The Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is typically used by seasoned mountaineers, especially those who approach the summit via the technical Western Breach. This is ‘real mountain climbing,’ where only a handful of clients and guides can safely pass and summit.

This route offers two options:

1. Southern Circuit Shortcut
   A short hike onto the southern circuit begins via the South, followed by a steep climb into the Barranco Wall, acting as a ‘shortcut’ into the southern circuit. This is an excellent choice for climbers looking to complete the hike quickly, though it comes with high physical demand and limited acclimatization.
2. Summit via the Western Breach
   The second, and usually more popular option on the Umbwe route, is to summit via the Western Breach. The Western Breach refers to the gap on the western side of the Kibo cone (likely blown off during a historic eruption), allowing technical mountaineers the challenge of a steep and dangerous summit attempt. There are several variations of this route, and we can customize the experience to be as difficult or achievable as you’d like.

Detailed Itinerary for Umbwe Route

Day 1: Arusha to Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a one-hour drive from Moshi to Umbwe Village (1,490 m/4,890 ft). Here, your guides and porters pack your equipment and supplies, and you’ll receive a lunch pack. The ascent begins at the small Umbwe Gate, where you’ll follow a gentle winding vehicle track for an hour to a signboard marking the start of the steep Umbwe trail. From here, you’ll climb for several hours through a dense forest of rubber and giant fig trees, navigating steep sections of roots and rock. Umbwe Camp, located in the forest, offers nearby caves and a graciously served hot meal upon arrival.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp
Start the day with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, followed by breakfast. The hike continues with a steep ascent through thinning forest glades, passing through Giant Erica, Heather, and into drier air. As you ascend the ridge, you may be rewarded with a view of Uhuru Peak overhead if the clouds part. After lunch, you enter a unique zone filled with giant groundsels (Scenario Kilimanjaro), one of Kilimanjaro’s special treasures. You will arrive at Barranco Camp by evening.

Day 3: Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft)
This is an extra day for acclimatization. Adding this day will ease your effort and significantly enhance acclimatization, making the climb more manageable in the days ahead.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, climb the steep ridge to the Barranco Wall, a challenging but manageable climb. At the top, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and the lush Karanga Valley. The Karanga Camp offers views of the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. This day is crucial for acclimatization as you prepare for the upcoming summit push. Spend the afternoon at leisure for resting or light exploration.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Hike eastward over ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which you’ll use for descent later. After turning toward the mountain, hike for another hour to Barafu Hut, where you will have lunch. Barafu Camp, meaning “ice” in Swahili, has no water source, so prepare accordingly. With the last stretch of Kilimanjaro looming overhead, prepare for the summit attempt with an early dinner and some rest.

Day 6: Summit Day! Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
Rising at 11:30 PM, begin the steep 6-hour ascent to Stella Point. This is the most physically challenging part of the climb, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views at the summit of Uhuru Peak. After a brief rest, descend for three hours to Barafu Camp. Following another short rest, continue descending to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft), located in the upper forest zone. Here, dinner and washing water will be prepared, and the camp offers soft drinks, beer, and chocolates for purchase.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate to Moshi
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 3-hour trek back to Mweka Gate. Ensure all your gear reaches the gate before tipping the porters. Successful climbers can register their names and receive summit certificates: green for reaching Stella Point and gold for Uhuru Peak. Afterward, you’ll hike down to Mweka Village, where a hot lunch awaits. You’ll then be driven back to Moshi for a much-deserved hot shower and a comfortable night in your hotel in Arusha.

Included for Kilimanjaro Trekking

• Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees,
• 4 Season mountain tents
• Sleeping Mats
• Transportation to & from the mountain gate
• Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
• 3 meals daily while on the mountain
• Filtered water throughout the trek
• The portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon the client’s request.

Excluded for Kilimanjaro Trekking

• Flights
• Items of a personal nature
• Laundry Services
• A doctor for the group
• Tips to mountain crew