Climb Mt Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route
Safari Overview
Duration of climb: 6 ~ 7 days.
The Umbwe route is known for its caves. The first night, you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited en route the following day. Because of the high risks involved with sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp and summiting via the Western Breach, all our Umbwe route hikes are rerouted, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain.
However, on special request we can assist climbers who would like to summit using the Western Breach or the Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Crater camp. In such cases, our higher quality standard packages apply.
The main itinerary difference between the Umbwe 6-day and 7-day routes is the additional acclimatization day at Barranco Camp.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Umbwe Gate (1614m) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m)
Hiking time: 6 Hours Distance: Approximately 10.3 km Habitat: Forest (Montane). After breakfast, you will be driven to the Machame gate, where registration formalities will be completed. From the Machame gate, you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate (1641m), passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is thick with moisture, and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rainforest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges, and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m).
Umbwe Cave Camp (2850m) – Barranco Camp (3985m)
Hiking time: 6 hours Distance: Approximately 6.3 km Habitat: Moorland Shortly after leaving the camp, the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth, and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you – etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge, the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.
Shira Camp (3,500 m/11,483 ft) - Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) - Barranco Camp (3,960 m/12,992 ft)
Hiking Time: 10 km, taking 6-8 hours Terrain: Heather and moorland. Today, you will see many different things on your hike upward! From the Shira Plateau, you will make your way towards Kibo Peak. On your way, you will pass the Lava Tower, followed by the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876 meters. You will then descend to the Barraco Camp, where you will have dinner and camp for the night. This day is important for acclimatisation. Even though you camp at a similar elevation to your previous night, you will have reached a great height today!
Barranco Camp (3,960 m/12,992 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m/15,223 ft)
Hiking Time: 8 km, taking 8 hours Terrain: Heather, moorland, and alpine desert zone. Today is a day full of breathtaking views. In the morning, you will ascend the Barranco Wall before trekking across rock and ridges to the Karanga Valley. Here you will be met with breathtaking views of the Western Breach and the southern glacier. From there, having completed the Southern Circuit and seen every angle of the summit, you will continue to your next campsite, the Barafu Camp. Some choose to spend an extra day in the Karanga valley area to further acclimatize.
Barafu Camp (4,640 m/15,223 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,341 ft) - Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft)
Hiking Time: 19 km, taking 13-15 hours Terrain: Alpine desert, snow, heather, and moorland. Today is the day! You’ll awake before midnight to start your 6-hour ascent. The climb will take you past the final waypoint, Hans Meyer point (5,888 m/19,318 ft), after which you will reach the summit of Uhuru Peak. You have finally done it! You have reached the highest point in Africa at 5,895m/19,341 ft. This achievement will be tough to top, that’s for sure. After a moment of basking in your triumph, you will start your descent down past Barafu Camp to Mweka Camp. Here you will enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and some well-earned sleep.
Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,171 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,680 m/5,512 ft)
Hiking Time: 10 km, taking 3-4 hours Terrain: Heather, moorland, and montane forest. After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. 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). A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to the hotel in Moshi.
