6 Days Umbwe Route

Tour 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. 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. Traditionally the route utilised the steep Western Breach and Arrow’s Glacier path to the summit; however, due to a tragic rock-fall in 2006 that claimed the lives of three trekkers the approach via the Western Breach was closed. It reopened in December 2007 but due to its difficulty and safety risks most travel operators do not offer this route as an option. However we strongly recommend these route should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude.

Highlights

This route is only recommended for well trained individuals with previous high altitude experience, as it is the hardest trail up Mount Kilimanjaro.
Instead the Umbwe Route now joins the Machame route on the evening of the second day, following the southern circuit to the summit and descending via the Mweka Route.
It involves a very fast and strenuous ascent which results in extreme lack of acclimatisation.
Similar to the Londorrosi routes, during the initial days you will not find other individuals trekking besides your team, and a very few number of travellers march upon this trail every year, estimated to be approximate 2% yearly in the last couple of years.

Tour Itinerary

At 8:00 a.m after taking your breakfast at your designated hotel, you will meet our guide for the Mountain Kilimanjaro Machame route briefing. After the briefing, you will be transferred from either Moshi or Arusha town to Machame gate which takes 45 minutes to 1.30 hours with your picnic lunch. Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 kilometers walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately. On your arrival at the Machame camping site, you will have dinner and stay overnight at the tent.

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.

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.

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.

Your guide will wake you up at around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The route heads northwest and you will ascend over stone scree. During the ascent, many hikers feel that this is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the climb. In about 6 hours, you will reach Stella Point (5685m), located on the crater rim. After enjoying the magnificent sunrise, you will continue ascending for about 2 hours on a snow-covered trail to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Barafu Camp takes about 3 hours..At camp, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Mweka Hut (3100m). The Mweka Trail will lead you through the scree and rocks to the moorland and eventually into the rain forest. Mweka Camp (3100m) is located in the upper rain forest, so fog and rain should be expected. You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at camp.

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 Arusha.

Includes

Park fees and concession

All activities

All accommodation as stated in the itinerary

A professional driver/guide

All transportation

All Taxes/VAT

Roundtrip airport transfer

All Meals

Drinking water on all days

Mountain Guide & Porters

Hiking and Safety Equipment

Gear Rentals

Excludes

International flights

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour

Tips for Guide

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

The government imposed an increase in taxes and/or park fees

Alcohol drinks

Optional Activities