,900 ft, you will be rewarded with the most splendid sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now find our way down the mountain, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The path is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees and thighs; climb poles would come handy. Mweka Camp is located in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest.
— 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
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budget Accommodations: Mweka Camp
DAY 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi or Arusha (B)
On our last day, we proceed with the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificate. At lower elevations, it can be wet, muddy also slippery. Then from the gate, we proceed another hour more or less to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
— Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
— Distance: 10km/6mi
— Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
— Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast
