6 days Umbwe route Kilimanjaro climbing

Kilimanjaro climbing tour 6 days Umbwe route

6 Days, 5 Nights

About 6 days Umbwe route Kilimanjaro climbing from Arusha

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, 6 days Umbwe 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 a 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.

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6 days Umbwe route Kilimanjaro climbing package itinerary

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp

Elevation (ft): 5,249 ft to 9,514 ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After arriving at the Umbwe Gate, we finish the entry registration paperwork and prepare the expedition gear. The trek beings up a gradual inclining forward path, which ends with a sign marked “Umbwe Trail”. From here we ascend through a dense forest on a steep and sometimes muddy path until we reach Umbwe Camp.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation (ft): 9,514 ft to 13,044 ft

Distance: 6 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

The climb begins steep as we ascend higher into the heath zone. Here the landscape changes quickly to sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and giant heathers. The trail leads up a narrow ridge and then flattens as it nears Barranco Valley, which offers great views of Kibo Peak and Moshi. Once at camp there will be some extra time to explore the area.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,044 ft to 13,106 ft

Distance: 5 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Our first challenge is a climb and scrambles over the volcanic rock of the 1,200 ft Barranco Wall. On reaching the top, we have a well-earned lunch break and enjoy fantastic views of Barafu and Mount Meru. We continue across the ridges and valleys to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation (ft): 13,106 ft to 15,331 ft

Distance: 4 km

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka path. We hold on up to Barafu Hut. At this point, we have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are visible from this site.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Point to Mweka Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,331 ft to 19,341 ft to 10,065 ft

Distance: 17 km

Hiking Time: 11-14 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight), we put on many layers of clothing and begin our climb to the summit. We head in a northwesterly direction 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 (18,600 ft), we stop for a short rest and will be honored with the most magnificent sunrise you have ever likely seen. From Stella Point, we have just one more hour before reaching the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. We then make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner and sleep on the mountain.

Day 6: Mweka Camp to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation (ft): 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft

Distance: 10 km

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. It can be wet and muddy at lower elevations, mountain gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be good to wear keeping rain gear and warmer clothing handy. Zoom Tours vehicle will be waiting for you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi.